Obituaries are brought to you by Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Arvo Britten
Arvo Robert Britten, 81, of Wausau passed away on Friday, November 10, 2017, after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Arvo was born in Durand, Wisconsin on September 10, 1936 to the late Robert and Lila (DeMarce) Britten. He graduated from Wausau High in 1955, where he played varsity football, basketball and baseball. He was captain of Wausau High’s 1955 state basketball team and played second base on the baseball team.
Arvo attended the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and graduated in 1960 with a degree in Physical Education. During his years at the university, Arvo played football and baseball, eventually making wrestling his sport of choice for his last two years there. As a wrestler, he placed 2nd in the WSUC Conference Tournament (1959) and 2nd in the State AAU tournament (1960).
Arvo joined the United States Army in 1960 and served until 1963, during which time he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal as well as a badge for Sharpshooter in both rifle and carbine. During his time in the service he played for the baseball and softball team as catcher and was a member of the Southeast Asian championship team in 1962.
After leaving the Army, Arvo was hired by Merrill Public Schools as a junior high social studies instructor, later becoming a physical education instructor. Throughout his career, he coached football and track but found his greatest success in the wrestling program where he accumulated a record of 207-17-0, never losing more than two matches in any one season. He also found time to umpire baseball and softball and officiate wrestling matches, a dedication that would continue for over 50 years and result in him being inducted into the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame (1990) and given the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Award for Lifetime Contribution (2001) – the first wrestling official to ever be given this award. The many friendships he made supporting the sports he loved were an integral part of who he was.
In his spare time Arvo enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially his trips to Wyoming and Canada with friends who shared his enthusiasm for the outdoors. He loved tending to his rose bushes and proudly showed them off when given a chance. He loved to bake and cook as well as watch the Badgers and Packers. He passed along his love of fishing – teaching all of his grandchildren how to fish.
Arvo is survived by his life companion of the last 24 years, Nelda Hettinga; his children, Marc Britten of Woodbury, Minnesota, Andrea Britten (Stephen Mobley) of McLean, Virginia, Dana Britten of St. Paul, Minnesota, Carrie (Spiro) Avouris of Melbourne, Australia, and step-daughter Marie (Chris) Peterson of Merrill, Wisconsin. His grandchildren include Jordann Britten, Maxwell and Henry Mobley, Lila Avouris, a baby girl expected in February, and step-grandchildren Greta and Garik Peterson. He is also survived by his brother Martin (Cindy) Britten of Indiana.
A memorial service will take place at 5:30 pm on Friday, November 17, 2017 at Brainard Funeral Home- Wausau Chapel, 522 Adam Street, Wausau. Bill Metter will lead the celebration and offer stories of Arvo’s life. Visitation will take place from 3:00 pm until the time of the service.
The family also wishes to thank the staff at Garden Side Crossing for their compassionate care during his brief stay with them.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice in Arvo’s name.
Louis Kinjerski
Louis was born on May 20th, 1958 to parents Joe and Mabel Kinjerski in Kewaunee, WI. Joe passed away on February 10, 2014. As a child Louie enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, working on car engines, and painting. He attended Holy Rosary elementary school and graduated from Kewaunee High School in 1976.
He had two beloved children, his son, Eric (Jenny) of Algoma, WI and his daughter Shannon who passed away on May 8, 2000. He moved to Schofield WI in 1989 after falling in true love, and on May 20, 1994 he married his soul mate Linda Olson. He loved Linda so much that he married her for a second time on July 23, 1994. Louie embraced Linda’s three wonderful children as his own; Aaron (Leah) Lewandoski of Whitefish Bay, WI, Angela Dees of Weston, WI, and Amy (Mike) Korpela of Weston, WI.
Over the years the family grew to eight beautiful grandchildren who adored Papa Lou; Corbin and Keller Kinjerski of Algoma, WI, Abby and Brody Lewandoski of Whitefish Bay, WI, Lilly and Lilah Dees of Weston, WI, and Hayden and Bennett Korpela of Weston, WI. He cherished each and every one of them and was so patient and thoughtful teaching the values of hard work and appreciation for others.
His family also consisted of strong and supportive brothers and sisters who were there whenever he needed them, and he tried to always return the favor, as family was his top priority; Gloria (Greg) Habeck of Kewaunee, WI, Bill (special friend Shirley Kust) Kinjerski of Kewaunee, WI, Dan (Pam) Kinjerski of Wausaukee, WI, Gary (Lynn) Kinjerski of Kewaunee, WI, Roger (Dionne) Kinjerski of Kewaunee, WI, Richard (Chris) Kinjerski of Mishicot, WI, Ron (Joanne) Kinjerski of Kewaunee, WI, Wayne (Dawn) Kinjerski of Kewaunee, WI, Dean (Tina) Kinjerski of Kewaunee, WI and his brother in-law Charlie Rohr (husband to Louie’s sister Jane who passed away) of Kewaunee, WI. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
Over the years Louie was a general laborer, where he worked in maintenance and servicing. He also held several positions at Kewaunee Bottling Company, Vollrath Company, Warehousing of Wisconsin, Granite Peak, and lastly Service Master.
