Obituaries are brought to you by Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Arlene Beck
Arlene Beck, 89, passed away September 23, 2017 at Benedictine Living Center.
She was born September 7, 1928 in River Falls, WI to the late Edward and Gladys (Ludtke) Murphy. She married Harry Borner on November 4th 1948. Harry preceded her in death in July of 1977. Arlene then married Delos Beck on March 29, 1980. He also preceded her in death on November 26, 2010.
Arlene enjoyed clerical work at Wausau Insurance, retiring in 1988. She enjoyed handiwork, fishing, snowmobiling, and traveled throughout the world. Her church work was very important to her.
Survivors include three daughters, Rebecca Ramm, Jane (Dean) Rux, and Beverly (Paul) McDonald; stepsons Edward (Judy) Beck and Virgil Beck; sister-in-law, Joda Murphy; 5 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren. Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, and brother, Robert Murphy.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 11:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 630 Adams Street, Wausau. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of service. Burial will be held in Greenwood Cemetery, River Falls, WI at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church.
The family wishes to express their thanks to Dr. Brian Smith and Dr. James Sutherland, as well as the staff at The Gardens Assisted Living Facility, Aspirus Wausau Hospital, and Benedictine Living Community for the care and assistance Arlene received.
Phil Noteboom
Phil Noteboom, age 64, of Rib Mountain, passed away at home on Saturday, September 23, 2017. Phil died of complications related to lung cancer, despite quitting smoking over 30 years ago.
Phil spent most of his professional career as a personal injury defense attorney. He was most proud of his work as an independent mediator toward the end of his career. Phil helped a lot of people, both professionally and personally. He was a loyal friend and confidant to many.
Phil was raised in Oak Lawn, IL and attended Oak Lawn Community High School, graduating in 1970. He then attended MacMurray College and IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Phil and his wife, Maureen moved to Wausau in 1988 to raise their family here. Phil was a very involved father. He took care of night time baths and bed time stories. As his sons grew, Phil supported them by coaching baseball and soccer and managing the hockey team. He was a member of the Board of Directors for WAYSA (soccer) and MCYHA (hockey). He built sets for plays and enjoyed many concerts and basketball games.
As his kids grew and needed him less, Phil spent more time fishing and hunting with his pointers Woody and Boo. Phil and Maureen enjoyed golfing, hiking, backpacking, camping and travel. They were very fortunate to travel extensively throughout their life. Phil was a voracious reader and lover of music and reality television. He enjoyed watching the NFL, NBA and European football (soccer) on TV, during which he was known to take frequent naps (dubbed “nappy – ball”).
Phil is survived by his wife of 31 years, Maureen, his sons and their wives Pete (Nikki) of Minneapolis, MN and Joe (Kirsty Brian) of London, England and his canine companion Shaftoe. He is also survived by his father-in-law, John Brady of West Bend, WI and Maureen’s family including Mike and Karyn Brady of Roswell, GA, Kathy and Jim Burnett of New Holstein, WI, Terry Brady and Rob Koskovich of Atlanta, GA, Pat and Justine Brady of Sun Prairie, WI and Maggie and Jim Leef of Pewaukee, WI. Phil and Maureen also enjoy 19 nieces and nephews, five great-nephews and one great niece. He will be sadly missed by all.
Phil was preceded in death by his son, Sam, his sister, Sharon Murphy, his parents, Lyle and Connie Noteboom and his mother-in-law, Patricia Brady.
There will be a celebration of Phil’s life at Grace United Church of Christ, 535 South 3rd Avenue, Wausau, on Thursday September 28th at 2:00 PM, with visitation starting at 1:00. Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Visitation is also from 4-7 PM on Wednesday September 27th at Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams Street, Wausau.
Phil’s family wishes to thank Dr. Ahuja, Dr. Oswald and everyone at Aspirus Cancer Center for their love and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers the family asks donations go to your favorite charity in memory of Phil.
Danny D. Kasten
Danny D. Kasten, 67, of Wausau, passed away September 22, 2017 at home surrounded by his loving family.
Danny is survived by his wife, Bonnie Kasten; children, Karl (Melissa Burclaff) Kasten and Erich (Angela) Kasten; grandchildren, Danielle (Jeremy) Brandt, Richelle Kasten, Kaila Kasten, and Elenora Kasten; sisters, Karen (Joe) Kun and Peggy (Wayne) Lawonn; and brother, John (Diane) Kasten. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Lucille (Rasmussen) Kasten and his grandparents.
Visitation will be held Monday, September 25, 2017 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel, 522 Adams Street, Wausau, WI 54403 and again on Tuesday, September 26th from 9:00 am until the time of service. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 26th at 10:30 am at Zion Lutheran Church, 709 N 6th St, Wausau, WI 54403.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to the family.
Joanne M. Ziebell
Joanne M. Ziebell, 72, Wausau, died Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born February 3, 1945 in Stevens Point, daughter of the late Alvin and Laura (Frydach) Laska.
