Obituaries are brought to you by Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Donna Dehnel
Born to the late Louis and Leona Oertel in Wausau, WI on June 21, 1940.
Survivors include her husband Lawrence (Larry); son Jeff; daughter Lisa Goldade; grandson, Kyle Goldade; three siblings, Jeanine (Ray) Kaczmarzyk, Louis (Sharon), and Jerry (Elaine).
Preceded in death by brothers Clifford and Charles.
A Celebration of Life was be held on Saturday October 14, 2017 at Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel.
The family would like to thank Dr. Young, Dr. Moid, and their staff, the staff at Copperleaf Assisted Living, Alice and Brittney of Ministry Healthcare, and all those who visited or cared for Donna.
Jerome Valentine Ringwelski
Jerome Valentine Ringwelski, 90, of Wausau, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at home surrounded by his family.
Jerome was born February 4, 1927 in Little Falls, MN, son of the late Michael and Anna (Prozinski) Ringwelski. He married Josephine Benaszeski on April 28, 1951.
Jerome served in World War II with the Navy as a ship’s cook. At his discharge, he moved to Wausau where he worked as a postal clerk and later as a salesman for the IDS investment company. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a stock broker for Loewe & Company and the E.F. Hutton stock brokerage firms. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and playing horseshoes. One of his favorite things to do was spending time with his family and friends playing Rummikub. Even during his last year of life he often won.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Josephine; four of his children, Daniel (Pamela) Ringwelski of Sarona, Mark (Susan Slikkers) Ringwelski of Luxemburg, Valerie (Carlton) Smith of Centerville, OH and Janice (Michael) Koerting of Apopka, FL; son-in-law, Robert Snowden, Golden, CO; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, Jerome was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Snowden; a granddaughter, Lacey Ringwelski; a grandson, Chandler Koerting; 6 brothers, Steven, Peter, Michael, Walter, Sylvester and Clifford; 4 sisters, Helen Novak, Agnes Rutz, Florence Koy and Bernice Luethmers; his sisters-in-law, Helen and Eleanor; his brothers-in-law, Edward Novak, Simon Rutz, George Koy and Lawrence Luethmers.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at The Shepherd’s House Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Rib Mountain. Pastor Tom Michalski will officiate. Entombment will be at the Garden of Eternal Rest, Restlawn Memorial Park. Friends may call on Wednesday, October 18 at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce Street, Wausau, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM; and again on Thursday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
Delores Schoepke
Delores Schoepke will be remembered for her warm smile, kind heart and the ability to always care for others. Even though she was short in stature, she was feisty in spirit. Delores was an independent woman who was not afraid to share her opinions. She loved her Lord and her church family at Trinity Lutheran Church. Delores sang in the choir, was a charter member of the Bell Choir, taught Sunday School and two Bible classes as well as volunteering wherever she could.
Delores was born April 11, 1932 in Wittenberg, WI to the late Lyman and Leonora (Wendler) Schulz. She was a 1950 graduate of Wittenberg High School. After graduation she attended Luther Hospital School of Nursing in Eau Claire where she received her degree as a Registered Nurse. On June 12, 1955, she married Dale Schoepke at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Wittenberg. They moved to Wausau where Delores was an RN at Wausau Medical Center for many years, and then worked ten years as an RN and First Responder at Greenheck Fan Corp. Delores enjoyed reading, crafting, flower arranging and traveling throughout the United States on bus trips with Dale.
At the age of 85, Delores passed away at her home on Thursday, October 12, 2017.
Survivors include her husband, Dale of Wausau; her daughter, Dawn (David) Hill and their son Timothy of Golden Valley, MN; her son, David (Nancy) Schoepke of Hewitt, WI; two brothers, James Schulz of Tigerton, Daniel (Patricia) Schulz of Mosinee; her sister, Naomi (Stephen) Dohms of Wausau and many nieces and nephews. Delores was preceded in death by her grandson, Andrew Schoepke.
