Obituaries are brought to you by Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Andy Loebbaka
Andy Loebbaka, 41, peacefully slipped the bounds of Earth on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 due to an ongoing heart issue; moving onto his Heavenly visit with his Savior and many family members and friends who made the journey before him. He was born on January 14, 1976, son of the late David and Julie (Strohmeyer) Loebbaka.
Andy graduated from D.C.Everest Senior High school in 1994. Andy had a quick wit about him, often making jokes for an “in the moment laugh.” He most enjoyed making himself the “butt of all jokes,” as he tried to make people smile as he focused on the positives in life’s journey.
His final employer was Crystal Finishing, prior to going on permanent disability due to his failing heart. His joke was most often that he found out he wasn’t heartless after all.
He is survived by the love of his life, Julie Ann (Wirth) Howe and her children, Kimberly (Adam) Ball and Joseph (Crystal) Howe, as well as her grandchildren, Braedyn and Bentley. He is further survived by his two children, his two ultimate pride and joys in life, Riley (Austin Varga) Loebbaka of Kronenwetter and Jacob Loebbaka of Weston; his brother Paul ( Michelle) Loebbaka; nephews, Brenden, Spencer and Tyler of Darboy; as well as many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and so many close and special friends.
Funeral services will be held at 5:00 pm on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at Brainard Funeral Home-Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston. Visitation will take place from 2:00 pm until the time of services at the funeral home.
As someone who wanted to continue to give, Andy donated his eyes and skin so others could live a better life. Andy asks, in lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the family or to Lost Dogs of Wisconsin, a very important focus in his life.
One of the most loved sayings Andy had in life, was one he learned from his late mother, “Oaks grow strong in contrary winds, and diamonds are always made under pressure.
Arnold Rohloff
Arnold W. Rohloff went home on December 9, 2017.
Survivors include his daughter, Sandra (David) Vandenberg; son, Michael (Mary) Rohloff; grandchildren, Jamie (Phillip) Pospyhalla and Ryan Rohloff.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 14 at 6:00 p.m. at Mountain of the Lord Ev. Lutheran Church, 5506 Bittersweet Road, Wausau. Rev. Andrew Buschkopf will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until the time of services at the church.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.brainardfuneral.com
Don’t Wait Too Long by Arnold Rohloff
Life is so short and days are so few
You’ve so many things that you want to do
You think you will have time some other day
As you slowly idle the hours away.
Don’t wait too long for that dream you plan
Live it today while you know you can
Life never rewards you an hour to spare
God gave that mind and heart to share
For life’s tomorrow please don’t wait
So many dreams come true too late
All because someone just like you
Forgot that today is the time you do
Don’t look for more than God chose to give
Thrill at the chance that you have to live
Time passes on a fleeting wing
You lose while you’re waiting for everything
How can we know how long is our stay
Maybe our lifetime will end today
Or someone we love will quickly go
And die knowing we loved them so
Life is just hours, not days or years
So fill with gladness not with tears
Do what you’re dreaming – you won’t go wrong
Love, live, and enjoy, but don’t wait too long.
Rubella Sann
Rubella Sann, 93, of Wausau passed away on Monday, December 11, 2017 at Northcentral Health Care.
She was born April 5, 1924 in Brokaw to the late Charles and Alma (Volkman) Sann. Rubella retired from Wausau Paper Mill after 35 years of service. She was a devout member of Salem Lutheran Church volunteering with the Guild and Grace Circle. In her younger years, she enjoyed watching baseball games at Athletic Park, backing the Packers, traveling, reading and gambling.
Survivors include her brother, William Sann of Phelps and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Elvera Monty, Wilma Schultz, Carol Sann and one brother, Richard Sann.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 16, 2017 at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau. Reverend Jeff Mahnke will officiate. Burial will be in the Phelps Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
Roderick “Bob” Morange
Roderick “Bob” Lee Morange, 87, of the town of Ringle, passed away at his home on Sunday, December 10, 2017 under the care of his loving daughters, granddaughter, and Ministry Hospice. He was born on August 16, 1930 to the late Theodore and Alyce (Lund) Morange in South Bend, Indiana.