Louie always kept busy as he enjoyed fixing and tinkering with just about anything from household fixer up projects, to electronics. As an adult he was gifted with his hands where he would design and build woodworking projects; such as the beautiful gazebo that he built in his back yard. Lou loved to work outside and kept a well maintained garden. He will be remembered as an amazing host as he would fire up the grill and host BBQ’s where his friends and family gathered. Many memories were made around the fire pit under the stars sharing stories and laughter. Louie’s door was always open to everyone who wanted to stop by to say hello, where he would greet you with a cold beverage to enjoy.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at Brainard Funeral Home-Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, WI 54476. Visitation will take place from 11:00 am until the time of services at the funeral home.
Evangeline (Vangie) Ohrmundt
Vangie Ohrmundt was a woman who never sat still. Her life was dedicated to her family, her church, and her community. Whether it was doing the hundreds of chores around the family farm, making Friday morning breakfasts for over ten years at Aspirus Hospice House, starting the quilting club and being an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, village of Maine or working as a teacher’s aide at Thomas Jefferson School for 16 years, Vangie lived life to the fullest.
She was born June 28, 1924 in the town of Stettin to the late Albert and Alice (Wendorf) Erdmann. After graduating from Marathon High School she attended Marathon County Normal School graduating in 1943. For three years Vangie taught in one room schools in the town of Stettin area .On June 15, 1946 she married Charles Ohrmundt at Trinity Lutheran Church in the town of Stettin. In 1953, they purchased a dairy farm in the town of Maine where they raised their four children. She took great pride in taking care of her family especially through her wonderful cooking and baking. Upon high school graduation, every grandchild looked forward to receiving one of her special handmade quilts. In her free time, Vangie enjoyed gardening, fishing with Charles, solving the daily word Jumble in the newspaper, and following all the Wisconsin sports teams. She also loved to travel, especially going to Germany, Australia and New Zealand.
Vangie always said she wanted to “Wear out, not Rust out”. After 93 years, Vangie “wore out” at her home surrounded by her family on Friday, November 10, 2017.
She is survived by her children, Julie (Don) Raddatz of Winneconne, Tom (Karen) Ohrmundt of Wausau, Dan (Kathy) Ohrmundt of Mosinee and Jamie (Terry) Kickbusch of Wausau, eleven grandchildren, Tara (Tom) Grier, Erin (Matt) Hoida, David (Jess) Raddatz, Dan (Kelly) Raddatz, Tim Ohrmundt, Carrie (Tim) Adams, Chris Ohrmundt, Amy (Josh) Hutchinson, Katie (Jeremiah) Boughton, Jessi (CJ) Bonifas, and Jordan Kickbusch, seventeen wonderful great grandchildren, her brother Gerald (Beverly) of Wausau and sister-in-law Joyce Ohrmundt of Appleton. Vangie was preceded in death by her husband, Charles and her sister, Jeannette Krahn.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 17, 2017 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 5304 N. 44th Ave. Wausau. Reverend Dan Sire will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau and at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Service, especially to Carla, for walking alongside of us on mom’s final journey showing support and kindness to our family along the way.
Memorials may be directed to Aspirus Hospice House, 333 Pine Ridge Blvd, Wausau, 54401 or St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Landa Baumann
Landa Baumann, 67, of the town of Stettin, passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston, with her husband, Thomas, at her side.
She was born in the town of Almon, Shawano County on March 5, 1950. Landa started school in a one-room schoolhouse and was a graduate of Bowler High School. She loved sports. Landa played softball while in school and later in life played in golf and bowling leagues. She was especially proud when her Cubs finally won the World Series. Most of all, Landa liked to be outside. She deer hunted since she was a young girl, enjoyed ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, boating on Spirit Lake, and would spend time at the cabin feeding the birds and watching the deer.
Survived by her husband, Thomas Baumann. She was preceded in death by her mother, Adelhied Teuchert; and step-father, David Beranowski.
A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, with Rev. Marion Talaga officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service in the funeral home.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
A special thank you to the nurses and staff of the Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital Palliative Care Unit: Tory and Dr. Jay, and the many nurses that comforted her, Janie, Rachael, Noel, Alissa, Rebecca, and Melanie.
