Obituaries are brought to you by Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Tari A. Blank
Tari Ann Blank, 56, of Pine River, passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 due to a tragic car accident.
She was born on July 25, 1961 to the late Donald E. Smith and Nancy Wenzlaff. She married David Blank, the love of her life, on June 25, 1983 in Elm Grove, Wisconsin.
Tari was a kind soul whose mission in life was to help others. She was a member of the ski patrol, a surgical technician, an emergency medical technician in the emergency department at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and a volunteer first responder for the Pine River Fire Department; always committing herself to helping others, but especially committed to her family. She was the proud mother to three amazing daughters, Leigh, Chelsea and Aubrey and grandmother to Evalynn. Tari was also a lover of animals but especially loved her horses Bandera, Cody and Lacy who she would take out on organized trail rides, and her donkeys Harriet and Anna. She also enjoyed traveling, hiking, and fishing. But most important to Tari were her friends and family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Tari is survived by her husband, David of Pine River; daughters, Leigh (significant other Dustin Hein) of Milwaukee, Chelsea (Brian) Fisher of Milwaukee, and Aubrey (Fiancé Ben LaPlante) of Rothschild; granddaughter, Evalynn LaPlante; Mother, Nancy (Jim) Wenzlaff of Wisconsin Rapids; brothers, Don (Noel) Smith and Steve (Robin) Smith; and her sister Sandy (John)Knol.
A service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Brainard Funeral Home-Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, WI 54476. Visitation will take place on Friday, November 3, 2017 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and again from 10:00 am until the time of services on Saturday. All to take place at the funeral home.
Karl Pietsch
Karl Pietsch passed away Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
A memorial service will be held Monday, November 6 at 11:00 am at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 6, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Church.
Full obituary to follow.
Keith Dorshak
Keith E. Dorshak, 65, of Kronenwetter, passed away after a two year battle with cancer while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice.
Keith’s passion was his work- driving truck for over 40 years. He worked up until the day he was diagnosed and stopped only because he had to. Although he spent most his time on the road, he loved being home. He enjoyed watching sports, especially the Packers and NASCAR. Keith was a simple guy and enjoyed simple things, but most importantly, his family.
Keith is survived by his children, Jason (Jessica) Dorshak and Annie (Koup) Khammanivong; grandchildren, Ashleigh, Vanessa, Nathan, Brittany, and Brookelyn; brother, Don (Mary) Dorshak; and sister, June (Pete) Wipfli. He is preceded in death by wife, Linda Dorshak; parents, Pearl and Paul Braatz; infant brother, Johnny Dorshak; and brother, Mike (Joan) Dorshak.
A visitation will be held Sunday, November 5, 2017 from 1pm-5pm at Brainard Funeral Home- Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston. Military Honors will conclude the visitation at 4:45pm. Burial will be held Monday, November 6, 2017 at 12noon at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.
The family wishes to thank Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice and the staff at Mount View Care Center for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to help with funeral costs.
Paul A. Russell III
Paul Aylward Russell III, 69, of Wausau passed away from cancer complications on Monday, October 30, 2017 at Mount View Care Center.
He was born April 17, 1948 in Houghton, MI to the late Paul and Vivian (Johnston) Russell Jr. After graduating from high school, Paul was drafted in the U.S. Army serving during the Vietnam War. He currently did volunteer work to help veterans through his membership in the Souls of Honor and Brothers by Choice MC. Paul enjoyed spending summers at Petticoat Lake in Michigan with his family and dogs, and riding motorcycles.
Paul is survived by his children, Anne (Jake) Whittier of Menomonee, Rachel (Terry) Dehnel of Wausau and Scott Russell of LaCrosse; sister, Michele (Gerald) Pipinich of San Bruno, CA; brother-in-law, George Suro of Parker, CO; stepchildren, Katrina Luszczak of Wausau and Jake Larson of Marquette, MI; seven grandchildren, one niece, three nephews, three grandnieces and one grandnephew. He was further preceded in death by his wife, Sue (Lehto) Russell, stepfather, John Green and sister, Patricia Suro.
