Obituaries are brought to you by Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
William Allington
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 13th, at 12:00 pm at Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel, 522 Adams Street, Wausau. A visitation will be held from 11:00 until the time of services at the funeral home.
Full obituary to follow.
Mark Staples
Mark K. Staples, 69, of Edgar, passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2017.
Mark was born in Minneapolis on April 20, 1948 to Stanley and Mary (Danielson) Staples. He married Donna Drewsen, in Minocqua, on August 27, 1977 after a two year courtship. He owned and operated his own pallet manufacturing business, Wausau Lumber Sales for many years.
Mark was an outdoorsman. He enjoyed downhill skiing, had a passion for elk hunting in Colorado, and raised beef cattle on their Edgar hobby farm. He was an avid reader, Packer fan and National Final Rodeo fan, and great at always finding something to keep himself busy. But most important to Mark was his family and being Papa to his three grandsons. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mark is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Emily (Dan) Kwasny; his grandchildren, Ryan, Erik and Alex; mother, Mary; his brothers, Charles (Carol) and John (Susan Warden), sister Maryann (Roberto) Ruiz, along with a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his father Stan and infant brother, Tommy.
Memorial services will take place at 10:00 am on Monday, December 11, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church of Wausau, 406 Grant Street, Wausau. The Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Visitation and luncheon will take place immediately following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, St. Jude’s Children Hospital or a charity of choice.
The family wishes to thank the Aspirus Regional Cancer Center as well as Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their compassion and care.
Elizabeth “Betty” Braatz
Elizabeth “Betty” June Braatz, 79, Wausau, died Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Evergreen Place at North Central Health Care, Wausau.
Betty was born September 19, 1938 in the Town of Cassel, Marathon County to the late Joseph and Josephine (Sekorski) Adamski. She married Richard Braatz on September 23, 1967 at Holy Name Catholic Parish, Wausau. During her life, Betty worked for Connors, Fiskars, Marathon Battery, Marathon Rubber and Colonial Manor. Betty and Richard celebrated 50 loving years together prior to his death this year.
Betty was a very sweet woman who dearly loved her nieces and nephews. She was quite a social person and thoroughly enjoyed visiting with the residents and staff at North Central Health Care during her stay. In her free time, Betty liked to play cards, bingo, sewing, embroidery and listening to Johnny Cash. She had a special love of each of her dogs that she cared for during her life, especially her two Siberian huskies. Betty’s pride and joy was the last new car that she purchased; a 1992 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue that was fully loaded and like sitting in a cloud.
Betty is survived by her siblings, Helen Kowalchyk, Patricia (Fred) Smazal, James (Sharon) Adamski, David (Sandi) Adamski, Anna (Mike) Mucha and Barb (Craig) Christiansen; beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Leonard Adamski, Marcella Golla and Lorraine Mohr.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Betty will be at 12:00 PM on Monday, December 11, 2017 at St. Matthew Catholic Parish, Wausau. Fr. Robert Thorn will officiate. Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Sunday, December 10 at Helke Funeral Home with a rosary/prayer service beginning at 4:30 PM; visitation will resume on Monday at the church at 11:00 AM until the time of service. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
Sincere appreciation goes to the nurses and staff of North Central Health Care, especially the caregivers of Southern Reflections and Evergreen Place for their care over the past years of Betty’s life.
William J. McCarthy
William J. McCarthy, 85, of Rib Mountain, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2017, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on December 11, 1931 to the late Edwin and Irene (Hanson) McCarthy in Wausau. William was a lifelong resident of the Wausau area and while growing up attended St. Mary’s School and Wausau High School. Later, he married the former Jane Hans at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, in Rothschild, on September 12, 1964.
William will be remembered as a fun-loving guy. He was a skilled painter and enjoyed his time with family, especially trips to the casino. In his earlier years he liked woodworking and carpentry. He could also be found outside working in his gardens and flowers. Friendships were an important part of his life and he was still in touch with friends from the old neighborhood near Thomas Street. William worked at Wausau Insurance for 20 years, retiring from the maintenance department. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a docent at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. William served in the U.S. Navy.
Survivors include his wife, Jane; children, Kelly and Kevin (Wendy) McCarthy; grandchildren, Zachary Starck, Lindsey (Josh) Mueller, Elijah Goffin, and Dominic McCarthy; great-grandchild, Lincoln Mueller; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Diana (Paul) Balducci; many nieces and nephews; and his loving dog, Maggie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Irene; brother, Thomas (Judy) McCarthy; and sister, Shannon Wilson.
A memorial mass will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2017, at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 1104 South Ninth Avenue, Wausau, with Father Peter Kieffer officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place at a later date in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter, with military honors.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Humane Society of Marathon County. www.catsndogs.org
Lucelia “Lucy” Heldt
Lucelia E. “Lucy” (Oelke) Heldt, 96, Marathon, died Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at her home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
She was born February 1, 1921 in Stirum, North Dakota to the late Albert and Ethel (Jones) Bruns. On September 29, 1945, she married Victor Oelke, who died unexpectedly in 1977. Lucy was remarried to Walter Heldt at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Marathon on September 12, 1987. He survives.
