Obituaries are brought to you by Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Peggie Mallery
Peggie Mallery, 70, of Kronenwetter, passed away on September 18, 2017.
Arrangements are pending with Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel.
Shawn A. Opper
Shawn A. Opper, 55, of Wausau, passed away on September 15, 2017.
Shawn was born on September 4, 1962 to the late Raymond Jr. and Jeanette (Smith) Opper. He married Karen Wenzel and together they shared 30 years in marriage. They raised his pride and joy, Josh and Amanda.
Shawn was a past Captain of the Easton Fire Department, worked at the Brokaw Paper Mill alongside his family, and most recently worked at the Mosinee Paper Mill. Shawn was a jack of all trades – a true handyman for anyone who needed his help. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and loved nature; hunting, boating, and camping under the stars with his family were especially favorite pastimes. As a notorious jokester, Shawn had an amazing sense of humor and was always full of “Dad Jokes.” Above all, Shawn will be remembered as someone who truly loved his life and cherished his family.
Shawn is survived by his wife Karen; son Joshua (Billie Olds) Opper; daughter Amanda Opper; brothers Brian (Donna), Clayton (Sherri), Dennis (Lisa), and Sig (Pat); sisters Karen (John) Otto, Kay (Ken) Krejci, and Marsha (Milt) Schultz; aunts and uncle as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Raymond Opper, III. He will be especially missed by his black lab, Maggie.
Funeral Service will take place at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, September 20, at St. John Lutheran Church, E10723 County Road Z, Wausau, WI 54403. Rev. John Stransky will officiate. Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park. A Celebration of Shawn’s Life will take place at the Homestead Inn in Wausau following the Interment. Brainard Funeral Home and Cremation Center – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.brainardfuneral.com
The family would like to thank his co-workers and paramedics for their efforts in caring for Shawn.
Jacqueline N. Chodorowski
Jacquline Nancy Chodorowski, 85, passed away on September 16, 2017 at Pride TLC in Weston.
Memorial Services are being arranged for a later date in Chicago, Illinois.
Brainard Funeral Home and Cremation Center – Everest Chapel is assising the family with arrangements at this time.
Florence Dassler
Florence Dassler of 107 Weston Avenue, Rothschild died at 93 on September 5, 2017, in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was born November 3, 1923 in Wausau, Wisconsin. The daughter of Paul Ramthun, Sr. and Mathilda (Pagel) Ramthun.
She married Otto Dassler on June 10, 1944 at Salem Lutheran Church in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Florence is survived by one daughter, Ellen (Ben) Heinzen and two grandsons: Michael Heinzen, Phoenix, Arizona and James Heinzen, Oakland, California; she is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Merry Dassler, Andover, Minnesota and two granddaughters: Michelle (Adam) Westfall and Jacqueline (Cory) Lewandowski. Florence has five great grandchildren: Hailey, Laura and Sarah Heinzen, Mason Lewandowski and Kenzie Westfall.
Florence was employed at Marathon Rubber Company and later at H.C. Prange Company. Florence volunteered at her church in ladies-aid as well as at Bethesda Thrift Store. She enjoyed traveling and accompanied her daughter to Europe visiting many countries. Florence enjoyed numerous trips to her cottage with her family in Manitowish Waters in summers and spent many winters with family in Arizona. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, embroidery, drapery and dress making.
Florence was a wonderful mother, sister, grandmother, and a caregiver to many over the years. Florence aspired to be a nurse during World War II, however, her father would not consent as her brothers were already involved.
Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Otto; her grandson, Rodney and most recently by her son, Terry. She has three brothers: Eugene, Paul, and Arlo Ramthun who are also deceased.
Services for Florence will be held at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1351 South Grand Avenue, Schofield, WI on Saturday, September 23, 2017. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. followed by a Memorial Service officiated by Rev. Jeffrey Mahnke at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church. Brainard Funeral Home and Cremation Center – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ruth A. Morrow
Ruth Ann Morrow, 69, of Wausau, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2017, at home.
She was born October 13, 1947 to the late Arthur and Dorothy (Engebretson) Mayer in Stevens Point. Ruth grew up on the family farm in Dancy and graduated from high school in Stevens Point. She later married Terry Morrow in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ruth worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in several departments however her longest tenure was with the medical records department.