Funeral services were held Monday, October 16, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Ave., Wausau. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church Sanctuary Choir.
Gloria Dake
Gloria Dake had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tell stories. She could tease and enjoyed being teased. Gloria was very skilled at embroidery and her artistic flair could often be found in her table cloth paintings.
Gloria was born June 17, 1932 in Wausau to the late Leo and Elsie (Pyan) Marquardt. On June 18, 1960, she married Wesley Dake. They made their home in Wausau with Wes working at Crestline. These last ten years Gloria lived at Willow Haven in Mosinee where she considered her caregivers as “family”.
At the age of 85, Gloria passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at Willow Haven.
Survivors include her two sisters, Sharon (Eugene) Olson of Wausau, Gladys Waller of Wausau, niece, Cindy (David) Brown, three grandnieces, one grandnephew and one great grandnephew.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Wesley on January 26, 1989 and her best friend, Betty Gertschen.
Memorial services will be Friday, October 20, 2017 at Christian Assembly-Assemblies of God, 400 Grand Ave., Wausau. Reverend Dennis Romine will officiate. Burial took place in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
Ned Green
Ned Caldwell Green, age 56, died suddenly at home October 9, 2017. Born July 22, 1961 in Wausau, Ned was a life-long resident of Wausau. He graduated from Wausau West High school in 1981, and briefly pursued post-high school education at Northcentral Technical College.
He is survived by a brother: Todd W. Green (Heidi) of Wausau, a sister: Susan B. Carlson (Craig) of Athens, WI, 4 nephews and 5 nieces as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins. His parents, Wallace R. Green and Bette Lou (Ziemer) Green preceded Ned in death.
Ned’s was not an ordinary life. His fervent wish was that it could have been. A birth injury resulted in partial paralysis to his left side. An aunt described him as a beautiful boy who struggled to keep up with other children. However, in his early twenties the most severe and disabling blow was delivered when he became schizophrenic and his decades long struggle with mental illness began. He was never able to achieve any semblance of a normal life.
Ned’s life leaves little to mark his walk on earth. He had strong faith in our Creator as a loving Heavenly Father. He accepted that despite his persistent prayers to be healed, it was not to be, and never blamed God for his afflictions or grew angry with Him for needing to continue to struggle. His legacy may be this: If yours is an ordinary life be ever so thankful for that. A simple life and work are a great blessing. Beyond that, remember that God is not to blame for the bad things that befall us and He is always there to sustain us if we must continue to suffer.
The family wants to express heartfelt gratitude for the assistance North Central Health Care and the Community Treatment Program gave Ned for many years. You are gems! We are indebted to you.
We also acknowledge the kind and capable assistance provided by Helke Funeral Home and Cremation service.
A memorial service for Ned will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, October 20, 2017 at Helke Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. You may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
Eleanor Kosobucki
Eleanor L. Kosobucki, 94, Wittenberg, died on Friday, October 13, 2017.
She was born on August 9, 1923 in the town of Harrison, Waupaca County, the daughter of the late August and Mary (Pawlak) Kostus Sr.
Eleanor was united in marriage to Raymond Kosobucki on June 30, 1945 at St. Adalbert’s Catholic Church, town of Alban, Portage County. He preceded her in death on November 1, 2003.
The couple farmed for many years until their retirement. Eleanor was a wonderful homemaker and enjoyed canning and cooking. She also enjoyed dancing to polka music. Family was most important thing to Eleanor.
Survivors include two daughters, Linda (Jeff) Conradt of Wisconsin Rapids and Geri Kosobucki of Wittenberg.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, parents and numerous brothers and sisters.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Friday, October 20, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Galloway. Fr. Augustine Bentil will officiate. Interment will be in the Parish Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4PM to 8PM on Thursday at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg and again on Friday from 10AM until the time of Mass at the church. There will be a Parish Rosary recited at 7:30PM Thursday evening at the funeral home.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com and at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
Verona Evelyn Braatz
Verona Evelyn Braatz was called to be with the Lord October 15, 2017 in the Town of Stettin. She was at home surrounded by her loving family.
