Obituaries are brought to you by Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Sandra J. Austin
Sandra J. (Schmidt) Austin, 81, of Mosinee, passed away on September 5, 2017 at Aspirus Hospice House, with her family at her side. Sandy was born June 13, 1936 in Tomahawk, WI. She enjoyed golf, bingo and supporting the Alzheimer’s Association and the Humane Society of Marathon County.
Sandy is survived by her husband of 58 years, Richard, son Jeffrey (Jennifer) of Minocqua, brother William of Montauk, NY and nieces Mary (Ken) Hurrey and Elisa. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Dorothy, and her younger brother John.
Honoring her wishes, Sandy was cremated and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Humane Society of Marathon County to honor her great love for all animals.
The family would like to thank the staff of Aspirus Hospice House for the care and support provided to Sandy and her family.
Albert Goetsch
Albert Goetsch, 89, of Merrill passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Benedictine Living Community of Wausau.
He was born August 1, 1928 in Wausau to the late Theodore and Matilda (Radtke) Goetsch. Albert was a veteran with the U.S. Army. On July 1, 1950, he married Beverly Klieber at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. For twenty years they owned and operated the Red Granite Tavern on Hwy K. Albert also worked in the road maintenance department for the Town of Maine until retiring in 1980. Albert was a kind, caring man who had an easy going personality and wonderful sense of humor which resulted in many friendships over the years. He and Beverly loved going on yearly Las Vegas trips with their friends. Albert enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and watching the Brewers and Packers. He always looked forward to playing his weekly Sheepshead cards with the boys.
Survivors include his son, Steve (Laurie) Goetsch of Merrill, one grandson Christopher of Mauston, two step grandchildren, Amber Slozes of Madison and William Boutin of Minocqua and sister-in-law, Marlene Goetsch of Wausau. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, brother, Ted and two sisters, Emily Schmitt and Marion Billington.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at Faith Lutheran Church, 15425 S. Hwy K., Merrill. Rev. Dr. Paul Hunsicker will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
Andrew “Andy” Machmueller
Andrew “Andy” Victor Machmueller, 99, formerly of Birnamwood and Wausau, peacefully passed to meet his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at Atrium Post-Acute Care in Schofield.
Andy was the youngest son of the late Frederick and Christena (Herrman) Machmueller, born on January 10, 1918 in the Town of Aniwa. At age 17, Andy’s father died unexpectedly and he was thrust into great responsibility as he cared for his beloved mother and ran the family farm during the Great Depression and World War II. He continued dairy farming for many years until his retirement. Contributing to his local community Andy served as Town Chairman for the Town of Aniwa and on the Shawano County Board for over 30 years. His sense of duty and value of hard work could be found in any task he chose to undertake.
On April 28, 1945, Andy married the late Renee Geiger in Aniwa. Andy had a kind spirit, faithfully caring for his wife for many years of her illness. Renee passed away on June 14, 2008.
Woodworking, fishing, and baking pies as well as the perfect cookie were Andy’s favorite hobbies that he enjoyed in his retirement. His faith and love of Christ were a constant in his life. Andy was a member of the Highland Community Church for over 20 years. He served as a church greeter until he was over 90 years old. He enjoyed meeting and conversing with people. Andy loved going to all the social events at the nursing home where he sang solos and enjoyed leading the singing, especially hymns. Despite only completing the eighth grade, he enjoyed reading and remained intellectually curious for all of his life.
Andy is survived by his three daughters: Nancy (Jim) Maier, Alice (Mike) Fons, Birnamwood, and Mary (Peter) Gunther, Plymouth; grandchildren: Becky (Rick) Wendel, Justin (Anna) Maier, Victor (Kim) Fons, David (Celia) Fons, Christena and Travis Gunther; six great-grandchildren: Lya, Craig, David Jr. Haden, Evan and Brianna, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his siblings, infant sister Louise, Esther Hilse, Frederick, August, and his very dear sister, Hilda Loehrl.
The Funeral Service celebrating Andy’s life will be held on Saturday September 23, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Highland Community Church Weston Campus, 6615 County Road J, Weston, WI 54476. Pastor Dan MacDonald and Dr. Ken Moberg will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery in Aniwa. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family; please sign our guest book at helke.com.
Eleanor “Ellie” C. Tucek
Eleanor (Ellie) C. Tucek, 82, Marathon passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2017 under the care of Interim Hospice and Palliative Care at Acorn Hill, Mosinee.
She was born June 29, 1935 in the town of Cassel, daughter of the late Joseph and Marie (Szymanski) Wieloch. On December 27, 1954 she married Joel Tucek at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, town of Cassel. They resided in Sussex, WI and eventually purchased the family farm in Marathon for their retirement home. Joel preceded her in death on January 21, 2001.
Eleanor worked at Briggs & Stratton in Milwaukee, and also Sussex Plastics for many years. She enjoyed a variety of interests including photography, camping at Casey Lake, deer hunting, gardening, cooking and baking, and was an avid fan of The Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. She also loved spending time with all her grandchildren.