Francis “Frank” Beidle
Francis “Frank” Arthur Beidle, 87, Wausau, died Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, WI.
Frank was born December 13, 1929 in Barberton, Ohio to the late George and Mildred (Krabile) Beidle Jr. He faithfully served in the US Army from July 1951 to June 1953, being awarded the United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantry Badge, 2 Overseas Bars and the Purple Heart for wounds received while fighting in the Korean War. Frank married the love of his life, Viola “Ruth” Truax, on February 10, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. He worked as a clerk and payroll specialist with the US Postal Service for 26 years prior to retirement. Frank and Ruth celebrated 58 years together prior to her death on December 11, 2009.
Frank enjoyed simple pastimes in life; dinning out, taking day long car rides with Ruth and quietly working on latch hook rugs. His skill at making latch hook rugs won him several ribbons from the Waupaca County Fair and can be found decorating his home for the past 7 years, Olson Hall at the Wisconsin Veterans Home.
Frank is survived by his son, Kurt (Cindy) Beidle; grandson, Michael (Cindy) Beidle; great-grandchildren, Kody (Summer) Beidle and Alyssa Beidle; and extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his brother, Richard Beidle.
A memorial service for Frank will be at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau. Pastor Rick Kelm and Chaplain Richard Engle will co-officiate the service. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home on Tuesday. Military rites will follow, performed by VFW Burns Post #388 and active duty representatives of the US Army. A private inurnment will take place at Moon Cemetery, Town of Bergen. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
Memorials may be directed to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight (4404 Rib Mountain Drive #234, Wausau, WI 54401).
Sincere gratitude goes to the staff of Olson Hall at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King for their kind and compassionate care for the past 7 years and Chaplain Richard Engle for his years of thoughtful ministry, support and friendship.
Joell Metcalf
She was born March 22, 1936 in Fulda, Minnesota, daughter of the late Emil and Etta (Speckmeier) Zanter. On June 10, 1955, she was united in marriage to Robert Metcalf in Jackson, Minnesota. He preceded her in death on October 20, 1986.
Joell was raised on the family farm in Fulda, MN and attended the country school in Fulda through the third grade. She attended parochial school up until the eighth grade and graduated from Windom High School in Windom, MN in 1954. Joell loved to attend her class reunions, and rarely missed one.
Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed baking, cooking, playing cards, crocheting, traveling, singing in the choir and attending to her dogs whom she loved dearly. Throughout her life, she was very meticulous in both her appearance and her home.
Most of all, Joell felt fortunate and blessed to have such a wonderful family and enjoyed all the time spent with her family and friends.
Survivors include, three children, Robin Baumgardt, Weston, Ginger (Al) LeBlanc, Townsend, Wis. and Darin Metcalf, Morristown, TN; seven grandchildren, Erica (Gary) Reissmann, Jamus (Gina) Baumgardt, Craig (Elizabeth) LeBlanc, Abby (Levi) Schmalz, Natalie (Adam) Cobb, Mitchell (Katie) Metcalf and Bailey Metcalf; nine great-grandchildren, Gerica Reissmann, Issaac LeBlanc, Jager Reissmann, Jocelynn LeBlanc, Kaelyn Metcalf, Jace Baumgardt, Kennedy Baumgardt, Waylon Cobb and Grant Metcalf; four siblings, Janette (Bruce) Behne, Leone (Harold) Vandermoon and Emily (John) Johnson, all of Fairmont, MN and Richard (Diane) Zanter, Sergeant Bluff, Iowa; two beloved sister-in-laws, Muriel Kipfer, Avoca, MN and Lorraine (Speckmeier) Metcalf, Sarasota, FL; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews further survive.
Besides her parents and husband, Robert, she was preceded in death by one brother, Roman Zanter; and one sister, Donna Ackermann.
Memorial services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, November 17, 2017 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Weston. Rev. Lance Hoelscher will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Visitation will be on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rachelle at Aldin Home Care in Wausau and the staff at Interim Hospice, especially, Michelle, for the wonderful care and support given to Joell during her last days.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
She was born August 19, 1927 in Goodrich, daughter of the late William and Josephine (Fishbach) Achterberg. On July 31, 1948 she married Raymond “Bucky” Hopperdietzel in the town of Hamburg. He preceded her in death on January 20, 2003.
As a young girl Delores worked at Fromm Brothers and after getting married she farmed with her husband, then went to work at Edgar Basket followed by Mullins Cheese. After retiring from Marathon Cheese in 1994 she worked in the ginseng fields as well as 25 years at the town of Rietbrock disposal site. Some of her enjoyments included spending time outside, mowing the lawn or gardening, sewing and putting together puzzles. She also enjoyed traveling with her children and she loved her dog and her cat.