Bob worked for his aunt’s business, Lund Floral Company, starting in his childhood for many years. After a move to Illinois, he worked for Motorola, in Schaumburg, as an electronics technician until his retirement in September of 1994. Bob taught ESL after he retired at the Elgin Public Library. He served in the U.S. Army during Korea and the Berlin Crisis. After his active time of service, he served in the Wisconsin National Guard. In May of 2012, Bob had the honor of attending the Never Forgotten Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Wausau where he enjoyed helping in the food pantry, and a member of the Wisconsin Valley Radio Association, serving on the board of directors as treasurer. Bob was a certified master gardener and spent time working in the gardens on his property, planting trees, and tending to his bees. He was an avid fisherman and admired nature, especially the birds and deer. Bob and his family always looked forward to their time together at the cottage in Sugar Camp that was built by his grandfather.
Survivors include his children, Linda, Alice, and Michael Morange; grandchildren, Dina (Bill) Mannaberg, Michael Chavira, James Morange, John Morange, and Christopher Morange; great-grandchildren, Michael Chavira Jr., Jesse Chavira, Olivia Mannaberg, Liam Mannaberg, and Avery Mannaberg; brother, Ted Morange; and many nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Nimz (Morange); and great-granddaughter, Abigail Grace Mannaberg.
A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 14, 2017, at First Presbyterian Church, 406 Grant Street, Wausau, with Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau, with military honors provided by V.F.W. Burns Post 388.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Memorials may be designated to Ministry Home Care and Hospice. www.ascensionathome.com/ministry-home-care
Charitable donations may be made to:
Ministry Home Care and Hospice
Wausau WI
Web: http://www.ascensionathome.com/ministry-home-care
Judith “Judy” L. Kurth
Judith “Judy” Kurth, 76, Wausau died Monday, December 11, 2017 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born August 23, 1941 in Milwaukee, daughter of the late Arthur and Lillian (Kopitzke) Rosin. On January 30, 1965 she married Carl Kurth in Menominee Falls. He preceded her in death on February 1, 2000.
Judy enjoyed working for the Forest Service in Park Falls and also owned and operated a bed and breakfast there as well. After Carl’s passing Judy moved to Wausau and worked at Christ Lutheran Church until her retirement.
Survivors include her son, Dan Kurth, Wausau, her sister, Geri Rosin, Wausau, two sisters-in-law, Jean Kurth, Milwaukee and Noreen Kurth, Ladysmith and one brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Mary Kurth, Colgate as well as nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Noon, Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. The Rev. Steven Gjerde will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all 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
Curt M. Kazda
Curt M. Kazda, 37, Schofield, died Tuesday, December 12, 2017 unexpectedly at his home.
He was born March 25, 1980, in Wausau, son of Douglas and Sheryl (Krause) Kazda.
After attending the University of Minnesota Curt held several manager positions most recently as department manager for the frozen and dairy departments at Lambs Fresh Market. He took pride in his job and enjoyed his co-workers. Curt collected sports cards, was an avid Packer, Badger and Bucks fan. Curt had a special bond with his dog Bella, his companion and friend. His passion was golf. He golfed whenever possible, as often as possible. He couldn’t wait for the courses to open each year and played until closing day. He loved the sport as well as the time spent playing with family and friends. He was a member of a local golf league and hit a hole in one earlier this year, which was the second in his golfing career. While attending high school at D.C. Everest, he went to state in both golf and football. Curt was still close to his childhood friends who were like family to him. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family and friends.
Survivors include his parents, Douglas and Sheryl Kazda, Schofield; siblings, Amy (Steve) Martin, New Lenox, Illinois and Chris (Brenda Trudell) Kazda, Mount Horeb; nieces and nephews, Grace, Noah, Anne and Teresa Martin and Margeaux Kazda; uncle, Wayne Kazda; aunt, Lisa Krause; great-aunts, Linda Valiska, Judy Valiska and Dona Stieber; cousins, Megan and Matt Warosh; second cousins, Zeke Miller and Owen Warosh.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Gralda Kazda, grandparents, James and Dorothy Krause, aunt, Karen Warosh, uncle and godfather, Thomas Krause, and nephew, James Troy Martin.