Verona was born Sept. 4, 1930 on the Hanke family farm in rural Marathon, daughter of the late William and Elsie (Haehlke) Hanke. She attended high school at Marathon one year and graduated from Wausau High School. She worked for the Nash Dealership as a bookkeeper. She married Emil Braatz Jr. on April 7, 1951 in Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. During their 66 years of marriage,
Verona was a hard worker on the farm milking cows, driving truck for the pea viner, hauling oats to the feed mill and in her spare time cooking delicious meals, canning vegetables and fruits and raising six children. It was normal to have ten to twelve people sitting at the supper table. While Emil worked a day job, Verona and the kids would run the farm. She belonged to various clubs including Vilas Homemakers, was a past president of the Marathon PTA, attended the bible study and quilting group at Trinity Lutheran Church, Stettin. She was also the chauffeur for the many events her children and grandchildren participated in.
As a charter member of the Pommerscher Verein of Central Wisconsin she enjoyed participating in club activities and trips sponsored by the German Club. These included trips to Germany, New York, Nebraska and Wisconsin to learn about her heritage. Verona was a member of the Board of Directors at the time of her death. She was known for her great dill pickles that were provided for the “Old Fashioned Card Party.” Her children referred to her pickles as “Ma Braatz Pickles” which were often requested as Christmas gifts by family and friends.
Emil and Verona also traveled to Florida, Alaska, North and South Dakota, Washington DC, and Canada. They loved to visit family and friends. Many of these visits and parties included playing sheepshead. They belonged to several card clubs and in their earlier years bowled in a couples’ league.
Verona will forever be remembered by her husband, Emil, and her children, Janelle (Thomas Bogren) Braatz of Rothschild, WI, Randall (Cynthia) Braatz of Marathon, WI, Carlene (David Daniels) Braatz of Rhinelander, WI, Joel (Cassie McLain) Braatz of Merrill, WI, Lowell (fiancée, Maureen Socha) Braatz of Wausau, W,I and Laurel (Timothy Feist) Braatz of Sturgeon Bay, WI. She was blessed with four grandchildren: Samuel Braatz, Hannah Braatz, Kelsey Daniels and Ericka Braatz.
Other survivors include her brother and sister-in-law LaVern and Janet Hanke, brother-in-law Walter Braatz and sisters-in-law Erna Prosser and Betty Braatz. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister JoAnn (Dorian) Schmidt, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Paul and Pearl Braatz, Edward and Elsie Osterbrink, Junice Braatz, Elizabeth Braatz, Richard Braatz and Swede Prosser.
A funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 20 at Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA), Town of Stettin 1008 N. 120th Ave, Wausau, WI. The Rev. Phil Bogen will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau West Chapel, 3400 Stewart Ave. and from 9:00 am until time of service Friday, October 20 at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials for Verona be made to one of the following: Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA), (1008 N. 120th Ave. Wausau, WI 54401), Pommerscher Verein Central Wisconsin (PVCW, Box 103, Wausau, WI 54402-0103) or the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Wisconsin Chapter (3313 S. Packerland Dr., Suite E, De Pere, WI 54115).
A special thank you to Aspirus Hospice for directing the Braatz family in taking care of Verona during the last month. Your guidance helped us keep Verona at home in a loving environment. A special thank you goes to Cassie for leading our family through the last months.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Wayne Allen Schilling
Wayne Allen Schilling, 66, of Ringle, passed away unexpectedly at Saint Clare’s Hospital on Saturday, October 14, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. He was born to George Schilling and Dorothy (Bremer, Schilling) Canada on March 20, 1951. He married Bernie Marie Tautges on October 31, 1970 at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild.