Paul will be remembered in a private Celebration of Life Ceremony with full military honors. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
Donations in Paul’s name may be sent to; Souls of Honor (contact Ron Worthy, President, [email protected]), Brothers by Choice MC, 7561 Bethel Rd., Arpin, WI 54410 or the charity of your choice.
Frances Rein
Frances Rein, 87, Wausau, died Friday, October 27, 2017 at Rennes Health and Rehab Center, Weston.
Frances was born February 15, 1930 in Mittelneufach, Germany to the late Ludwig and Rosa (Deutshenbauer) Neubauer. She grew up in Germany during WWII surviving the horrors of war and immigrating to the United States. Frances met Dean J. Rein II while they were both working at Sears in Wausau. The couple married on July 1, 1961 and were blessed with one son, Dean L. Rein III. Frances worked as a trained seamstress for many years and ran Stoney Creek Rock and Gem Shop with her husband from 1969-1996 and they became founding members of the Rib Mountain Gem and Mineral Society 1969-1995. She became a self-educated gemologist and geologist while working and also learned the art of silversmithing to create jewelry.
Frances was a very independent woman and loving, caring wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed traveling across the US, often hunting for rocks and minerals, and visiting relatives in Germany. Frances was very intelligent, and became a self-taught stock trader. She continued trading until the end of her life.
Frances is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Dean J. Rein II, son, Dean L. (Kathy) Rein III; grandson, Dean C. Rein IV; siblings, Rudolph (Sally) Neubauer and Erika (Heinz) Richter; and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Ludwig (Hedi) Neubauer.
Private services were held for Frances, entombment occurred at Restlawn Mausoleum, Town of Texas. Helke Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
Eric M. Hein
Eric M. Hein, 30, Athens, died unexpectedly from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on Wednesday, November 1, 2017.
He was born January 13, 1987 in Medford, son of Michael Hein and Stasia Sliwinski-Seubert. Eric was a graduate of the Athens High School, and enjoyed working on the family farm in Athens and was most recently employed with Precision Drywall in Athens. Eric’s love for the outdoors was shared with his children whether it be cooking maple syrup, riding four-wheelers or hunting to name a few. He also shared his love of animals with his children, maintaining a hobby farm with steers and other animals.
Eric was a loving father, son, brother, cousin, nephew, fiancé and loyal friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include, two children, Taylor and Tucker Hein; fiancée, Michelle Grondin, Athens; his father, Michael Hein, Athens; his mother, Stasia (William) Sliwinski-Seubert, Edgar; one sister, Marilyn (Matt) Scherer, Edgar; paternal grandmother, Marie Hein, Athens; and three nephews, one niece, many cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Edward Hein; and his maternal grandparents, Walter and Joyce Sliwinski.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Noon on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. Rev. Thomas Huff will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Cadeyan H. Bayer
Cadeyan Hrabik Bayer, age 4, died on Friday October 27, 2017 in Appleton, Wisconsin and ascended into heaven’s embrace.
Cadeyan was born on June 13th, 2013 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin to loving parents Joshua and Hilary (Van Der Leest) Bayer.
Cadeyan loved playing with Mickey Mouse, Thomas the Train, Magnaformers, and Hatchimals. He especially loved to swim and dance with his brother and sister. He loved to collect, paint, and hide Marathon rocks. During his short time on earth he touched every person’s life who had been blessed to meet him, profoundly, with his sweet temperament and joyous laughter. He had a smile that brightened life and could confer love and happiness in the purest way. He was very precocious. He was dearly loved by all who knew him and will be deeply missed.