Survivors include her children, Diane (Weyman) Sills, Germantown, David Tucek, Caledonia, Dennis (Tammy) Tucek, Marathon, Darrin (Teresa) Tucek, 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, her siblings, Adeline Lang, Marathon, Maryann (Walter) Toboyek, Kenosha, Marcell (Janice) Wieloch, Mosinee, Martin (Lavonne) Wieloch, Mosinee, Dennis (Karen) Wieloch, Texas, and Dallis (Mary) Wieloch, Gleason, her brothers-in-law, Earl Hoffman, Illinois, Ronald Osterbrink, Mosinee, Darrel Tucek (Kathy), Waukesha, and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her sisters, Ethel Hoffman, Alexia Osterbrink, and Sylvia Krautkramer, and brother in-laws, Joe Krautkramer, Henry Lang Jr, and Bud Tucek.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 3372 County Road S, Marathon. The Rev. Felix Tigoy will preside. Friends may call on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Perry E. Schubring
Perry E. Schubring, 75, Wausau, died Thursday, September 7, 2017 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Colonial Manor, Wausau.
He was born November 3, 1941 in Milwaukee, son of the late Elmer and Florence (Radke) Schubring. On July 15, 1967, he married Tootie Schneider in Wausau.
Perry enjoyed fishing, camping and playing cards. He was an avid Brewers and Packers fan and liked to watch stock car races and demolition derbys. Perry also loved attending the Wausau Woodchucks games.
Survivors include his Wife, Tootie; Children, Dawn (Buck) Rustick, Dana (Ken) Zblewski, Deanna Schubring, Derwin (Tammy) Schubring, Donnell Schubring and Denise (Rick) Riddle; 17 Grandchildren, Ashley, Andy, Jake, Kaylee, Taylore (Joey), Kyle, Daniel (Sonni), Lucas (Andrea), Samantha, Makaylah, Orion, Owen, Dina, Derek, Destiny (Joe), Jordon and Jody; 13 Great-grandchildren, Ashton, Parker, Paityn, Jayden, Hunter, Emersyn, Braeden, Ian, Gavin, Liam, Isana, Faith and Cleo’Ann; Sister, Betty Burton.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial visitation will be 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Rhonda M. Hoesly
Rhonda M. Hoesly, 63, of Spencer passed away at Aspirus Wausau Hospital Friday, September 8, 2017 after a long battle of cancer, surrounded by her family.
Rhonda was born December 17, 1953, the daughter of Allen and Virginia (Treankler) Stange. She was united in marriage to John Hoesly on March 24, 1973. John passed away on February 18, 2008. Together they raised 3 children. During her life she spent most of her career nursing. Most recent she was an in home nurse for special needs children.
Rhonda had many passions including spending time with her family, playing with her 5 grandkids, world traveling with her group of friends, playing card/board games, gardening, thrift shopping, concerts, and enjoying life with her partner Kevin.
Her memory is carried on in life by her three children Wayde (Megan Kopf), Gavin (April Schmidt) and Darby (Jason Warnke), 5 grandkids Kashton, Kyson, Kayla, Breck, and Kierce, her mother Virginia (Treankler) Stange, her brothers and sisters, and other family members and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her father (Allen) and husband (John).
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the Stewart Avenue funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been set up with placement at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Duane Felzkowski
Duane G. Felzkowski, 53, Athens, died unexpectedly Thursday, September 7, 2017.
He was born March 19, 1964, in Medford, son of Duane and Cecelia (Bornheimer) Felzkowski.
Duane loved muscle cars and enjoyed rebuilding cars and trucks.
Survivors include his parents, Duane and Cecelia Felzkowski, Athens; siblings, Tami Redman, Sheboygan, David Felzkowski, Athens, Darryl (Dawn) Felzkowski, Athens and Dean Felzkowski, California; nieces and nephew, Katelin (Max) Hansch, Chicago, Ty Redman, Milwaukee and Dana Felzkowski, Athens.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 11, 2017 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Elmer L. Nimmerguth
Elmer L. Nimmerguth, 93, of Wausau, passed away on September 6, 2017, at Benedictine Nursing Home. Elmer (Pep) was born November 18, 1923, to William and Ottillie (Fuerst) Nimmerguth.
Elmer grew up on the family farm in Athens, WI. Elmer attended eight years at Trinity Lutheran Parochial School. He was very proud of his Lutheran heritage. He graduated from Athens High School in 1941. He worked in Chicago, California and Washington after graduation. He served in the US Navy from 1943 to 1946, when he was honorably discharged.
After the military, he worked in Minneapolis. On July 14, 1947, he married his sweetheart, Myrtle Westfall. In 1951, they moved to Eau Claire where Elmer served a five year plumbing apprenticeship. He went on to get his Journeymens & Masters license.
Elmer spent 27 years at the Bartingale Co. His last 17 years, he spent estimating and running the crews.
Elmer served on the apprenticeship committee for many years. He often quoted Benjamin Franklin saying “He who has a trade has an Estate”. He felt strongly about young men learning a trade.
