Obituaries are brought to you by Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Rose Marie Leland Stevens
Rose Marie Leland was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on August 10th, 1929 to Harold and Julia (Porter) Leland. Both the Leland and Porter families were early settlers near Eau Claire. Rose Marie was surrounded by cousins until 1938 when her father moved the family to Wausau. Their home at 1426 Grand Avenue was the original Miller homestead.
Rose Marie had two brothers, Harold Robert and Thomas Porter, both of whom preceded her in death. In 1951 she married Warren Gene Stevens, also of Wausau. He had just graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. They had three daughters, Ann Marie, Jean Carol (John Greenwood), and Patricia Lynn (Thomas Rutka).
Rose Marie was a Navy wife and took full advantage of each area of the world to which Warren’s long Navy career took them. In retirement they returned to the Wausau area, living on the banks of the Wisconsin River just north of Mosinee and then on Tug Lake north of Merrill. Rose Marie enjoyed reading and writing, swimming and biking, and her grandchildren, Will and Mary Smiley, Molly Greenwood, and Sam Rutka.
Memorials may be sent to the First Universalist Unitarian Church of Wausau at 504 Grant Street, Wausau, WI, 54403.
Gerald Dienstl
Gerald J. Dienstl, 72, of Weston, passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital after a long battle with complications related to Leukemia.
Gerald was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 7, 1945 to the late Ervin James and Ann Elizabeth (Jochim) Dienstl. He was a respiratory therapist for 30 years and traveled the country providing comfort to many. In his later years he wandered the country doing odd jobs ending up back home in Minocqua WI. There he went back into healthcare by obtaining his teaching certificate for CPR and was licensed to teach until the day he died.
Gerald enjoyed spending time with the love of his life, Colleen. Whether they were taking a drive out to the casino, fishing out on the lake, traveling to watch professional bull riding, going to a new zoo or just spending time at home with their cat Sarge, this was what made Gerald truly happy.
Survivors include his partner and friend, Colleen Chisnell; his daughter Renee (Bill) Katschke; granddaughter, Samantha; Brother James (Joan) Dienstl and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial service will take place at 7:00 pm on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Brainard Funeral Home-Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston. Visitation will take place from 5:00 pm until the time of services at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.brainardfuneral.com
Chuck Lawrence
Chuck Lawrence, 70, of Wausau, died unexpectedly at Aspirus Wausau Hospital on Saturday, December 23, 2017. He was born in Wausau on March 22, 1947, to the late Ervin and Mary Ann Lawrence, the eldest of five boys.
After graduation from Wausau Senior High School, Chuck served as an atomic demolition munitions specialist in the 600th Engineering Company of the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir, VA from 1966-1968. Memorable events include serving on riot control in Washington, D.C. during the uprisings following the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy. A proud veteran, Chuck was a member of Viet Nam Veterans of America, Chapter 479.
Chuck was a 1973 graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee School of Architecture and returned to Wausau to join the Wergin Co. as an architect. He was also employed at Wausau Metals and retired in 2010 after 26 years with Moduline Windows.
He married Bonnie Christian at Grace Lutheran Church in the Town of Maine on December 21, 1979. Chuck and Bonnie enjoyed summers at the cabin he designed and they built together in the northwoods of Minocqua. He was a do-it-yourself kind of guy who could use his engineering mentality to design, build, or fix most anything. He loved to read and was most interested in history and science. In retirement, Chuck enjoyed spending many peaceful hours at their farm after meeting friends for morning coffee. His quick wit will be missed by all.
Besides his wife, Chuck is survived by his daughter, Claire (Benoit) Meney; grandsons, Oliver, Nicolas, and Xavier; brothers, Michael (Janice) Lawrence, Steven Lawrence, and Paul Lawrence; sister-in-law, Carol Christian; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Peter.
A funeral service will be at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2017, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, with Rev. Zach Holdorf of Trinity on Stewart officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 4:00 p.m. until the time of service in the funeral home. Private burial will take place.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Marathon County Humane Society or Trinity on Stewart.
Janet Zastrow
Janet Zastrow, 82, of Wausau passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at Our House Senior Living.