Cadeyan is survived by his parents, Joshua and Hilary Bayer, his sister Arabella and brother August of Rib Mountain, WI. Grandparents: David and Mary Pat (Hrabik) Bayer of Hudson, WI and John and Virginia (Jeannie Urmanski) Van Der Leest of Edgar, WI. His aunts and uncles: Jennifer (Bayer) Charbarneau and her husband Paul. Craig Van Der Leest and his wife Kelly, Dana (Van Der Leest) Weigel and her husband Nicholas, Tara (Van Der Leest) Slack and her husband Joshua. His cousins: Marissa, Brianna, Conner, Kira, Sadie, Elijah, Katelyn, Hazel, Jude and Claire.
Cadeyan was preceded in death by his great grandparents: Leo and Marie (Seidl) Van Der Leest, George and Lottie (Kijak) Urmanski, Elton and Elizabeth (Ricchio) Bayer, and Roy Dean and Patricia (Devine) Hrabik.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 3, 2017 at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. The Rev. Nathaniel Kuhn will preside. Burial will be in St. John Catholic Cemetery, Edgar. Friends may call on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Cadeyan’s honor. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
May Averol Peterson of Amherst passed away at home with her loving family at her bedside on October 29, 2017. She was born at home in the Town of New Hope, Portage Co. to Lorend W. Florence (Jacobson) Severson on May 23, 1942. She is survived by her 8 children; Dabian Peterson, Darren (Cynthia Meyer) Peterson, Darrell Peterson, Dori (Steven Smith) Peterson, Darrick (Amanda Drake) Peterson, Dealoni Peterson, Devin Peterson, Deborah Peterson, 18 grandchildren; Jamie(Kenny) Harvey, Devin Miller, Bianca Peterson, Melissa Meyer, Kirsten Peterson, Xavier Matchopatow, Alex Jacobson, Nikkitah Ibe, Tristen Smith, Jullian Peterson, Zander Drake, Evan Boaz, Savannah Drake-Felton, Justin Lathrop, Coltin Rolack, Jordan Rutka, Ashton Peterson, Arryanna Sartor, 4 great grandchildren, Taivon Harvey, Nakia Harvey, Amay Harvey, Alexis Kietzmann, one sister Dorothy (Donald) Berg, 3 Nephews; Scott, Kurt, Christopher and niece Jennifer. She is preceded in death by her parents and her daughter Christian Joy Peterson.
May had several roles to fill. In her earlier years she worked as a convenience store clerk. She also worked at New Hope Lutheran Church as a grave digger for her father with Johnny Gagas and then she worked as a census taker. Later in life she worked for Jerry’s Small Engines in Arnott. She did all this and still was a homemaker. When she wasn’t working she was spending time sitting by the camp fire in her backyard, or checking out nearby rummage sales. Sundays were reserved for radio Church services at home, Polkas and the Green Bay Packers. But most of all she enjoyed spending time with her loving family.
Services will be held at Nelsonville Evangelical Lutheran Church on Friday, November 3, 2017 with Reverend Dwight Anderson officiating. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. until the time of Service at 11:00 a.m. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
Gothards Alberts Krumins
Gothards Alberts Krumins aged 99, died October 26, 2017 at ProHealth Care AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. He was born on August 25, 1918 in Riga, Latvia, the son of the late Gothards and Emma Krumins (Lange). On June 23, 1943, he married Ida Kampe. She preceded him in death on July 8, 2015.
Gothards will be sorely missed by his daughter Anita Krumins (George Swede), his son Albert Krumins (Lila Sprogis), his daughter Marga Krumins, his grandson Juris Krumins (Heather Horne), his grandson Andris Krumins (Annette Hofstetter), his grandson, Alexander Krumins, his granddaughter Laura Krumins He will also be missed by his great-grandchildren, Juris and Heather’s son Markus and daughter, Laura, as well as his nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangments will be announced in the spring. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home.
He was born on May 30, 1928 in Birnamwood, son of the late Albert and Esther (Schoenike) Krueger. On February 27, 1954 he was united in marriage to Elaine Seefeldt at St. Pauls Lutheran Church, Birnamwood. She preceded him in death on March 6, 2011. Merlin served his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict.