In 1986, Elmer and his wife retired to their lake home on the Chippewa Flowage at Couderay, WI. He enjoyed fishing and golfing.
Elmer and his wife spent their time between the condo in Lake Havasu, AZ, and their lake home. After they lost their lake home to fire, they once again relocated to Eau Claire for the summers.
Elmer was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. During the football season, his time was reserved for the Packers.
He is survived by sister, Phyllis Hopperdietzel, and sister-in-law, Sandy Diedrich. Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, both parents, three brothers, George, Wally, and Clarence, Karl Diedrich, half-brother, sisters, Jean Radenz, Delores Busche and Lorna Mootz.
Services will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church on Wednesday, September 13, 2017, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Bruce Lamont will be officiating. Military honors will follow at the Athens Lutheran Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Athens Trinity Lutheran School or a charity of your choice.
Special thank you to the staff at Aspirus Hospice and the staff at Benedictine Wausau for the wonderful care they gave Elmer.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
Edward S. Weir
Edward S. Weir 63 of Wisconsin Rapids passed away at Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center on September 4, 2017. He was born to James and Hilda (Maxwell) Weir on February 11, 1954.
He is survived by his daughter Sara Weir, Wisconsin Rapids, five brothers; John (Patty) Weir, Wisconsin Rapids, Jimmy Weir, West Allis, WI, Dean Weir, Wisconsin Rapids, Dan ( Sue) Weir, Maryland, Donald (Marie) Weir, Vesper, Wis., three sisters; Sue Hagan, Las Vegas, NV, Bev (John) Ungro, New York and Barb Weigel. He is preceded in death by brother-in-law’s Ken Hagan, Las Vegas, NV and Bill Weigel.
Per Edwards request no services will be held.
Chance Jaxon Gavitt
Chance Jaxon Gavitt, infant son of Britney Gavitt and Travis Clay, was born on July 28th, 2017 at 4:50am. He passed away on September 2nd, 2017 at 1:15pm at Marshfield Medical Center in his mother’s arms.
Chance was a fighter and fought hard. He was the strongest little guy we knew. He touched many hearts in the short time he had with us.
Chance leaves behind his parents, Britney Gavitt and Travis Clay; Grandmother Terri Gorham; Grandfathers Rodney Gavitt Jr and Wyatt Spencer; two brothers Hayden Mentz and Fearson Pavek; Great Grandmother Carol Gorham; Uncle Johnnie Maxwall and many special family, friends and great aunts.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, September 13th, 2017 at Schmidt and Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Visitation will begin at 12 noon until the time of service at the funeral home. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
Chance Jaxon Gavitt will always and forever be in our hearts and memories. R.I.P Son, I love you with all my heart, Love Mama
Brian Dale Koepke
Brian Dale Koepke, 58, Tigerton, WI, passed from his earthly life on September 8, 2017, to his everlasting life with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Brian was born in the Tigerton Hospital, April 19, 1959. At six weeks old he moved with his parents to Kenosha, WI where he attended Bethany Lutheran Grade School and Shoreland Lutheran High School. There he excelled academically and in sports. He was the editor of the school newspaper and was named athlete of the year his senior year. He attended UW-Madison for two years and then began his great adventures.
He hitchhiked from coast to coast and south to Guatemala. He settled in Santa Cruz, CA where he started the first free meal program for the homeless and also worked for the satellite program that provided sleeping accommodations for the homeless in various churches. Brian had a kind and loving heart as shown through this and his work with Green Peace, where he marched in many parades, always to promote the welfare of the poor.
In the nineties, Brian moved back to Tigerton to help his parents. Brian was always there to help family, neighbors and friends.
Brian was an avid Cubs and Packers fan and was thrilled when the Cubs finally won the World Series and when he visited Lambeau Field before he died.
Brian is survived by his parents, Arlen and Vivian (Boreen) Koepke, Tigerton; Sisters, Kelly Daugherty, Libertyville, IL and Kim (Phill) Greenwood, East Troy, WI; Nephews, Mathew (Ali) Luebbers, Kevin (Julia) Ulwelling; Nieces, Katie Ulwelling and Melissa Luebbers; Great Niece,Winnie Luebbers; aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
Brian was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Rick Daugherty; Grandparents, Art and Elvira Koepke, Albert and Clara Erickson and Vincent and Edna Boreen; Uncle Merlen Koepke, Uncle and Aunt, Gary and Janice Gauthier.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him and loved him.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, in the Town of Morris. Rev. John Hielsberg will officiate. Visitation will be on Sunday from 12:00 Noon until the time of service at the church. Inurnment will be in the Parish Cemetery at a later date.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
The family would like to thank ThedaCare At Home Hospice for their loving care of Brian for the last six months.
In lieu of flowers, donated monies will go towards Brian’s passion of Shoreland and Shoreland’s Soccer program, as he was the first goalie in Shoreland’s program history.
The funds will go towards new stadium goals in Brian’s honor.
