Obituaries are brought to you by Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Gerald E. Rogers
Gerald E. Rogers, on October 17, 2017, Jerry Rogers of Franklin Park, passed away at age 67 after a brave and hard-fought battle with ALS. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Joanne Rogers, daughters Morgan (Brian) Sava, and Melissa (Alex) Schmidt; the grandfather of Audri and Nicholas Sava and Max Schmidt, and the brother of Tony Rogers. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Margaret and John Gogo and his sister Nancy Cirone.
He was born in Duncansville, PA and earned a BS in Accounting from Robert Morris University. Jerry had a long, rewarding career holding various positions at USFilter and it’s successor companies. Though his career began in Pittsburgh, he particularly enjoyed his 14 years in Wausau, WI as the Executive Vice President of Zimpro. He was a parishioner of Saints John and Paul Parish, a member of their Catholic Men’s Club, a volunteer for North Hills Community Outreach, and a board member of The Fields of Nicholson HOA. During the last few years of his life he gave proud support to the ALS Association of Western PA, helping fundraising efforts and promoting awareness of the disease. He was a source of comfort and inspiration to those around him, especially those who were affected by ALS. Though proud of all of his accomplishments, his greatest sources of pride were his three grandchildren. Jerry was most known for his booming laugh, his zest for life and his eternal optimism. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family and will be missed greatly by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 20 from 2 – 4 pm and 6 – 8 pm at Schellhaas & Sons Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 1600 Stone Mansion Dr. Franklin Park, PA 15143. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10 am at Saints John and Paul Parish, 2586 Wexford Bayne Rd, Franklin Park, PA 15143.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations the ALS Association of Western PA in support of “Team Geroptimis”, 416 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15209.
Please leave condolences at www.schellhaasfh.com
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 Caldwell 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.
Franklin Schumacher
Franklin V. Schumacher, a well-known high school English teacher in the Wausau community, died peacefully October 12, 2017, with family at his bedside. He was 89.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jennie Mae (Klatt), his brother Eugene L. Schumacher of Neshkoro, Wisconsin, children F. Richard Schumacher (Cheryl) of Beverly Hills, Florida; Donna Moberg (Jon) of Shorewood, Wisconsin; Susan Schumacher (James Kamin) of Minneapolis; Kathryn Sullivan (Patrick) of Monona, Wisconsin; William V. Schumacher (Brenda) of Wausau; Kurt E. Schumacher (Tammie) of Wausau; Christopher J. Schumacher (Amy) of Bloomington, Illinois; seventeen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Frank R. and Marie Schumacher, and a sister Marie Claire Schumacher.
Franklin was born February 10, 1928 in Evanston, Illinois and moved with his family to New London, Wisconsin in his early years. He was an outstanding high school athlete, playing fullback for the New London Bulldogs, and was a National Junior Ski Jump Champion. During World War II, Frank was a Petty Officer Third Class in Submarine Squadron 1 out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He earned B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and taught high school English and science courses for nearly forty years. A notoriously hard grader, Frank was one of the most beloved and respected teachers at Wausau East, passionately dedicated to improving the minds of all his students. He was a free thinker, challenged his students to be the same, and stubbornly insisted that every student, of any background, could, and should, enjoy the life of the enlightened mind.
Franklin was an active participant in the important social causes of his time, particularly the civil rights movement. He was a member of Wausau’s Human Rights Commission, welcomed inner city youth into his home for months in the summer, and often said the proudest moment of his life was arguing (successfully) with a Marathon County judge who said he should not adopt his youngest child, a person of color. Frank walked the walk.
A lifelong learner, “Big Frank” was a student of all things historical, but particularly the Civil War and World War II. He loved the fine arts, especially opera, ballet, paintings, and classical music. He revered the Constitution, and enjoyed discussing these things and all things political. Yes, he talked the talk, too, with a certainty and vigor that could make others feel uncomfortable – which may be why he wanted this included in his obituary: “Any spiritual legacy of my life goes to all those I tried to reach, with a plea for forgiveness to anyone I may have offended over a long life’s struggle.”
In retirement, with his wife Jennie, and the aid of their eldest son, a commercial pilot, he traveled to many of the great historical sites he knew so much about; including England, Scotland, France, and Gettysburg. A devoted Badger fan, Frank loved watching Wisconsin football games and attended the great Rose Bowl appearances of his alma mater.
An avid outdoorsman, environmentalist, and true conservationist-it was with Frank’s investment, vision and leadership, his family built a cabin in Ladysmith, using only abandoned and recycled materials. He spent many seasons hunting there with family and close friends. Frank was an early composter, one result being a beautiful flower garden at his home in the Oakwood Boulevard area. In keeping with these traditions, his wish was that his remains be donated to the University of Wisconsin Medical School, and that token ashes be placed on the family land in Rusk County as nutrients (“worm dirt”) for the many trees he planted there.
He will be remembered as a great teacher, father and husband, a lover of the land and literature, a man of strong opinions rooted in his respect for the common man.