For many years, Joanne worked as an administrative assistant for Wausau Insurance Company until her retirement. Following her retirement, she enjoyed working as a bartender for the Domino Bar, Intermission and the Cop Shop. Among her favorite pastimes, she liked to go bowling, golfing and trips to the casino.
Survivors include, two children, Dawn (Doug) Seeger, Franksville, and Shawn Ziebell, Mosinee; five grandchildren, seven siblings, Delores (Ray) Swedowski, Hatley, Bernice Missall, Suring, Norbert (Phyllis) Laska, Suring, Margaret Johnson, Antigo, Lorraine (Richard) Hornung, Wausau, Elizabeth Booth, New Berlin and Gerald (Kate) Laska, Wausau; special nephew, Mike (Mary) Laska, Milwaukee; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by six siblings.
Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Friends may call on Saturday from Noon until time of services at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Raymond D. Kurszewski
Raymond D. Kurszewski, 77, Wausau died Wednesday, September 20, 2017 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born October 18, 1939 in Milwaukee, son of the late Nick and Regina (Modrzewski) Kurszewski. On September 28, 1963 he married Lucille “Lucy” Bychinski at St. Anne Catholic Church, Wausau. She survives.
Ray was a car salesman at Rosemurgy Motors and O’ Malleys in Wausau for many years. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed time at the Wausau Country Club and the Rib Mountain Golf Couse, where he won many tournaments throughout the years.
Some of his other hobbies included bowling and watching sports on TV, being a member of The Church of St. Anne and the Wausau Elks Club.
Survivors include his wife Lucy Kurszewski, Wausau, his son, James (Corrie) Kurszewski, Wausau, his grandchildren, Sydney and Abigail Kurszewski, Schofield, one step granddaughter, Mackenzie Schulta, Appleton, his brothers, Norman (Ruth) Kurszewski, Tennessee and Richard (Marlene) Kurszewski, Hazelhurst, his brothers-in-law, David (Kay) Bychinski, Wausau, Thomas (Sharon) Reedsburg and Alfred Kluz, Weston and a sister-in-law, Nancy Kurszewski, Rothschild.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Kluz, brother, LeRoy Kurszewski, sisters-on-law, Pat Eckardt, Terry Sprouse and Rita Bychinski and brothers-in-law, Marcel and Valeran Bychinski.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. The Rev. Nate Kuhn will preside. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, town of Maine. Friends may call on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
After a long illness Ray’s wish to pass at home and thanks to Aspirus Hospice and Home Health that wish was granted. We would like to thank the nurse Matt U, Ray’s hospice nurse for his loving care.
Grace R. Carey
Grace R. Carey, 88, Weston died Friday, September 22, 2017 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born November 24, 1928 in Antigo, daughter of the late Julius and Florence (Saykelly) Welch. On May 27, 1972 she married Mark Carey in Weston. He survives.
Grace worked at the former Wausau Hospital for more than 42 years with her final position being the Director of Education. Some of her favorite pastimes included traveling, reading, cooking and sewing many special pieces for her family and friends. Grace’s faith and her family were very important to her all of her life.
Survivors include her husband, Mark Carey, Weston, her children, Elizabeth Kemp, Milwaukee and Jean (Patrick) Honny, Riverside, CA, her grandchildren, Katherine (Martin) Finn, Kimberly Kemp, Candice Honny, Brittany (Neil) Madsen and Alexandra Honny, two great grandchildren, Addison Finn and Jocelynn Rae Finn and her sister-in-law, Sr. Mary Lois Carey O.P., Sinsinawa.
Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, Bob and one daughter, Susan Wheeler.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild. The Very Rev. Allan L. Slowiak will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Mark Catholic Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Harry Witter
Harry Edward Witter died peacefully at Our House Assisted Living, in Wausau, Wisconsin on September 22, 2017, at the age of 88.
Harry was born on August 30, 1929 in Wausau to the late Jerry and Amelia (Abraham) Witter. He worked for Wausau Papers for 40 years, where he met the love of his life, Dewey Schmidt. The couple enjoyed traveling, visiting with family and spending time with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Harry and Dewey would take their grandchildren to Wisconsin Dells. He enjoyed his visits with his special nephews, Vern Kasten and Dale Thanig, and often spoke of his days of driving Vern’s band, the Nightbeats. His family remembers him as a kind soul who was always smiling and ready with a new joke.
Harry was extremely proud about the time he spent in the Marines, having set a record at Camp Pendleton, California for the most sit-ups. He spent time in China, during the Korean War. He enjoyed watching sports. He was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and would often be singing his music while doing the dishes. He was a member of St. Paul’s UCC.