She was born October 17, 1935 in Nekoosa to the late Holger and Emma (Fitz) Randrup. After graduating from Wausau High School, Janet worked at 3M. On April 1, 1959, she married Grover Zastrow in Red Wing, MN. They made their home in Rothschild, with Janet working at JARP and later for PTI until her retirement. Janet was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and had volunteered with the Altar Guild. In her younger years, she was a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed bowling and roller skating.
Survivors include her sons, Jeff of Milwaukee, Steve (Amy Tamsen) Zastrow of Rothschild, her granddaughter, Sadie of Wausau, one brother, Melvin (Carol) Randrup of Texas and half-brother, Roger (Betty) Randrup of Arizona.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Grover and son, Mark.
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau. Reverend Sid Bouldin will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
Carol Torresani
Carol Cwiklo Torresani, age 81, of Wausau, died unexpectedly on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017 in her home.
Born March 10, 1936 in Wisconsin Rapids, she attended Saint Lawrence Grade School and Lincoln High School, where she excelled in violin and business courses. After graduation in 1953, Carol worked for the Electrical Engineering Department at Consolidated Papers Inc. On June 7, 1958 she married John (Jack) Arthur Torresani at Saint Lawrence Catholic Church before settling in Wausau, where she resided for 59 years.
To her friends and neighbors, Carol will be remembered for her beautiful smile and positive presence. Carol had a deep appreciation for music, and was an active member of the Saint Michael Parish Choir for over thirty years. She was a trusted colleague serving as treasurer or project chair for numerous civic organizations including Wausau Festival of Arts, Volunteers for Wausau Hospital, and the Wausau Women’s Club. She was recently honored by the International General Federation of Women’s Clubs for her 50-year membership. Most notably she was an enthusiastic bridge player and frequent competitor in the Altrusa International Bridge Marathon, a gourmet cook, an avid gardener, a caretaker of hummingbirds, and a beautiful, elegant and gracious host.
To her family, Carol was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She was present in person or spirit at every significant family life event – birthdays, weddings, ball games, ballet performances, debates, concerts, and holidays. She took pride in her home and her family. The dedication of the Jack “Torre” Torresani Baseball and Softball Fields at Wausau East High School was a special moment. She loved to travel and had a fondness for the beach. However, she was most renowned for her love of Christmas and her joy in sharing her many gifts with her family each magical Christmas season. Grandma Carol, our hearts are mournful this Christmas, but we celebrate the nativity with hope, peace, joy and love because we know your spirit will be with us always.
Preceded in death by her husband Jack, daughter-in-law JoEllen Powles Torresani, siblings Elisabeth Mertes and James Cwiklo, and parents Stella and Frank Cwiklo. Survived by her children Cathy (Jeff) Geppert of Columbus, OH, Mark Torresani of Middleton, Lisa (Ashaer) Hamid of Plano, TX, and Sarah (Paul) Rossman of Mequon, eleven grandchildren, and siblings Mary Ann Nigbor of Stevens Point, William Cwiklo and Christine Halverson of Wisconsin Rapids, Thomas Cwiklo of St. Paul, MN, and Jean Ghergurovich of Scituate, MA.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017 at Saint Michael Parish, 611 Stark Street, Wausau. Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will preside. The burial service will be private. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wausau Women’s Club, Saint Michael Parish, or the Grand Theater, or a charitable organization of your choice.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
Alfred Joswiak
Alfred L. “Buddy” Joswiak, 92, Marathon, died December 18, 2017 at Copperleaf Assisted Living of Marathon under the care of Ministry Home Care and Hospice.
He was born April 10, 1925 in the Town of Cassel to the late Anton F. and Agnes (Jagodzinski) Joswiak. On October 28, 1950 he married Genevieve Kamenick at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. She survives.
Soon after he was born, he was given his nickname, “Buddy”, by his uncle, Frank Joswiak, Many of his friends and acquaintances knew him only as “Buddy”.
After graduating from Edgar High School in 1943, Alfred enlisted in the United States Navy and was trained as an electrician’s mate. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, he boarded a troop ship in New York, heading for Europe. By June 28, he was on Omaha Beach in France where, for the next month, he was part of Navy salvage operations. Alfred spent most of the war in Europe repairing landing craft at a base in Salcombe, England. He did return to France for a few weeks in October 1944 to help repair port facilities in Cherbourg and Le Harve. After V-E Day, Alfred returned to the U.S. where he served on the U.S.S. Saipan, a light carrier, based in Philadelphia. He was honorably discharged on May 18, 1946, having attained the rank of petty officer 2nd class (E-5).