He is survived by his loving wife Bernie, his mother Dorothy; two sons, David Schilling, Chatsworth, IL, and Steven (Kerri) Schilling, Madison, WI; 7 grandchildren, Danielle (Zachary) Osborne, Bluff City, TN, Lexi Schilling, Chatsworth, IL, Maverick & Mariah Schilling, Madison, Wes (Jessica) Aughney, Tolono, IL, and Dan Aughney and Amber Johnston, Chatsworth IL; 7 great grandchildren, Elijah & Katherine Osborne, Bluff City, TN, Wyatt & Jenna Aughney, Tolono, IL and Riley Johnston, Lucas Johnston-Dehm and Haley Johnston-Dehm, Chatsworth, IL; 3 sisters, Debra (David) Johnson, Schofield, Lynn (Todd) Warner, Kronenwetter, Lori Giordano, Palm Beach Gardens, FL and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.
Wayne was preceded in death by his father George.
He was a graduate of DC Everest High School, Class of 1969.
Wayne was employed as a sheet metal journeyman for 27 years and was co-owner of Beway Race Products LLC with his wife. He enjoyed meeting racers and servicing race tracks in Central Wisconsin for 20 years.
He loved his family. He was an avid deer hunter, enjoyed watching NASCAR and local races and traveled to every state, except Hawaii.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until the time of prayer service at 7:15 p.m. Visitation will again be held on Thursday, October 19, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Parish with Father Greg Bohren officiating. Burial will be at St. Agnes Catholic Parish cemetery.
The family would like to thank the emergency room and ICU doctors and staff at Saint Clare’s Hospital for the care and support given to Wayne and all the support for his family. A special thanks to Elizabeth.John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
Jean Esther Scheibe
Jean Esther (Hanninen) Scheibe, 76, of Caspian, MI, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a short battle with cancer.
Jean was born on April 14, 1941, in Iron River, MI, to Lena (Pakkala) and Jalmer Hanninen. Her stepfather was Toivo Hertzen. She attended Iron River schools. Jean married Duane Cronkright in 1961. She later married William Scheibe in 1974, and they made their home in Caspian, MI.
Jean is survived by her husband, Bill; her children Darrell (Robin) Cronkright of Sturtevant, WI; Wayne Cronkright (Rachel Giebudowski) of Iron River; JoAnne Menghini of Iron River; Cheryl Cronkright (Julius Morgan) of Kenosha, WI; stepchildren William Scheibe of Iron River; James (Maria) Scheibe of Prescott, AR; Tamara (Gerald) Maki of Caspian; Lori (David) Michael of Iron River; and Candace (Daniel) Jacklin of Iron River. She is also survived by many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; nieces; nephews; extended family; friends; and many foster children that she and Bill helped along the way.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Marita Shimmin; twin brothers, John and James Hanninen; grandchildren, Bryant and Angela Werner; great-grandchildren, Bobby High and Kyra Raymond; and late husband, Duane Cronkright.
A graveside service will be held at the Rosehill Cemetery in Beechwood, MI, on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the exceptional and compassionate care provided to Jean during her stay there.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at honorone.com (Buettgen Funeral Home).
Thomas Ben Hance, Jr.
Thomas Ben Hance Jr began his journey on May 5, 1954 and unexpectedly died on October 14, 2017. Tom was the third child born to Thomas and Betty Hance in Tuscola, Illinois. Growing up he learned to love adventure and lived his life always looking over the horizon for the next one.
Tom graduated from Bowler High School in 1972 with his high school sweetheart Donna Lex by his side. On January 8, 1973 they eloped and married in Waukegan, IL. This was the start of a wonderful 44 year marriage and a family that includes Rebecca (Paul) Bahr and Jennifer (Chris) Blattner. It was further expanded by the grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Lauren and Matthew Bahr together with Kailtyn, Ally, and Megan Blattner.