Franklin’s family wants to thank the extraordinary staff at Mountain Terrace and Aspirus Hospice Care who provided loving care and support. A memorial service & remembrance is planned for Sunday, November 12th, 9:30 AM to 11:30, followed by “Frank Stories” 11:30-1:00, at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue in Wausau. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Frank’s life. In lieu of flowers or other memorials, donations to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services or the Never Forgotten Honor Flight hub are suggested.
Edward “Eddie” Nievinski
Edward “Eddie” D. Nievinski, 94, Hatley, died Wednesday October 18, 2017 at Pride TLC under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
Ed was born December 11, 1922 in the town of Reid, son of the late Alex and Veronica (Malchowski) Nievinski. On September 24, 1945, he married Alvina Czeck at St. Florian Catholic Church, Hatley. She survives.
Prior to their retirement, the Nievinski’s were dairy farmers in the town of Reid, on the farm started by his father, Alex. With a zest for learning and always willing to try new things, Ed became a Master Plumber along with being an electrician. He helped to build houses, along with doing the plumbing and electrical. For a period of time, Ed was involved in selling Acorn Farm Equipment and installed several barn cleaners and silo unloaders in the area. He was always willing to help “the neighbors” and enjoyed dancing at local celebrations.
Family was very important to Ed and he enjoyed the time spent with them. On Sunday September 24, several members of the family gathered to celebrate Ed and Alvina’s 72nd Wedding Anniversary. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing and deer hunting at home and out West. Through the years and especially after retirement, Ed enjoyed playing Sheepshead and Smear with a regular group of cronies. He also enjoyed watching the Packers, Brewers and the RFD Channel.
Survivors include his wife, Alvina, four children, Linette Haleen, Baileys Harbor, Janelle (Tom) Jacques-Jolly, Green Bay, Pam Meyer, Hatley, Dean (Special friend, Betty) Nievinski, Hatley; grandchildren, Lisa (Special friend, Mike) Goebel, Todd (Holly) Haleen, Josh Jacques, Matt (Katrina) Jacques, Melanie Meyer, Nathan Meyer; great grandchildren, Riley, Raina, Easton, Everett, Jacob, Ryan, Mason, Jordan and Kendra, a sister-in-law, Audray Brinkman and nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Alexandria and a brother, Leon, sons-in-law, Dave Jacques and Orville Meyer and a great grandson, Trevor.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 5:00 p.m. Tuesday October 24, 2017 at St. Florian Catholic Church, Hatley. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
The family would like to thank all the caregivers at Pride TLC, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services and Dr. Issacson for their care and assistance during Eddie’s last months of life.
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
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).
Pamela Hageness received her angel wings October 10, 2017 after a short battle with Cancer. Pam was born to Beverly Sandberg and Theodore Hageness on March 9, 1965 in Racine, Wisconsin. She lived in Mosinee with her tabby cat “Kitty”.
She enjoyed working outdoors for R&R Landscaping, taking pride in the beautiful lawns she maintained and helping the guys clear and chip brush. Pam’s family was her life and she loved planning family get-togethers for her children, Steve Hageness, Tiffaney Lueck, Jenny Hageness, Tammy Hall, her grandchildren Brianna, Dominic, Michael Douglas, Paula, Summer, Michael, Autumn, Adrian, her sisters, Carla Hageness and Amy Hageness and her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Pam enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and most outdoor activities. She loved the feel of the wind on her face. It was common to find Pam enjoying a nice summer evening at a campfire with friends. Saturday mornings, she could be found having coffee with the girls and baking or crafting. When she wasn’t outside or with family or friends, you could find her in her kitchen. Pam loved to bake. Cookies, Revel Bars and homemade doughnuts were her speciality. She baked cookies for every holiday and passed them out to her family and friends. There was nothing better than opening your door to find Pam smiling with a big batch of beautifully painted, delicious cut-out cookies.
Pam was very loved and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. We can all take comfort in knowing when it’s our time to join Pam, she will be waiting at the gates of Heaven with her beautiful smile and a tray of cookies and doughnuts.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2017, from 1-5 p.m. at Junction City Park on Case ave. (GPS. 225 case ave right across the street) John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time.
Doris Beatrice Luedtke, 86, passed away peacefully at Kinnic Health and Rehab in River Falls, WI on Friday, October 13, 2017. She was born on June 2, 1931 in Mather, WI to Alfred and Mabel Regalia.
On August 2, 1951, she married Thomas Edward Luedtke in Wisconsin Rapids. They had two children, Denise and Robert. Tom and Doris built, owned and operated Crimson Leaf Mobile Park in Wisconsin Rapids. They enjoyed traveling together as well as spending time with family and friends. Doris enjoyed going to the casinos.
She is survived by her children; Denise (Terry) Reese and Robert Luedtke. Grandchildren, Amy (Kurt) Bender, Robert (Sherri) Luedtke and Ashley Luedtke and Great-grandchildren, Tyler and Jacob Bender, Maci Luedtke, Loren, Chance & Holly Reese along with many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by brothers, Douglas (Dorothy) Regalia and Donald Regalia and her sister, Audrey Regalia.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters Lorraine and Sandy and brothers Robert (infant), Alfred and Kenneth and Grandson, Ryan Reese.