Memorial services will be 12:00 Noon Saturday, December 16, 2017 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Rev. Sid Bouldin will officiate. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the Sixth Street funeral home.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Agnes A. Heil
Agnes A. Heil, 92, Mosinee, died Tuesday, December 12, 2017 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at her home.
She was born April 14, 1925 in the town of Rietbrock, daughter of the late Vincent and Catherine (Felskowski) Writz. On November 20, 1945 she married LeRoy Heil at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. He preceded her in death on March 7, 2007.
Agnes and LeRoy were dairy/ginseng farmers in the town of Mosinee for many years. She was also proud to be a homemaker/mother to her six children. Some of her favorite pastimes included, playing cards, especially Sheepshead, Bingo, and taking an occasional trip to the casino. She also traveled with her husband to 48 states before his passing. A longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon, Agnes was also a proud member of the National Catholic Society of Foresters St. Mary Court No. 850 and the Catholic Order of Foresters St. Leo Court No. 795, Marathon.
Survivors include her six children, Joseph (Gladys) Heil, Eau Claire, RoseAnn (Gene) Jacob, Mosinee, Marie Kiczula, Ill., Janet (Tomas) Sabaduquia, Ill., Ralph (friend, Julie) Heil, Wausau, Margaret (Keith) Ziegel, Marathon. 28 grandchildren, Joseph (Christy) Heil Jr., David (Lisa) Heil, Christopher (Jamie) Heil of Minnesota, Theresa (Jay) Zemke, Mosinee, Carl (Niki) Jacob, Rothschild, William (friend, Rita) Jacob, James (Sarah) Jacob, Richard Jacob, all of Mosinee, Lisa (Scott) Fisher, Madison, Jennifer (Chris) Tedmon, Tony (Jennifer) Kiczula, Robert (Andrea) Kiczula, Adam (Brittani) Kiczula, Cathy Kiczula, all of Ill., Michael, Nicholas, Debra, Tomas, John, Stephanie Sabaduquia, Ill., Melissa Schipitsch, Calif, Dianne, WI, Trevett (Christina) Heil, Tomahawk, Travis (fiance’, Keya) Heil, Weston, Matthew Rainville, Wausau, Allan (friend, Sarah) Ziegel, Marathon, Nickolus (Elizabeth) Ziegel, Michigan, Dustin Ziegel, Marathon. 47 great grandchildren, Leah, Mitchell, Bowen, LuJack, Dillon, Jessy, Zachary, Brandon, Daniel, Dakota, Leroy, Sophia, Alana, Andrew, Rachel, David, Benjamin, Kira, Tayla, Jaycen, Maya, Ryan, Rhylei, Gwendolyn, Nathan, Kyle, Haylee, Hanna, Paul Jr., Jennifer, Jillian, John, Anthony, Christine, Lisa, Lea-Dawn, Angela, Danelle, Trevett, Trey, Ciera, Francesca, Erica, Corvin, Chanelle, Jullian, Bradley, one on the way and 13 great-great-grandchildren Connor, Jordan, Maliyah, Kristine, Kaylynn, Amanda, Briana, Alesha, Erica, John, Reed, Claire, Samuel. She also survived by one sister, Julia Braun, Rhinelander and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and husband she was preceded in death by one great granddaughter, Desiree Jacob and numerous brothers and sisters.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, December 16, 2017 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. The Very Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish rosary /Catholic Order of Foresters service at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening at the Marathon funeral home. Online condolences maybe expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Comfort Care and Hospice Service.
The family wishes to also thank the entire Comfort Care and Hospice Service staff for their caring and loving compassion given to our family. Sincere thanks is also extended to Father Joseph Diermeier for his unending love and support.
Anastasia “Stacie” Guralski
Anastasia “Stacie” Guralski 79, Edgar, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital emergency room.
Stacie was born July 3, 1938 in the town of Emmet, to the late Joseph and Anna (Linden) Griesmer.
She was a lifelong member of St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church, Edgar, and attended St. John’s School and Edgar High School. In June of 1956 she met Ray Guralski when she arrived for a wedding rehearsal for his cousin Dave Guralski and her friend Mary (Krall) Guralski. They later married at St. John’s the Baptist, church on Oct. 12, 1957. This year their celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with her family.