Harry is survived by his sons, Dennis (Bobbi) Schmidt, Donald (Sue) Schmidt, Stephen Witter, Michael Witter and Jeffery Witter; grandchildren, Wendy (Thomas) Larson, Cindy (Scott) Lohrey, Craig (Chris) Schmidt, Lisa (Paul) Haag; great-grandchildren, Jordan & Mesa Haag, Mitchell & Mikala Lohrey, Jake, Ben and Sam Schmidt; siblings, Constance “Connie” Witter, Madison and Lee Witter, South Carolina. He is preceded in death by his partner of 45 years, Ethel “Dewey” Schmidt; siblings, Jerry Ellis, Jr., Florence, Walter, Gertrude, Alice, George, Isaac, Virginia, Calvin, Louise, Louis, Imogene, Orville, August, Dawn, Beverly and Darlene.
A funeral is scheduled for 10:30 AM Wednesday, September 27 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Wausau. Pastor Philip Schneider will officiate the ceremony. Visitation will be from 9:30 until the time of service at the church. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Aspirus Health Foundation: Hospice and Palliative Care (425 Pine Ridge Blvd., Wausau, WI 54401). Condolences can be sent to helke.com; Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. The family would like to thank Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, especially Carrie Perry, and the staff at Our House Assisted Living for care and love of this gentle man.
Wallace “Wally” Beck
Wallace E. Beck, 89, Wausau, WI died September 21, 2017 at Wausau Manor under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. He was born October 17, 1927 in Wausau, WI, the son of the late Erwin H. Beck and Marie (Zunker) Beck. Married Angela R Radtke, May 27, 1950. Mr. Beck was a 1945 graduate of Wausau High School, attended UW Marathon Campus and Northcentral Technical College in courses of finance and corporate law. Wallace served in the US Navy, Pacific Theatre during World War II, was a member of Montgomery-Plant Post No. 10 American Legion.
He was employed at Murray Machinery, Inc., Wausau, as Corporate Secretary and General Manager of the Foundry Division. He also served on the Board of Directors. He was also Corporate Secretary and Director of Murray Southern, Florence Alabama. He joined Wipfli Ullrich Bertleson in 1979 as the Firm Administrator and Business Manager, retiring in December 1989.
He was a member of St. Stephen Lutheran church, serving as President and Treasurer and Chairman of various committees. He was a member of the Sanctuary Choir. He was a Wausau Alderman and Marathon County Board Supervisor, also a member of Wausau Board of Education. A member and Director of the Wausau Jaycees. He held various positions in the United Way and had served as Director and Treasurer for the Wausau Chamber of Commerce. He was a Bailiff in Marathon County Courts. He was on the Board of Directors of Forest Park Village, Wausau and Homme Home of Wittenberg.
For Wally, his church and his family were the most important things in life. He was a very intelligent, loving and considerate husband to Angela and father to his sons. Wally loved being a grandfather and enjoyed teaching his grandkids how to fish with his funny little smirk on his face and wonderful sense of humor.
He enjoyed spending time at their cottage on Somo Lake in Tomahawk, enjoyed fishing on the lake and with his friends on Lake Superior and in Canada, and deer hunting at Sam’s in the Aniwa area.
Survivors include his wife Angela, two sons; Steven (Susan), Rhinelander; Michael (Christine), Two Rivers; five grandchildren, Joshua, Jennifer, Andrew, Anna and Aaron. And one great grandson, Jayden. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Roderie.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Wausau. Pastor Jennifer Dahle will officiate. The visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Thursday at the church concluding at the time of service. Following the funeral service entombment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park, Town of Texas. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
A special word of thanks goes to the nurses and staff of Applegate Terrace and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their kind and compassionate care for Wally and his family.
LaVerne Kalinke
LaVerne Kalinke, 92, formerly of the town of Easton, passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at her home in Bell Tower Residence, Merrill.
She was born December 13, 1924 in the town of Wausau to the late Louis and Frieda (Krenz) Kell. Laverne grew up during the Depression, learning the value of hard work and proud to have graduated from Wausau High School. On September 20, 1947, LaVerne married George Kalinke at St. Peter Lutheran Church, town of Wausau. Together they dairy farmed on their town of Easton farm raising their two daughters, Barb and Sandy. From vegetable and flower gardening, sewing, baking from scratch, canning and making donuts for the grandchildren, there was nothing LaVerne wouldn’t do for her family. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, working Jigsaw puzzles and feeding the birds.
Laverne is survived by her daughters, Barbara (Roger) Betts of Aniwa, Sandra (Keith) Radtke of Wausau, five grandchildren, Bridget (Dean) Gille, Dawn (Jason) Wesenick, Brandon (Pamela) Betts, Shawn (Crystal) Betts and Megan Radtke, nine great grandchildren, Crystal Junkin, Robin (Ty) Grunhaupt, Ryan, Rebeka, Zachary, Ariel, Hunter, Autumn and Ashlee, three great great grandchildren, Hannah, Payton and Savannah, brother, Derald (Darlene) Kell of Wausau, sister, Lenore Zastrow of Twin Lakes, brother-in-law, Wilbur Kalinke of Tomahawk and sister-in-law, Eunice Udick of Lakeland, Fl. She was preceded in death by her husband, George.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church, E7195 Star Road, Wausau. Reverend Ryan Fehrman will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