After marriage, the couple owned and operated Merlin and Elaine’s Bar in Eland from 1955 to 1970. The couple then owned and operated a Wick Building franchise in Birnamwood until their retirement. Merlin enjoyed his retirement greatly, visiting friends and family, playing cards, and taking pontoon rides. He was a great fan of Wisconsin sports teams, and loved cheering for the Brewers, Badgers, and of course the Packers.
Survivors include three children, Claudie (Bob) Loesel, Wausau, Brad Krueger, Birnamwood, and Kristi (Ellen Walbrun) Krueger, Clintonville; four grandchildren, Lisa Loesel, Lindsay (Brian) Jacobson, Kesi (Dustin) Johnson and Kaden Krueger; two great-grandchildren, Ashton Luck and Pehr Jacobson; three sisters, Velma Culver, Milwaukee, Regene Krueger, Wausau, and Rene (Carl) Lubee, Wausau.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, N9035 Hwy 45 S., Birnamwood. Rev. Matthew Christians will officiate. Inurnment will be in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood, where military honors will be performed. Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of service at the church on Saturday.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schmidtschulta.com or on
Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta.
Evelyn J. Wierzba, age 96 of Birnamwood, town of Norrie, passed away on Monday, October 30, 2017 at the Homme Home of Wittenberg, under the care of LeRoyer Hospice, Antigo.
She was born on August 27, 1921 in the town of Sharon, Portage county, the daughter of the late August and Marcianna (Glodowski) Gruna. On January 5, 1942, Evelyn was united in marriage to John Wierzba in Galloway. He preceded her in death on January 8, 2001.
Evelyn was very involved in St. Florian Catholic Church, where she was a member of their rosary society for over 50 years. She also sang in the Polish choir and contributed to many meals for weddings, funerals and the church picnic. Once she retired from farming, she also worked for a short time at Bob’s Catering in Bevent.
Survivors include her three children, Richard (Dianne) Wierzba, Birnamwood, Patricia (Keith) Frederick, Birnamwood, and Lorraine (Terry) Klawitter, Hatley; seven grandchildren, Terry Frederick, Dean (Rachael) Frederick, Kaye (Jason) Frederick – Harry, Jeremy Wierzba, Daniel (Kari) Wierzba, Sarah (Derek) Jehn, and Nicholas Wierzba; great grandchildren, Mikayla, Colton, Aubrie, Kaitlyn, Morgan and Landon; three siblings, August (Grace) Gruna, Bevent, Roman (Barb) Gruna, Ringle and Agnes Wanta, Weston; three sisters-in-law, Jean Grulkowski, Three Lakes, Sadie Gruna, Galloway, and Terri Gruna, Bevent; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by eight brothers and two sisters.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at St. Florian Catholic Church in Hatley. Fr. Greg Bohren will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 AM until the time of service at the church on Saturday. Schmidt-Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.schmidtschulta.com and on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home.
Mary T. Staszak
She was born on May 3, 1939 in the town of Bevent, the daughter of the late Ernest and Verna (Cherek) Charneski.
On July 13, 1957, Mary was united in marriage to Clarence Staszak at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent. He preceded her in death on October 2, 2016.
The couple owned and operated Staszak’s Bar AKA Muchas Midnight Madness for many years. Mary enjoyed playing cards with her customers and enjoyed cooking. She was a member of St. Ladislaus Catholic Church and was faithful in praying the Rosary.
Survivors include a son, Terry (Kari) Staszak of Bevent; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a brother, Daniel (Anna) Charneski of Bevent.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a son, Mark and a daughter, Susan Sadogierski.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30AM on Friday, November 3, 2017 at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent. Fr. Augustine Bentil will officiate. Visitation will be on Friday from 9:30AM until the time of Mass at the church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences are available at schmidtschulta.com and on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home.