Ruth enjoyed crafting especially working with stained glass and quilting. She was a great cook and liked to admire her flowers and yard. She was proud of her Lilies and Hostas. Ruth was involved at St. Paul’s with her children in the many activities they took part in. She loved her family very much and gatherings and reunions were important to her.
Survivors include her husband, Terry of Wausau; son, Jerry Morrow of Madison; daughter, Linda Morrow of Marshfield; brother and sisters, Joyce Facklam, Nancy Benner, Don Mayer, Kathy Shadden, Diane Williams, Doris Caldwell, and Jane Vaughn; brother-in-law, Mike Morrow; sister-in-law, Sue Smith; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2017, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, with Rev. Philip Schneider officiating. Family and friends may call on Wednesday, September 20, beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and on Thursday beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Entombment will take place in Restlawn Garden of Eternal Rest Mausoleum, town of Texas.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Joan “Joni” Lehman
Joan “Joni” C. Lehman, 57, of Wausau, left her family and friends on Friday, September 15, 2017 and went home to be with her Lord.
She was born on January 3, 1960, in Wausau, to John and Joan (Rainville) Harter. Joni grew up in Wausau and graduated from Wausau West High School. She was a lifelong resident. She married Lewis Lehman in Wausau on August 11, 1984 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.
Joni loved her family and taking care of them was her life’s joy. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her loved ones. Most of all, she loved to be with her grandchildren. Joni will be remembered as a great wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who lived by her words: “You have to have faith.”
Survivors include her husband, Lewis; daughters, Amanda (Dustin) Van De Weerd, Melissa Lehman (Austin), and Emily Lehman (Kong Meng), six grandchildren; mother, Joan Harter; four brothers; three sisters; and 13 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, John Harter.
A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 21 in the Spiritual Life Center at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Ave, Wausau, with Rev. Gary Schultz officiating. Visitation for family and friends beginning at 4:00 p.m. until the time of service.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Kathryn “Kathy” Wagoner
Kathryn “Kathy” Marie Wagoner
On September 13, 2017, Kathy left her family to spend eternity with her Lord. She spent her entire 61 years believing and serving God. She also taught her children and grandchildren to follow Him.
Kathy was born on November 5, 1955 in Waukesha to Jim and Delores (Kalata) Evans. She graduated from Crandon High School in 1974 and was Valedictorian of her class. On February 15, 1975, she married Burton Wagoner at Praise Chapel Community Church in Crandon, and they started their life in the logging industry. In 1990, Kathy’s Custom Window Fashions officially began. Over the years, she sewed tens of thousands of yards of fabric for custom curtains and drapes and hung blinds in thousands of windows, in hundreds of homes all over the country. Kathy’s nation-wide work continued as she also made seat cushions and window coverings for Hometown Trolley’s buses. Her passion for working with and meeting new people was evident through her love of helping decorate her client’s homes.
In her spare time, Kathy loved baking with her grandchildren. Her chocolate chip cookies were a big hit in the kitchen.
Kathy is survived by her mother Delores, husband Burton, daughter Jodi (Andy Jaklin), sons Jeff (Alyson), and Ryan (Melanie) all of Crandon. She was the very proud grandmother to Madelyn, Mara and Malia, Brenden and Easton, Crew and Kalvin, and her eighth grandchild is expected in March 2018. She is further survived by her brothers Jim (Jeannie) Evans, Bud (Lorna) Evans, and sisters Cheri (John) Wilson and Karla (Rick) Kegley, all of Crandon, along with a very large extended family. Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Jim Evans, a nephew, Clayton Evans, and mother in law, Lola Wagoner.
Funeral services for Kathy were held on Friday, September 15, 2017 at Praise Chapel Community Church in Crandon with Pastor William Farr officiating. Helke Funeral Home of Wausau assisted the family with arrangements. Please sign our online guest book at helke.com
Kathy and her beautiful smile will be greatly missed by her family and all that knew her.
