Obituaries are brought to you by Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Donald “Tojo” Fellbaum
Donald “Tojo” Fellbaum, 82, of Wausau, passed away on October 20, 2017 at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston.
Tojo was born on August 30, 1935 at home in Stettin to the late Edwin and Leona (Mueller) Fellbaum.
Tojo grew up doing what he loved, farming. He helped manage the home farm until his retirement. He then resided with his Guardian and sister, Ardell. Tojo spent much of his time with family doing various activities. He also enjoyed his daily breakfast at the Blue Willow Café and company Vicki, Bonnie, and Adi. As the care of Tojo was the utmost priority, always by Ardell, it became a larger chore, and Tojo’s new home became Gardenside Crossings. His engaging personality earned him many new friends. He enjoyed swimming, which was something new to him and he fit in quickly. He had a one of a kind personality; everyone who knew him loved him and was so grateful to call him a friend. Family was the most important thing to Tojo and as grateful as he was to have us, we were more grateful to have him as a brother, brother-in-law, uncle or cousin. He will be greatly missed by all.
He is survived by his siblings; Ramona Ulrich, Arlyle (Carl) Schmidt, Arden (Arlene) Fellbaum, Darlene Osness, Ardell Salzwedel, Lorna (Joe) Grabko, and Sharon Schultz; godson Ryan Schultz; sister-in-law Pauline Fellbaum; and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Vernon Fellbaum and Dennis Fellbaum; and sisters Marcella Beckman and Beverly Fellbaum.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24, at Salem Ev. Lutheran Church, 2822 N 6th St, Wausau, WI 54403. Rev. Jeffery Mahnke of St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church will officiate. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 23, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the church and again on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Salem Lutheran Church or to the family for a memorial in Tojo’s honor at a later date.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Blue Willow for their hospitality over the many years; the staff at Gardenside Crossings especially Amy; the staff at Ascension St. Clare’s for their wonderful care especially Dr. Jung; a heartfelt thank-you to Pastor Jeffery Mahnke for the special conversations with Tojo; and to Ardell – Tojo’s guardian and special care giver for more than 30 years.
Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com.
We love you our “Little Man.”
Willie Marten
Willie Marten (nee Sickler) of Ringle WI died peacefully in the Portage County Health Care Center on October 18th, 2017 in Stevens Point, WI at the age of 90. She’s now spinning slots at the Great Casino in the Sky with her sister Sally.
Willie was born on April 27th, 1927 in Ringle, WI to Ray and Francis (Poozy) Sickler. She married Lowell on April 23rd, 1960. They lived in a farmhouse on the Eau Claire river and over 31 years of marriage, welcomed three children into their lives.
Willie loved trips to the casino, her Wednesday card club, and adventures with her friends. Most of all Willie loved a good party. She was known for her exquisite baking. She was an award winning pie baker and made her mother’s molasses cookies to share with everyone. She always joked she held every job known to man before settling down and driving school bus for the D.C. Everest school district for over 35 years.
Willie is survived by her daughters, Wendy Maltbey (Tim), Nellie Wanta (Brian), and her daughter-in-law Kay Domaszek (Al); her three grandchildren, Rick, Andrew, and Krista; her two great grandchildren, Corrick and Logan; and her very special friends Donna Rossing and Marion Kaetterhenry. She is preceded in death by her husband Lowell; her siblings Jack, Sally, and Emory; her parents Francis and Ray; and her beloved son Todd.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 22 at Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, WI. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the Funeral Home.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Aspirus Hospice their help in our time of need and the entire staff of the Portage County Health Care Center for their love and dedication.
Peter Zollpriester
Peter Phillip Zollpriester, 84, Weston died Friday, October 20, 2017 Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.
Peter was born May 26, 1933 in Antigo to the late Peter and Frances (Babler) Zollpriester. He grew up on the family farm and at an early age took up the responsibility for helping run the farm. Peter met Marliss Funk at the movie theater in Antigo, the couple later married on May 21, 1955 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Antigo. He worked very hard to support his family as an owner operator truck driver traveling most of the U.S. He retired and then worked ten years in maintenance for IGA.