A proud veteran, Alfred was in his 70th year of membership in American Legion Alois Dreikosen Post #469 in Marathon and was a charter member VFW Memorial Post #10187 in Edgar. He served as Commander of both posts on several different occasions and served in many other offices. Alfred was the Post Chaplain for the VFW at the time of his death. He enjoyed speaking of his service at Veterans Day programs at Edgar and Marathon schools. Alfred visited the memorials in Washington, D.C. on Never Forgotten Honor Flight #1 on April 27, 2010.
He and Genevieve were the owners/operators of a grocery store and meat processing plant, Country Home Locker, in the Town of Cassel. Alfred was a master sausage maker. He continued to make sausage for friends and old customers for years after formally closing the business. In his later years he continued to mix and sell his sausage seasonings (a family secret). After closing Country Home Locker, Alfred worked at Marathon Electric until his retirement.
Alfred was involved in a variety of civic organizations and generously volunteered his time to serve his community and his church. A lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cassel, Alfred was a past president of the parish council, and served on the Wausau Deanery and La Crosse Diocesan Councils. At Sunday mass, he often served as lector or Eucharistic minister. He was a 3rd degree member of Knights of Columbus Council #1069 in Wausau for nearly 60 years. Alfred also was the “grill master” for many parish chicken dinners.
Over the years, he was elected and served as a member of the Edgar Board of Education and the Marathon County Board and as Cassel Town Treasurer. Alfred was past president of the Edgar Lions Club for whom he volunteered as an eye tissue transplant transporter for 33 years. For his service as a Lion Alfred was recognized as a Knight of Sight and received the Melvin Jones Fellow award for humanitarian service by Lions International in 1999. In recognition of his community service, Alfred was named Edgar Area Citizen of the Year by the Edgar Jaycees in 1994 and was elected to the Edgar High School Hall of Fame in 2000.
He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, attending as many of his children’s and grandchildren’s school events as he could and setting a great example for his family.
Survivors include his wife, Genevieve, Marathon; six children, David (Catherine) Joswiak, Wausau, Steven (Donna) Joswiak, Wasilla, AK, Joan (Dean) Bluske, Onalaska, Russell (Lisa) Joswiak, Chatham, IL, Andrew (Andrea) Joswiak, Village of Maine, Peter (Jill) Joswiak, Madison; daughter-in-law, Sheila Joswiak, Weston; 15 grandchildren, Nicole (Chris Daniels) Joswiak, Stephannie (Nathan) Parris, Nathan (Catherine) Joswiak, Alyce Heinzen, Anna (Chris) Long, Sam (fianc?, Kristina) Joswiak, Charles Joswiak, Jennifer (Darren) Bluske-Fortney, Anthony (special friend, Mindy) Bluske, Ryan Bluske, Amelia (fianc?, Mitchell) Joswiak, Wyatt Joswiak, Kevin Joswiak, Kyle Joswiak, Helen Joswiak; step grandchild, Chantell (Robert) Cook-Morgan; 11 great-grandchildren, Owen and Marcus Oviedo, Jonathan, Lillian and Elliot Parris, Juniper and Linden Joswiak, Liam Heinzen, Benjamin Long, Evan and Anna Krull; 6 step great-grandchildren, Bella Long, Ryan and Lauren Fortney, Jenna, Kendra and Emma Morgan; two brothers, John (Ruth) Joswiak, Minocqua, and Raymond (Alvina) Joswiak, Edgar.
Besides his parents, Alfred was preceded in death by one son, Michael, sister, Rose Ann Bantes and three grandchildren, Benjamin, Cody and Alivia Joswiak.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cassel. Rev. Felix Tigoy and the Rev. Robert Streveler will preside. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon and again on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a rosary service at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Marathon Funeral Home.