Sabina Marie Fox-Stephens
Sabina Marie Fox-Stephens (nee Fox) of Birnamwood Wisconsin, born 12/30/1966, passed away peacefully on the evening of 9/11/2017 aged 50 years old.
Raised in the wooded countryside of north central Wisconsin, Sabina found beauty in many things and regarded all of God’s creations with the utmost kindness and compassion, whether flora, fauna or human. For her, this lifetime was one of intention. From a very young age she had knowledge of a higher purpose she was called to fulfill. That knowledge lent direction to her existence and much of life was spent in quiet observation and contemplation. And she shared what she knew with the world in person and through extensive article writing (www.becomenewcreation.com), inspiring and uplifting others. Her spirit was one of being, being Love, through divinity within, following truth and staying in light.
In May 2005 at age 38, she met a man who had the same values as her for the first time and felt a deep spiritual connection. On September 17, 2005 she married him, James L. Stephens, and became an instant step-mother to his three children.
Sabina lived a quiet, monastic life of spiritual devotion with James and step-daughter Kenna in the tiny house on wheels they built (Lucinda) on a 3-acre patch of countryside (Lighthaven).
She knew that the physical body is subject to death and decay, whereas the spirit is everlasting. She felt complete and utter peace and no fear of death. And so she accepted peacefully the imminent death of the body, and in fact set her intention to commend her spirit unto the lord on her own terms. And she did. Her spirit left the body as she passed away in the arms of loved ones.
Sabina graduated from Newman Catholic High School in Wausau, Wisconsin. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French, graduating with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and a Master of Arts degree in Medieval Studies from the University of Toronto. She enjoyed working for 20 years as a senior records analyst, a subject matter expert in records management for the company Cargill, the largest privately held corporation in the United States. She loved history, cultures and languages, and, along with French (was a high school exchange student in France), had studied German and Latin. Baptized and raised Catholic, she also explored Eastern and Middle Eastern religions and knows the truth that the core teachings of all the great masters is the same. Thus she followed the teachings of Christ, Buddha and Krishna, but was neither Christian, Buddhist nor Hindu. People know and remember her for her joyful laughter, gentleness and loving wisdom.
Sabina is preceded in death by her father, Anthony Fox, and survived by her husband James L. Stephens, step-daughter Kenna R. Weekes-Stephens, step-son Jordan L. Weekes-Stephens, step-daughter Charlee M. Weekes, mother Sandra K. Fox (nee Sherfinski), brother Brian Fox, his wife Tracie, nieces Annika and Rylie, and brother Tony Fox and his partner Erin Montgomery,
SABINA MARIE FOX-STEPHENS
MEMORIAL CELEBRATION
A celebration of her spirit. A celebration of life.
Saturday September 30, 2017
In the Lodge at:
CABIN RIDGE RIDES
4271 220th Street
Cadott WI 54414
(715) 723-9537
cabinridgerides.com
* Arrive – 1pm *
* Program Begins – 2pm *
~ MUSIC FOOD DRINK ~
~ Come as you are ~
~ Bring warm clothing ~
From any direction, use Hwy 29 to exit on County Hwy X, in west Cadott, WI.
Go west on X (back over 29 if coming from west), then take the first left,
going south on 220th Street. Go 1.7 miles, past 45th Street,
to Cabin Ridge Rides on the left (east) side of 220th street.
20 minutes east of Eau Claire. 15 minutes east of Chippewa Falls.
1 hour 15 minutes from Wausau. 2 hours from Antigo.
2 hours from Minneapolis. 3 hours from Madison.
Delphine Schmidt
She was born February 2, 1931 in the town of Stettin, daughter of the late Reinhold and Eleanor (Erdman) Steidinger. On June 7, 1952, she married Arlon Schmidt at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, town of Stettin. He survives.
Following her graduation from Marathon High School, Delphine worked for Wisconsin Public Service. For most of her life, she worked alongside her husband on their dairy farm, and growing ginseng for almost 40 years. Delphine was a lifelong member of Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, a member of Trinity’s Afternoon Circle and enjoyed delivering poinsettia’s to church shut-ins for many years.