Survivors include her children, Carol Roesler, Merrill, Geraldine (Ozzie) Karlen, Athens, Bernice Hopperdietzel, Athens, and Byron “Hoppy” Hopperdietzel, Athens; sister, Beaulah (Effort) Degner, Merrill; brother, William Achterberg, Hamburg; many nieces and nephews; her beloved dog, Jack and cat, Tommy.
Besides her parents and husband, Raymond, she was preceded in death by sons-in-law, Melvin Roesler and Harley Westfall and sisters, Virginia Duerr and Beatrice Kriewald.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens. Rev. Mark Schwalenberg will officiate. Burial will be in Athens Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the Athens funeral home.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staffs at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Colonial Center for their kind, compassionate care of Delores during her time with them.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Ramona (Mona) Irene Schulrud, 81 of Wausau passed away on November 8, 2017 at home under the care of Ministry Hospice from complications from Alzheimer’s. Ramona was born on January 4, 1936 in Wausau to the late Arnold and Arline Fust. Ramona married Arthur (Wayne) Schulrud on August 27, 1955 in Wausau at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. She was a dedicated Navy wife (Arthur served 23+ years, 13 of which at sea). She lived and raised her children in Wisconsin, Rhode Island, California, Illinois and back to Wisconsin when Arthur retired in 1975.
Ramona loved doing ceramics, quilt making, helping with wedding dresses and corsages and making holiday dresses for her granddaughters. From 1975-1990 her and Arthur owned Wet & Dry Arts & Crafts, a ceramic shop on Thomas Street in Wausau. She was a stay at home mother working odd jobs over the years. Ramona and Arthur enjoyed attending many of Arthur’s naval ship reunions in several states.
Ramona is survived by her husband Arthur of 62 years, their children; Keith (Jean), Randy, Terry, Jeff (Vicki) & Tim all of the Wausau area. She is also survived by 2 granddaughters, Jessica and Mariah, 4 step grandchildren, 3 step great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews in WI, TX, OK, CA, & CO. 2 sisters; Deb (Glenn) Tessmer and Kathy Gartmann both in Wausau, 1 brother; Ron (Joanne) Fust (OK), 2 brother-in-law’s; Roger (Wausau) and Ron (TX), 1 sister-in law; Kathy (Rich) Feirn (LA) and longtime friend Carol Smith (Wausau). She was preceded in death by her parents and 1 brother (Don) and 2 sister-in-law’s.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the Ministry Hospice and Ministry Living Well.
Services will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 703 Fleith Street, Wausau, WI on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Robert Edwards will be officiating. John J Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
Scott Daniel Van Cleve
Scott Van Cleve, 37 passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. Scott was born October 3, 1980 in Wausau, Wisconsin to Daniel and Patricia (Field) Van Cleve. Scott spent his youth playing sports and participating in pageants with his older sister Sarah. In 2005, he married his wife Krista (Euclide) in Wausau surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his wife Krista Van Cleve, son Christopher Van Cleve, mother Patricia Van Cleve, sister Sarah Jeanne (Van Cleve) Hood and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father Daniel, grandma Bernice Field, grandpa Joseph Field and grandma Jones.
Scott loved playing bass guitar, riding motorcycles, watching wrestling and the Carolina Panthers. He was a loving person to anyone who crossed his path.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Innovative Services for the care they provided.
Services will be held at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Avenue, Schofield, WI on Monday, November 13, 2017. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com.
Robert S. Severson, 93 of Bowler died on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Pine Manor Health Care Center, Embarrass, WI.
He was born on April 5, 1924 in the town of New Hope, Portage County, the son of the late Severt and Clara (Knutson) Severson.
On November 13, 1954, Robert was united in marriage to Rosetta Berglund in Wausau. She survives.
Robert drove truck for Westgors Lumber & Trucking and was employed at FWD Clintonville from 1965 until his retirement in 1990. He was a collector and enjoyed working on motors and tinkering.
Survivors include his wife, Rosetta of Birnamwood, three children; Doris (Eugene) Allar of Wausau, Mary (Dave) Jordan of Kronenwetter and Maynard Severson of Bowler and two grandchildren; Heather and Amy Jordan.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers; Ervin, Leon and Lester and four sisters; Anna Stewart, Violet Brooks, Frieda Liesch and Flora Severson.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, NOVEMBER 18, 2017 at Schmidt Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Rev. Amy Perron will officiate. Inurnment will be in Evergreen Rest Cemetery, Elderon. Visitation will be on Saturday from 1:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