Having grown up during the Depression years, Lucy left school her sophomore year to help earn money for her family. She worked in various housekeeping jobs and as a nurses’ assistant at the Mount View Sanitarium in Wausau, taking care of TB patients until her marriage to Victor in 1945. She and Victor worked at Rib River Ballroom for weddings, serving bar drinks. She also worked in the ginseng gardens. Her last employment was as head cook at the Marathon High School until she retired in 1986.
Lucy was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a PTA member at Marathon Schools. She had the distinction of the being the matriarch of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. In her spare time, Lucy enjoyed sewing, ceramics, gardening and reading.
Survivors include her husband Walter Heldt, Marathon, her daughters Nancy (Rudolph) Zimbauer, Diane (Duane) Handrick, her son Donald (Sue) Oelke; her grandchildren Jody (Kelly) Seubert, Jennifer (Josh) Passehl, Jenell (Chad) Kuehne, Troy (Anne) Oelke, Stacey (Shane) Stoffel, Julie (James) Mueller; her great grandchildren Wyatt Mueller, Makeila Mueller, Madison Passehl, Reid Passehl, Cowan Kuehne, Braham Kuehne, Olive Stoffel, Wolfgang Stoffel, Raven Stoffel, Jesse Oelke, Lucy Oelke; her siblings Lewis Bruns, Connie Hecklinger and Gladys Uryga.
Besides her parents and first husband, Victor, Lucy was preceded in death by siblings Bernice Jones, Doris Jaeger, Myron Bruns, Harold Bruns, Vernon Bruns, Charles Bruns, Melvin Bruns and Julia Bergman.
Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 11, 2017 at St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, Marathon. Pastor Jon Hadler will officiate. Burial will be in St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Marathon. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
The family wishes to give a special thank you to Aldin Elder Home Care for their wonderful care and support of our mother and also the Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services team for their home care visits with our mother.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
John J. Holzem
John J. Holzem 62, Eau Claire, died unexpectedly Sunday December 3, 2017 at Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire, WI. He was born March 3, 1955 in Wausau, the son of the late Donald and Phyllis (Glasel) Holzem.
John was able to lead a fulfilling life because of the advocacy of his father Donald Holzem and his guardian Dennis Holzem; along with the assistance of The Arc Eau Claire and Aurora Residential Services. John loved his mother’s home cooked meals. He enjoyed a lifelong hobby of collecting bottle caps and aluminum tabs; counting them and stringing them proudly on lanyards. He also enjoyed building with Legos, watching the Green Bay Packers and Brewers games, Western movies and listening to country music. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. John leaves behind many wonderful caregivers that provided love and support that enhanced his quality of life.
Survivors include his siblings, his devoted guardian Dennis (Sally) Holzem, Schofield, Theresa (David Milbradt) Holzem, Madison, William (Lisa) Holzem, Wausau, Donna Holzem, Madison, Annie Krupnow, Coloma, Polly (Lee Cloutier) Holzem, Wausau, Jacqueline (John) Wantlin, Withee, Eddie (Jennifer) Holzem, Greenville. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
John was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Mary Claire.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Monday December 11, 2017 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will preside. Entombment will be in Holy Angels Mausoleum, Wausau. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, and again on Monday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to The Arc Eau Claire or Aurora Residential Services, in care of the family.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Patricia A. Mumford
Patricia A. (Ziemke, Schultz) Mumford, age 61, of Wausau, passed away at the House of the Dove Hospice in Marshfield, surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday December 6, 2017.
Patricia was born August 9, 1956 to Ernest Ziemke and Ann Ziemke in Medford. On February 28, 1998 she was united in marriage to Todd Mumford.
Patricia had been dealing with a heart condition for several years which had put her in and out of the hospital. In June 2017, she had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer. The combination of the two is what ultimately took her life.
Patricia enjoyed babysitting many people’s children in her early years while she was raising her own. She worked at Prange-Way for approximately six and a half years. After that she was content being a loving and caring wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She enjoyed crocheting, fishing, camping, watching TV, and snuggling with her little dog Radar.
Survivors include her husband, Todd Mumford and daughter, Tania (Allen) Paszek. Four grandsons, Zacharia Paszek, Logan Clancey, Dakota Paszek and Dalton Paszek. Five brothers, John Ziemke, Richard Ziemke, Ernest (Kay) Ziemke, Dennis (Jan) Ziemke and Robert (Linnea) Ziemke. Step brothers, Herbert (Evelyn) Messmann and Galen (Lois) Messmann and one step sister, Ardith (Donald) Hendrickson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Bolz, Ann Bolz and Ernest Ziemke. Also by her step brother, Howard Messmann, grandparents, aunts, uncles, several cousins and her loving Chihuahua, ChiChi.