After a few years at what was then called Employers Mutual she farmed with Ray in the town of Rietbrock for 37 years. She never forgot those who were kind to her and remembered them with Christmas and birthday cards and Christmas flowers for the church alter. Her little stories about her grandchildren were always delightful and her face was filled with pride as she spoke of them. All who knew her will miss her sweet smile.
Survivors include her husband, Ray Guralski, Edgar; her sons; Rick (Karen) Guralski, Athens, Randy (Lisa) Guralski, Marathon and Roy (Lori) Guralski, Edgar; her daughter, Patty (Randall) Myszka, Edgar; grandchildren, Dina (Korey) Kliniski, Brock Guralski, Mitchell Guralski, Taylor Guralski, Hannah Guralski, Miranda Myszka, Lydia Myszka, Kassidy Guralski, Travis Guralski and Devin Guralski; sisters, Midge Grosskreutz, Minong, WI., Florence Griesmer and Dorothy Griesmer, both of Denver, CO.
She was also preceded in death by a sister, Bertha Hemmings.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday December 16, 2017 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Edgar. Rev. Thomas Huff will preside. Family and friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church on Saturday. Burial will be at the Parish Cemetery. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Chester (Chet) J. Multerer went home in the arms of Jesus on Monday, December 11, 2017, after a hard fought battle with serious health issues for over 20 years. Through all of his health issues and struggles he was able to maintain his pride of being 36 years in sobriety.
Chester is survived by his loving wife Jean of 46 years. His children; Troy (Michelle) Multerer of Stratford, Julie Multerer of Marshfield, and Christina Multerer of Marshfield. His 8 grandchildren; Sierra (Donald Stevens), Connor, Dakota, Gary, Isabelle, Brianna, Adriana, and Nevaeh. One great-grandson Robert. He is further survived by three brothers Ken (Sal) Multerer of Canal Winchester Ohio, Pete Multerer of Pittsville, Don (Rita) Multerer of Marshfield and two sisters Bonnie (Suzie) Dunn of Tomah, Doreen Fuller of Marshfield and many brothers and sisters in law, nieces , nephews and extended family.
Chester was preceded in death by his parents Fank and Mathilda Multerer, his in laws Ambrose and Anna Martin, one brother Erv., brother in law Laverne Fuller, brother in law James Dunn, sister in law Ruth Multerer and several extended in laws.
He was born in Marshfield on August 11, 1946, to Frank and Mathilda (Tilly) Multerer and was the middle child of seven children. He was raised in the Pittsville and Lindsey areas where he attended school; he would finish his education in Marshfield. As a young man he worked various jobs but it wasn’t until he was employed as a milk hauler that he would meet his future wife. Shortly after meeting her he told his good friend that he had met the one to whom he would be wed, and six months later he finally landed a date with her. Three years later on April 30, 2017 he wed his bride, Jean (Martin) Multerer at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Bakerville. Over the years they were blessed with three children Troy, Julie and Christina. Together with their children they maintained a small hobby farm. In his last field of employment he was able to fulfill his love of woodworking. Chet’s hobbies included hunting, making wood and involving his children in with his interests where they would learn and appreciated a job well done.
The family would like to thank Ascension Home Health and Ministry Home Hospice Care the many nurses and helpers Cindy, Christina and JoAnn; Neillsville Memorial Care and Rehab. Also to the many friends and neighbors who were instrumental in helping grant his wish to be at home; especially Jim Cullen, Jim Zahradka and Dan and Cathy Behnke for all of their help and support. Also, everyone who sent prayers brought meals and stopped in to visit to help his family with his transition home to Jesus.
Services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, December 16, 2017 with visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 10:30 a.m. celebrated by Father Savari and Deacon Ray. A private family graveside service will be held and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
Marvin Machel
Marvin Frank Machel passed away unexpectedly Monday, December 11, 2017 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born to Edward and Ella (Plautz) Machel on August 14, 1921 in Wausau. He graduated from Wausau High School and worked at Curtis Co., a woodworking company, until he was called-up in the draft for World War II.