Delphine was an avid flower gardener and a member of the YWCA Gardening Club. Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed traveling, trips to Las Vegas, and loved cooking meals for her family, never missing a Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter. Every year, she attended her class reunion, which was always held during Marathon Fun Days. She loved playing cards, both poker and sheepshead and spending time with her friends going shopping and taking trips.
Delphine was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Arlon; one daughter, Candyce (Waine) Krautkramer, Marathon; three granddaughters, Shannon (Joel) Berens, Marathon, Holly Springfield, Memphis, Tenn. and Rachel (Ryan) Erdman, Eagon, Minn.; six great-grandchildren, Sophia, Owen, Reece, Vance, Vivian and Jordy; and one sister-in-law, Bernice Steidinger, Marathon.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Ralph Steidinger.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 22, 2017 at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, town of Stettin. Rev. Philip Bogen will officiate. Burial will be in the Stettin Christian Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon and again on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, Stettin.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Roy F. Kocik
Over the years, Roy enjoyed spending time with family and friends, coaching Little League for his boys, taking road trips, playing games, golfing, dancing, socializing, storytelling and dining out. You could often find him at the Mint Cafe, Sam’s Pizza or Peking. Prior to his retirement, Roy had been Manager of the Landmark Building in downtown Wausau for 42 years. He knew someone everywhere he went. His strength, compassion, smile and sense of humor will be remembered by the people and lives he’s touched in his lifetime.
Roy is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Kathy; five children Michael Kocik, Wausau, Jeff Kocik, Wausau, Jon (Kady Watson) Kocik, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Kim (Craig) Smerda, Wausau, Kate (Chris) Passineau, Weston; eight grandchildren, Kristin and Brittany Kocik, Ariana, Nick and Olivia Kocik, Henna Smerda, Lily and Thomas Passineau. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Jerry (Candy) Kocik.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday September 21, 2017, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. William Grevatch and Rev. Sandhiagu Baskaran will preside. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish rosary at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Sixth Street funeral home.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to all of his friends, including his AA and Al-anon families for their love and support through the years and most recently to the special caregivers at Azura Memory Care.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or Aspirus hospice services.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Beverly J. Rieckenberg
She was born March 22, 1936, in Wausau, daughter of the late Richard and Aurelia (Yessa) Rosenau. On July 20, 1970, she married Roger Rieckenberg in Pine City, Minnesota. He preceded her in death on July 26, 2000.
Beverly enjoyed baking, playing bingo and occasional trips to the casino. Above all she cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had an infectious grin and laugh that will never be forgotten.
Survivors include her children, Timothy (Theresa Woellner) Rainville, Randy (Bonnie) Rainville, Gregory Rainville, Steven (Tammy) Rainville, Thomas (Victoria) Rainville and Jimmy (Melody) Hohensee; grandchildren, Cheryl, Jessica, Tara, Heidi, Heather, Adrieanna, Steven, Andrew, Dylan, Sheri and Krystle; many great-grandchildren; brother, Earl Rosenau; sisters, Lucille Huffman, Shirley (Art) Hartmanstorfer and Marlene (Ray) Fortier; special friend and neighbor, Gail Fry; other relatives and friends.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Cheryl Anne Rainville, sisters, Betty Arnold and Bonita Peterson, brothers, Larry and Dennis Rosenau.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday September 20, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. Rev. Zach Holdorf will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Gene E. Voigt
He was born March 20, 1936 in Wausau, son of the late Henry and Martha (Giese) Voigt. On May 29, 1954, he married Jennie Krenz at St. John Lutheran Church, Hamburg. She survives.
Gene farmed with his wife and children and was the owner of Gene Voigt Trucking. He enjoyed playing dart ball, softball and woodworking. Gene loved doing puzzles, traveling in his motor home and was able to visit all 50 states and also traveled to Germany. He helped care for his mother-in-law for seven years.