The family would especially like to thank Uncle Ray Joswiak and Uncle Wilbert Bantes for the many rides and much comradery they provided Dad during his last years. We also want to thank the staff of Ministry Home Care and Hospice and Heather and her staff at Copperleaf Assisted Living for their compassion and care.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Anthony Spirituality Center, Marathon.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Marcella “Marcie” Stange
Marcella Stange, 90, Athens, died Thursday December 21, 2017 at Wausau Manor.
She was born October 6, 1927 in Goodrich, daughter of the late Frederick and Clara (Burkhart) Bergmann. On August 27, 1949, she married Donald A. Stange at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. He preceded her in death December 20, 1977.
Marcella and Donald met in high school because Marcie attended her first two years at Athens High School, then finished her education at Medford. In her words—he was a little pest teasing her. After her high school graduation, she got a job at the Athens Cooperative Store. Donald then asked her out for a date and as Marcie said—the rest is history. Marcie and Don worked on the Stange Family Farm with his father until Donald’s death in 1977. Marcie then got a job working at the Athens Cooperative (later Heartland Cooperative) until she retired.
Marcie belonged to the Johnson Homemakers until it was disbanded. She and Donald bowled and she continued to bowl after his death. She sang in the St. Anthony’s Church choir until health issues persisted. She was an active member of the National Catholic Order of Foresters.
Her hobbies were playing sheepshead, embroidery, crocheting, birdwatching, pets, going up north to the family cottage, reading, gardening and traveling. Marcie went to four continents in her travels, Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. In her travels, two of her favorite trips were to Australia in 1998 and then Germany and Poland with her godson, Nicholas J. Bergmann (Bath, Maine) in 1999.
Survivors include her children, Dale (Bonnie) Stange, Athens, Robin (Mark) Haehlke, Wausau and Rhonda Stange, Athens; Her greatest joys in her life were her four grandchildren, Ryan Haehlke, Naperville, IL., Max Stange, Athens, Jake Stange, Athens and Paige Haehlke, Wausau. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Gerald “Jerry” Stange and her siblings.
The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday December 26, 2017 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Rev. Charles Hiebl will preside. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the 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
Edward N Fochs
Edward N. Fochs, 89, Mosinee, died Friday, Dec. 22, 2017, at St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Aug. 31, 1928, in Mosinee, the son of the late Joseph and Mary Fochs. He married Helen Stepan on Aug. 22, 1952, in Pine City, Minn. She preceded him in death on March 27, 2001.
He was a U.S. Army veteran serving from 1948 to 1952, stationed in Germany. Edward worked at the Mosinee Paper Mill as an electrician up until his retirement in 1990. In his spare time he also helped build houses, where you could recognize him wearing a white tank top, Dickie pants, work boots and a tool belt. To say he was a hardworking man would be an understatement, his calloused hands proved that.
Edward and Helen loved their vacations. It was never anything extravagant, but exactly what they needed to unwind and relax. A trip to Minocqua, Springstead, Lac Du Flambeau or Phillips were often favorite getaways. We could always find Ed sitting on the dock with a cup of coffee or a cold beer in tow. It’s difficult to sum up 89 years of a wonderful man’s life who accomplished so many things and brought so much love to his family. He never looked for praises. He was never one to boast. He just went on quietly working for those he loved most. His legacy will continue to live on in those who loved him.
Survivors include five children, Debra (Tim) Krzanowski, Mosinee, Sharon (Kevin) Zirbel, Mosinee, Mari Jo Fochs, Schofield, Tim (Robin) Fochs, Mosinee, and Teri (Steve) Kraegenbrink, Medford; his grandchildren, Dawn, Nicole, Keith, Christopher, Neil, Melinda, Jessica and Brandi; his great-grandchildren, Tyler, Dylan, Blake, Kierra, MaKayla, Peyton, Madisyn and Alexis; a great-great-grandchild, Jaxon; Ed will be blessed with another great-grandson (Sawyer) in February; and a brother, Marvin Fochs, Rib Lake. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Gorski, a grandson, Shay, three sisters, Evelyn, Marion and Donna, and four brothers, Reginald, Rodney, Joseph Jr. and Lyle.
A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.bestefh.com
Ed’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Rose Boron, Jane Ziemanski and Acorn Hills for the wonderful care that was given to him during the last few years. Your compassion will never be forgotten.