Peter was a very loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. His favorite times were spent with family vacationing in Watersmeet, MI, fishing in Canada, hunting, and camping. Peter had a wonderful sense of humor that was infectious. He also enjoyed playing Sheepshead throughout his life, spending time outdoors cutting and splitting logs, watching NASCAR and gathering with friends for coffee at Log Cabin.
Peter is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Marliss; children, Jim (Vicki), Jeff (Carrie) and Jeanne (Mark) Klemm; grandchildren, Rachel (Kyle) Nees, Jordan (Alexzandra) Zollpriester, Ashley (Bula) Akamu, Melissa (Luke) Wirkus, Melanie (Noah) Kummrow, Jace (Vanessa Larson) Klemm and Jessa Klemm; great-grandchildren, Bennett, Harper, ?nai, Sawyer and Piper; siblings, Betty Rew and Bernice Zollpriester; close friend, Richard Boehmer; Bella, his dog and extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his sons, Jody and an infant son; siblings, Agnes Green, Virginia Fleishmann and an infant brother, Bernard.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at St. Therese Catholic Parish, Rothschild. Fr. Louis Britto will officiate. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 25 at Helke Funeral Home; resuming at 10:00 AM on Thursday at the church until the time of service. Committal will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Wisconsin Chapter (3313 S Packerland Drive, Suite E, De Pere, WI 54115)
A heartfelt word of thanks goes to the doctors, nurses and staff of Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital for their compassionate care for Peter and his family.
Charitable donations may be made to:
Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Wisconsin Chapter
3313 S Packerland Drive, Suite E, De Pere WI 54115
Tel: 1-800-272-3900
Web: https://www.alz.org/gwwi/in_my_community_donate.asp
Jean Blume
Jean A. Blume, 75, Wausau, died Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at Colonial Manor Medical and Rehab Center, Wausau.
Jean was born February 28, 1942 in Wausau to the late William Frank and Margaret Fluetta (Steffanus) Shnowske. Following her graduation from Mosinee High School she married Ronald E. Blume, on August 4, 1962 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mosinee. The couple was blessed with two sons; Mark and Steve. After celebrating 54 years of marriage, Ron died on December 31, 2016.
Jean was a loving and devoted mother, wife, grandmother, daughter, and friend. Her devotion extended well beyond her own family to the many children she met over the years working in the kitchen at Stettin Elementary School and reading in classrooms. Jean saw each of those children as extensions of her family and they all received her attention and affection. Helping the kids, and doing “a little something special” for them brought a smile to her face and joy to her life. She also had a great love for animals, especially dogs, and regularly supported and visited the Marathon County Humane Society with family. Jean became a dedicated fan of the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers later in life and would proudly display flags in support of her teams on game day. She had a keen interest in the weather and especially adored the fall with all of the beautiful colors.
Jean is survived by her loving sons, Mark (Denise) of Waunakee, WI and Steve (Marcie) of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Alex, Callie, Tyler, Jaeda and Brady; brother, William Shnowske Jr. of Mosinee, WI and extended family and friends. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Roman Shnowske and Rita Clark (Shnowske).
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Marathon County Humane Society (7001 Packer Drive, Wausau, WI 54401) to help care for the many animals Jean cared so much about.
Charitable donations may be made to:
Marathon County Humane Society
7001 Packer Drive, Wausau WI 54401
Franklin V. 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.
Annette Krahn
Annette Krahn, 101, Wausau was called to eternal life at Benedictine Living Center on October 20, 2017.
Anastasia Annette Stephanie Kroll was born July 29, 1916 in Cisero, IL. to the late John and Frances Kroll. Annette attended elementary school in Cisero. As a child, she helped her parents in their grocery store. Annette graduated from Kenosha High School and Milwaukee School of Cosmetology. Annette played softball for the Kenosha professional softball team called “The Kenosha Bluebells”. She also worked as a beautician in Shorewood.