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday December 10, 2017 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 512 McClellan St., Wausau. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. Sunday until the time of services at the church.
The family would like to thank the Hospice Care team at Ministry Home Care and the staff at House of the Dove Hospice for all their help. Also to everyone that has given their moral support, their many prayers and donations. It has all been very much appreciated.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Francis L. Susor
Francis L. Susor, 90, Wausau, died Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Mount View Care Center, Wausau, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born June 19, 1927 in Wausau, son of the late Albert and Pearl (Wurster) Susor. On September 24, 1955, he married Lois Koehler at the First Methodist Church in Wausau.
Francis was a veteran of the United States Navy and served during World War II. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed fishing and was an aviation enthusiast. He had a lifelong love of flying and volunteered many hours at the Wausau Airport, where he made many friends. Francis was involved with the EEA, loved aviation history and also did research for a friend who wrote a book on flying.
Survivors include, his loving wife of 62 years, Lois Susor, Wausau; two children, Carolyn Susor, Phoenix, AZ and Loran (Valarie) Susor, Minocqua; one grandson, Ben Susor, Minocqua; one sister, Bette (Eugene) Brandenburg, Wausau; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Margaret Imm; and two brothers, Burt and Robert Susor.
No services will be held. Private burial will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Mount View Care Center and the staff at Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the outstanding care, love and support give to Francis.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Jeffrey Soukup, 66, of Schofield, passed away December, 4, 2017. He was born to Harold and Virginia (Gotchy) Soukup on June 12, 1951. He is survived by Deb DeWitt, his partner for 21 years and her family, sons; Wade (Chris) Soukup, Appleton, Joe Soukup, Mosinee, brother Pat (Kathy) Soukup, Madison, sister Kris Soukup, Green Bay, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many longtime friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Christen Frodl and his brothers Robert and Michael.
Jeff loved to golf and fish and he played ball for many years. He was in the U.S. Army and a proud member of the Man of Honor Society. In lieu of flowers, he would like any donations to be sent in his name to the Man of Honor Society.
Services will be at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Avenue, Schofield on Saturday, December 9, 2017. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. with military honors. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
Anthony Andrew Andrashie, 72, of Wausau passed away peacefully at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau on December 3, 2017. He was born on May 5, 1945 to Andrew and Mary (Tomac) Andrashie. He is survived by his wife Mary (Wiatr) Andrashie, Wausau, two sons Anthony (Jane) Andrashie, Fountain Hills, AZ, David (Dawn Gottschalk) Andrashie, Schofield, and one daughter Diana (Paul) Osterbrink, Wausau, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, his twin Andrew (Jane) Andrashie, Mike Andrashie, two sisters Mary Beth (Chuck) Teal, and Ann Marie (Jerry) Ducommun and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Mary Andrashie, and a brother John Andrashie.
When he would meet somebody he would tell them; “I knew my wife for 2 weeks, then I asked her to marry me.” Anthony and Mary were happily married for 51 years.
Anthony served his country proudly in the Army for 8 years, serving 1 year in Vietnam. He worked as a mechanic for many years. He enjoyed car racing, working on cars, and fishing. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and will be deeply missed by all. Per his wishes, there will be no services.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
Jack Thomas Monegar, “Hoii Saa Ga”, 76, of Ringle, died on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on April 7, 1941 in Wittenberg, the son of the late Joseph and Christine (Brown) Monegar.
On June 20, 1970, Jack was united in marriage to Ora Storm in Three Lakes. She survives.
Jack was employed by the Marathon County Parks Department for over 35 years until his retirement. He also served on the Ho Chunk gaming commission for 12 years. In his younger years, Jack enjoyed bowling, softball and basketball. He now enjoyed going to the casino to play Bingo and enjoyed watching sports, especially the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks. Jack assisted many families in their grief and presided over many funerals through the years.
Survivors include his wife, Ora Monegar of Ringle; one daughter, Genevieve Monegar of Schofield; grandsons, Jason (Melissa) Hopinka of Kronenwetter, Kirk (friend Donelle) Stand Straight of Ashland and Ryan and Cory Johnson of Ringle; a sister, Dolly BigJohn and family of Wittenberg and the Angelo Lamere family.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Chauncey Hopinka and a niece, Deanna Hopinka.
The funeral will be held at 12:00 NOON on Friday, December 8, 2017 at the Native American Church, Potch Chee Nunk. Mr. Perry Funmaker will officiate. Interment will be in the John Stacy Memorial Cemetery, Wittenberg. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 7, 2017 from 1:00PM to 3:00PM at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg and will continue at the Church from 3:00PM on Thursday until the time of service on Friday at the church.
Memories and condolences may be shared at Schmidtschulta.com and at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Humane Society.