Gene was devoted member of St. Peter Lutheran Church where he volunteered his time and talent in various capacities through the years. He was a very active member of the Hamburg Fire Department and the Berlin-Hamburg Lions Club, having received the Melvin Jones Award. In earlier years he enjoyed hunting and was a Charter Member of the R&R Hunting Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Jennie Voigt; children, Diane (Gary) Johnson, Little Chicago and David (Nancy) Voigt, Tomahawk; grandson, Corey Voigt, Wausau. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Allen Voigt and a sister, Leila Artus.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 280 County Road A, Marathon. Rev. Philip Bogen will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon and again on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at St. Peter Lutheran Church. There will be a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Monday evening at the Marathon funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Peter Cemetery Fund.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Delores Louise Benishek
Delores L. Benishek, 88, Wausau, formerly of Birnamwood, died on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at Stone Crest Residence, Wausau, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
She was born on April 19, 1929 in the town of Birnamwood, the daughter of the late Edward and Emma (Vogt) Behn.
On May 6, 1952, Delores was united in marriage to Benjamin Benishek at St. John Lutheran Church, Birnamwood. He survives.
Delores was a lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church, Birnamwood. She was employed for 25 years at Reynold’s Sugar Bush until her retirement. Delores was a tremendous baker and cook and enjoyed doing so for her family.
Delores is survived by her husband, Benjamin Benishek of Wausau; two sons, Tom (Marilyn) Benishek of Schofield and Benjamin (Phyllis) Benishek of Antigo; seven grandchildren, Mary (Jon) Lewis, Kathy (Keith) Imlach, Mike Benishek, Kristin Benishek, Melissa (Andy) Waters, Jeremy Benishek and Nicole (Jeremy) Borchardt; nine great-grandchildren and two brothers, Norman Behn of Birnamwood and Harold (Nancy) Behn of Minnesota.
Delores was preceded in death by her parents; one great-grandchild, Shad Brennecke and two sisters, Evelyn Kwiatkoski and Esther Schroepfer.
A memorial service will be held at 6PM on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood. Rev. Adam Roberts will officiate. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4PM until the time of service at the funeral home.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com and at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
James Dean Schwalbach
James Schwalbach Sr., 79 of Elderon, died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 16, 2017 in Elderon as the result of a tractor accident.
He was born on October 8, 1937 in Elderon, the son of the late Alphonse and Margaret (Hitz) Schwalbach. On December 15, 1962, he was united in marriage to Doris Anna Marie Torre. She preceded him in death on October 25, 1985. He then married Mary Ann (Pinter) Hickman on May 13, 1989. She survives.
James was a 1955 graduate of Wittenberg High School. He served honorably in the US Army 25th Div. 69 Armor from 1961 to 1964 obtaining the rank of Sergeant. He was a life member of the Elderon Memorial Post #8068 Veterans of Foreign Wars. Returning from military service he worked for Badger Freightways and later Roadway Express, Wausau, retiring in 1995 with 37 years driving. He then worked for Elderon Truck Parts for 16 years until retiring a second time.
During his retirement he started a new business (WI Binderman) restoring and building old International Trucks with a very fine collection from 1912-1960. He also helped out other hobbist with parts. He was a snowmobile safety instructor (the first in the area) for 30+ years. Serving as club president for the Elderon Snow Angels he helped the club establish some of the early trails. He was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Elderon, serving as church secretary for 41 years and then church counsel president from 2011 to present. James served as village president for 41 years always trying to find ways to improve the village in many ways. Often times if a grant or funds were not available he would pay what it took to make a project work.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Schwalbach; three sons Jim (Kristy) Schwalbach of Marshfield, Kurt Hickman of Elderon and Craig (Kristi) Schopf of Minneapolis, MN; three daughters Vicky (Gary) Porath of Wausau, Lisa Kirker of Dorchester and Tammy (Bob) Star of Madison; one brother Donald (Mary) Schwalbach of Elderon; two sisters Arlene (Ralph) Romans of Milwaukee and Betty Szalewski of Menominee Falls; 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers Alphonse Jr and Eugene Schwalbach and one sister Janie Jankowski.
The funeral service will be held at 11AM on Thursday September 21, 2017 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Elderon. Rev. Harvey Abrahamson will officiate. Interment will be in Evergreen Rest Cemetery, Elderon with military rites conducted by the V.F.W. Visitation will be from 4PM to 8PM on Wednesday at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg and again on Thursday from 10AM until the time of service at the church.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com and at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