Marvin served in the US Army for almost four years as part of the 79th Infantry Division. He trained at Camp Pickett (VA), Camp Blanding (FL) and the University of Connecticut. His service took him to France, Germany, Austria, Belgium and Luxemburg. He was part of the Battle of the Bulge and received a Bronze Star for his service. Marvin’s service was recognized through his 2011 participation in Honor Flight.
After his honorable discharge, Marvin returned to Curtis Co. for a number of years. He then joined PCA- Production Credit Association of Wausau. He became manager of the Wausau Branch and retired from PCA after 27 years of service.
Marvin married LaVern Hoffmann on November 23, 1946 at Rib Falls Methodist Church. They celebrated 71 years of marriage on Thanksgiving Day. Survivors include his wife, brother-in-law Arden (Molly) Hoffmann, sister-in-law Laurel Hoffmann, four nieces Beverly (Gene) Lundt, Iowa; Diana (Robert) Hedtke, Indiana; Rebecca (John Kear) Hoffmann, Minnesota; Deborah (Paul) Clarke, Wausau; along with grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, sister Elvera Roepke, brother-in- laws Gib Roepke and Delmor Hoffmann.
Marvin grew up enjoying all sports. He especially loved playing softball and hockey. He was an avid football fan making sure he tuned into every Badger and Packer game while donning the appropriate team attire. Marvin was also an outdoorsman hunting small game and fishing. In retirement, Marvin traveled, played golf and volunteered for many years installing Lifeline systems for Aspirus.
Marvin was a member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church all his life. He served in various positions on the Council, taught Sunday School, played on the dartball team, and was active in the Brotherhood (Men of the Church) organization. He joined the Kiwanis club of Greater Wausau where he served as Secretary, Treasurer, and Newsletter Editor for many years. He enjoyed attending many of the international conventions to learn more about the worldwide efforts to help children.
Services will be held at 3:30 PM on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church. Reverend Jennifer Dahle will officiate. Visitation will be from 1:30 PM until the time of service at the church on Saturday. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park 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 direct to World Hunger ELCA (Please make checks payable to ELCA World Hunger. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 1809, Merrifield, VA 22116-8009) or a charity of your choice.
Vernon Laffin
Vernon Dale Laffin, 83, Wausau, died Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at his home in Wausau.
Vernon was born May 13, 1934 in Wausau to the late Henry and Corinne (Smith) Laffin. He faithfully served his country in the US Army from August 1956-August 1958. Vernon married Judith (Marcott) Kolpacki on May 16, 1985. Vernon and Judith celebrated 22 loving years together prior to her death on October 8, 2007 and would often visit her grave to talk to his beloved. He worked with Wausau Window and Wall Systems for 35 years.
Vernon was a very direct man with a very large and soft heart for his family. For all of his bluntness at times, Vernon was very proud of each member of his family and often worried about them. Throughout his life he treasured his time spent outdoors sometime alone but often with family. Early years saw the family camping at the Outpost Camp Ground in Tomahawk, snowmobiling, fishing at the Willow and hunting at the family hunting shack east of Wausau. Countless precious memories were made at the hunting shack with the entire family and the Laffin Hunting Club. In the latter years, Vernon developed a deep love of animals, especially his three cats. He was meticulous when it came to cleaning his home and hunting shack and loved his daily routine.
Vernon is survived by his sons, Douglas (Jennifer) of Iowa City, IA, Dennis (Brenda) of Wausau and Dallas (Jeanine) of Wausau; stepchildren, Todd Kolpacki of Wausau and Kristine Kolpacki of Wausau; grandchildren, Shelly (Robert) Waldinger, Shena Laffin, Erica Laffin, Dylan Laffin, Zachary Laffin and Evan Laffin; great-granddaughters, Zoey Laffin, Ashlynd Laffin, Baylynn Laffin and Stella Waldinger; brother, Eugene Laffin, and extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his siblings, Arlene Krubsack, Lois Barttelt, Gloria Ahrens, James “Lauren” Laffin, Melvin Laffin, Floyd Laffin and Wallace Laffin.
The funeral service for Vernon will be on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau. Pastor Jenn Collins will officiate. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home on Sunday. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 18. 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 family for a future charitable donation in Vernon’s memory.