After graduating, he was accepted into Stout State University for Business Administration in the Industrial Technology program. To earn money for college he went to work on pipeline construction in the upper Midwest and decided to stay eventually becoming crew foreman. Tired of being on the road with a young family at home, he accepted a position as Shawano County Deputy Sheriff.
After serving a year as jailer / desk sergeant, he was promoted to patrolman and completed certification at the Wisconsin Police Recruit School at Fox Valley Tech. This was during the civil unrest of the 70’s leading to his involvement with the Wounded Knee and Novitiate Native American protest near Gresham.
Timing was right in the late 1970’s when Tom’s father asked him to join a new real estate & auction company – Brunner Hance Real Estate. After home studying and passing the Real Estate Brokers Exam, they worked together briefly before Tom accepted a position with Rural Insurance as a property claims investigator & adjustor. When his father unexpectedly passed away, Tom returned to close out the family business.
Wanting to stay in the home area, he began a new adventure in the veal calf industry. Always having a love of farming he looked at the specialty feed industry as a way to live a dream. After working several years as a sales and marketing representative for several companies, he began raising his own calves and beef cattle. Tom soon became a well respected leader in the industry that lead him to eventually become President for both the Wisconsin and American Veal Associations. This branched out further to service on the State and National Cattlemans Beef Boards.
Resulting from a severe downturn in the industry and always looking for his next adventure, Tom dusted off his Real Estate license to open United Country – Hance Realty. He operated an office in Birnamwood for a few years before the market again dropped, redirecting him to become Operations Manager for Wittenberg Disposal & Trucking where he oversaw 3 shops and over 90 trucks. After 6 years the business was sold causing him to update his commercial driver’s license and add a passenger endorsement so he could drive coach bus for a couple years transporting a semi pro hockey team and a womans semi-pro football team.
Eventually Tom entered the final chapter of his life in the automotive sales industry. He was fortunate to find a family run dealership in Clintonville Motors that he hoped to retire from.
In addition to his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren, Tom is survived by his mother Betty Hance; brothers Rick (Diane) Hance and David (Rene Holley) Hance; sister Mary (Bob) Sansevere; mother-in-law Alice Lex; brothers-in-law Tom (Donna Karcz) Lex, Paul (Mikki) Lex and Dwayne Barke; sisters-in-law Cindy (Ken Hayes) Evans, Geri (Dale) Hamilton, Jean (Pat) Zalewski, Vicki (David) Anunson and Carrie (Ryan Anderson) Thoreson.
Tom was preceded in death by his father Thomas Hance Sr; sister Linda Barke; father-in-law George Lex and brothers-in-law Bob Lex and John Evans.
A Masonic Service will be held at 1pm on Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 11:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
Laura Boda
Laura Boda was reunited in heaven with friends, family and the love of her life, Tony, on Monday, October 16th. Always quicker to empathize than judge, help than ignore, smile than frown, Laura lived a life of compassion, kindness and love.
Those who had the fortunate of knowing her remember her incredible apple pies and canned dill pickles (her mother’s recipe), love of Polka music and birds (chickadees were her favorite), infectiously warm smile and giggle, loyalty and flawless style. Never one to complain or take anything for granted, her kind heart, unwavering faith, admirable strength, gratitude and above all, love for her family and friends remained steadfast until the end.
Laura’s family includes three children, David (Debbie) Boda, Lake Tomahawk, John (Shelley) Boda, Elderon and Lynn (Gregg) Hugill, Cottage Grove; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one brother-in-law, Richard (Germaine) Boda, Wausau, Wis. Laura was preceded in death by her husband, Tony, and parents, Peter & Mary Leterski.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Friday, Oct 20, 2017 at St. Florian Catholic Church, Hatley. Fr. Greg Bohren will officiate. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 9:30AM until the time of services at the church. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com and at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the loving and caring staff at Homme Home, Wittenberg & Aspirus Hospice Care.