On January 27, 1940 she married Eldrid Krahn Sr. at St. Hedwig in Milwaukee. After a few years of living in Milwaukee, they moved to Edgar to take over the family farm in the Town of Cassel. Annette drove tractor, milked cows and helped her mate any way she could on the farm. Annette and Eldrid farmed from 1942 to 1970 when they retired and moved to a home in Rib Mountain.
Annette and Eldrid enjoyed dancing, bowling, traveling to different places in the United States, and fishing at their summer trailer near Lake Nokomis. She was an excellent seamstress, gardener, cook and enjoyed baking and sending angel food cakes and sugar cookies home to her family. Annette was involved in Women’s Group, Bible Study, choir and helped with many church dinners. Annette was the oldest member of 75 years at St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Edgar.
At the age of 96 ½ years Annette moved to assisted living and later to Benedictine Living Center. She enjoyed visits from her grandchildren, great grandchildren and many friends.
Annette is survived by her children, daughter, Audrey (Duane) Kamenick, Edgar, her sons, Eldred (Linda) Krahn, Gleason, Martin (Colette) Krahn, Wausau, six grandchildren, Todd (LeiAn) Kamenick, Lance (Theresa) Kamenick, Amy Kamenick, Christopher and Ben Krahn, Jennifer (Nick) Nelson, seven great grandsons, Jacob, Bryce, Noah, Seth and Aiden Kamenick, Eli and Gavin Nelson and two great granddaughters, Isabelle and Ella Krahn, two step grandsons, three step great grandchildren, one great great grandchild and twelve nieces and nephews.
Annette was preceded in death by her husband Eldrid of 62 years, triplet daughters, Frances, Carol and Dianne, parents John and Frances Kroll, brothers Edward, Mitchel and Johnl Kroll, sisters-in-law, Mary and Phyllis Kroll, in-laws, Ernst and Ida Krahn, granddaughter Mary Kamenick and daughter-in-law, Carol Krahn.
The honor of pallbearers will be her six grandchildren, Todd, Lance and Amy Kamenick, Jennifer Nelson, Christopher and Ben Krahn.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 28, 2017 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Edgar. The Rev. Gail Sowell will officiate. Burial will be in the Edgar Cemetery. Friends may call on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Annette’s name. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
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.
Laurel Klopotek (65) of Wausau died unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 18, 2017. Laurel was born on August 28, 1952 in Wausau, son of Harry A. Sr. and Cecelia Klopotek.
Laurel graduated from D.C. Everest Sr. High in 1971. He started working at age 10 in the family business until it was sold in 1976 and helping neighbor Gordy with haying and sometimes milking. He worked nights while still going to school and had several jobs over the 50 years. His favorite was being a beerman for 24 years. He started at Central Beer Distributors on the routes and in the warehouse. He liked his boss, Wally, and the owners, Dean and Bud. Dean always had a kind word for all, never screaming, yelling, or swearing. Always had words of encouragement, he treated his employees with respect. His favorite pastimes were shooting pool, throwing darts and pitching horseshoes. Football – he always said his favorite two teams were the Packers and any team that played the Bears. Playing sheepshead in the winter on Sundays with brother Larry, friends Frenchy, Jimmy and Doug.
Laurel is survived by his three children: CeCe of Wausau, Blaine of Tampa, and Megan (Devin) of Kansas City. Two grandsons Kyle and Keagan, also of Wausau. He always said they were the five best things to happen to him. Laurel is survived by two brothers, Larry (Norma Jean) of Schofield and Terry at home. Three sisters Lucy (Milt) Pyke, Weston, Bea (Dennis) Jagodzinski, Schofield, and Bonnie (John) Martin, Wausau, sister-in-law Lois Klopotek, Ringle, and many nieces and nephews. Laurel was preceded in death by his parents (Harry A. and Cecelia Klopotek), brother Harry “Junior” Klopotek, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Thursday, October 26, 2017 from 4 until 7 pm, with services at 7pm at the funeral home. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Ave, Schofield, is assisting the family.