The Luedtke family would like to extend our gratitude and special thanks to all the staff at the Kinnic Health and Rehab Center in River Falls, WI for taking such great care of Doris.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 23rd, 2017 at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 631 East Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Funeral is at 11:00. Burial will follow at Restlawn Cemetery. The family will greet friends at the Funeral Home on Monday from 9:30 am until the time of service. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time.
Wayne Allen Schilling, 66, of Ringle, passed away unexpectedly at Saint Clare’s Hospital on Saturday, October 14, 2017 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
Laura Boda
The family would like to say a special thank you to the loving and caring staff at Homme Home, Wittenberg & Aspirus Hospice Care.
Erika Leigh Jones, 42, officially got her angel wings on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017, at her home in Shoreline, Washington, with her parents and son at her side.
Erika was a loving mother, amazing friend, talented artist and fearless adventurer. Those who knew her described her as outgoing, accepting, loving, positive, spiritual, loyal and strong. Erika maintained those qualities to the end.
Erika was born on Jan. 31, 1975, in New London to Thomas B. and Janice R. (Craig) Jones, of Ogdensburg. She attended Manawa Elementary until 1985 when her family moved to Neenah. In 1993 Erika graduated from Neenah High School and later studied art at the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley campus in Menasha.
When friends asked her to draw designs for their tattoos she quickly developed an interest in body art. She trained/worked at tattoo businesses in Oshkosh and Madison until 1998 when she followed her dreams and moved to Seattle. Once there she trained with one of the top female artists in the industry. She then returned to Wisconsin to live and work in Madison until 2002 when she was ready to return to Seattle and make her mark as a female tattoo artist.
Erika worked at Slave to the Needle and Hidden Hand Tattoo before she and a partner founded 522 Tattoo. That venture was very successful. In 2016 Erika established her own shop, Fair Warning Tattoo. Her logo was “Peppermint Tatty – Tattoos so sweet they make your teeth hurt.” She specialized in covering old or poorly done tattoos. Her talent and attention to client needs made her very popular.
Erika lived life to the fullest. She was an endlessly curious adventurer and traveled extensively for work and yoga. Some of her travels included the Galapagos Islands, Iceland, Germany, England, Spain and Bali. In 2013 she published “Inkasana,” a photo book featuring the strength and beauty of both yoga and body art. As a yoga devotee she earned her yoga instructor credentials in 2014 and enjoyed offering free classes to children.
Erika was a prolific artist, creating many unique and popular drawings and paintings. She loved Dr. Who, Bob’s Burgers, anything zombie related and all things Star Wars. She enjoyed collecting pins and other unusual memorabilia during her travels.
As much as she did in her life, Erika considered her greatest accomplishment the birth of her son Lincoln Avery Zingler in April 2009. She was a devoted mother, and he was the love of her life. On Oct. 30, 2010, she married Eric W. Zingler. They later separated.
In August 2016 Erika was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Treatment was successful and she was cancer-free in May 2017. Her ordeal made Erika determined to do more to help people who have experienced the disfigurement of cancer treatment and surgery.
Erika had a passion for helping others heal and feel positive about themselves. She had done many tattoos to cover “self-harm” scars and planned to move her business back to Wisconsin where she would offer scar cover-ups, nipple replacement tattoos and other positive body art. In July 2017 she was diagnosed with brain cancer. That surgery was successful, but during follow-up gamma knife treatment, leptomeningeal cancer was found. She then underwent whole brain radiation, but the cancer had already spread. On Sept. 1 Erika returned to her home under the care of her parents, Providence Hospice services and support from many wonderful friends.
Erika is survived by her parents, Tom and Jan Jones; her son, Lincoln; and her brother, Craig (Tara) Jones. She is further survived by her godparents, Bill and Nancy Jones; aunts and uncles, John and Sandra Keener, Dan and Julie Jones, Roxann Jones, Joan and Larry Dumbleton, Jim Craig, Phil and Jill Brown; cousins, Kim Slater, Jennifer Swanson, Jessica Slater, Charles Slater, Christopher Dumbleton, Bryan Bonikowski, Steven Groat, Amy Craig, Jacob Craig, Dana Millis, Danielle Peterson, Jason Jones, Nathan Keener, Heather Discher and Joshua Jones; and many other family members. She also leaves behind hundreds of friends and loyal clients.
Erika was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Edward and Irene Craig; paternal grandparents, Emmett and Loretta Jones; and her uncles, Jock Craig and Jeff Jones.
Erika’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the entire staff at Swedish Hospitals in Seattle and to Providence Hospice for their amazing care and support during this difficult time.
It was Erika’s wish to be cremated and her ashes used to nourish an evergreen seedling. A memorial fund will be established in her son Lincoln’s name. Gifts in her name may also be sent to Volm Cancer Center in Antigo or a charity of your choice.
A celebration of Erika’s life will be held at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Rev. Wes Jedras and Rev. Les Munnik will officiate. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 3:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. There will be a gathering with refreshments immediately following the service.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
