Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.

Kenneth “Kenny” A. Haderlein

Kenneth “Kenny” A. Haderlein, 81, of Wausau, passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2018, at Marshfield Medical Center.

He was born on June 10, 1936 to the late Andrew and Anna (Zahorka) Haderlein in Milan, Wisconsin.  Kenneth grew up in Milan and was a graduate of Abbotsford High School.  After completing his postsecondary education, Kenneth was employed at the Wausau Daily Herald for 30 years and worked as a Typographer.  He finished his career as a security officer, retiring in 2010.

Kenneth was a Packer fan and enjoyed time with his family, especially with his grandchildren.  He and Lois would take road trips across the U.S. together to explore and experience new areas of the country.  He was also a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau, where he was married to Lois Traska on October 3, 1970.

Survivors include his wife, Lois; children, Sarah and David (Erica); grandchildren, Seville, Mykal, Alyvia, Ashlynn, and Vanessa; brother-in-law, Myron Scheffler; and nieces and a nephew.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Darlene Scheffler; and grandson, Bobby.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2018, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau.  Family and friends may gather for visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the funeral home until the time of service.  Burial will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas.

You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.

 


 Jennie Schumacher

Jennie Mae (Klatt) Schumacher died peacefully, with family at her bedside, on January 2, 2018. She was 90.

She is survived by her brother James (Donna) Klatt of Menasha, children F. Richard Schumacher (Cheryl) of Beverly Hills, Florida; Donna Moberg (Jon) of Shorewood, Wisconsin; Susan Schumacher (James Kamin) of Minneapolis; Kathryn Sullivan (Patrick) of Monona, Wisconsin; William V. Schumacher (Brenda) of Wausau; Kurt E. Schumacher (Tammie) of Wausau; Christopher J. Schumacher (Amy) of Bloomington, Illinois; seventeen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years Franklin V. Schumacher, her parents Adolph and Ada (Edminster) Klatt, siblings Richard, Robert, and Jane (Algiers), close Aunt Hattie Hofman and beloved cousin Joyce Hofman.

Jennie Mae was born November 27, 1927 in New London, Wisconsin, and attended North Fond du Lac High School, graduating as a valedictorian in 1945. She bravely presented her Commencement speech just months after losing her older brother on Iwo Jima in World War II. Jennie obtained her nursing degree from Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh Wisconsin and worked as a Registered Nurse for many years.

Jennie married Franklin V. Schumacher in 1951 and, while working tirelessly as a full time nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital, also raised seven children in Wausau. The family life, first on Roosevelt Street and later on Oakwood Boulevard, was a loving one, characterized by a generously open environment, with children of all ages comfortable in Jennie’s home. Married to a man of strong will and opinions, Jennie, though quieter, was every bit his match in the strength of her convictions and character. Jennie’s commitment to social justice was clear in her day to day life, finding expression in the way she treated people, and in her willingness to express indignation at the prejudice of others. She was once called to jury duty and her persistence resulted in convincing eleven reluctant others that compassion and justice required a not guilty verdict.

In retirement Jennie was able to devote more time to her varied interests, travelling with her husband to many of the historical sites she had read so much about. She read and learned much about English history, and she loved to watch old classic movies. Jennie became an avid football fan watching her youngest son’s high school and college games, and later became a dedicated Badger fan, travelling to their Rose Bowl appearances. Jennie loved the various dogs that she and the family had in their home over the years, and the mention of her cherished German Short-Haired Pointers (Baron & Freddy) would always bring tears to her eyes.

She will be remembered as a great caregiver to others, as a Nurse and extraordinary mother, a devoted wife, and a kind and generous person. Her legacy includes a family committed to carrying on the values of social justice she embodied in her daily life.

Jennie’s family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at Mountain Terrace and Aspirus Hospice Care who provided loving care and support. It was her wish that her remains be donated to the University of Wisconsin Medical School. A memorial service and remembrance is planned for Saturday, January 13th at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 N. 6th Street in Wausau. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM with a Special Remembrance and Celebration from 3:00-4:30. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers or other memorials, donations to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services are suggested.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com


Victor F. Hall

Victor F. Hall, 93, Edgar, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 07, 2018, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

He was born February 13, 1924 in the town of Cassel, son of the late Leonard and Josephine (Mucha) Hall. On August 18, 1954, he married the love of his life, Jeanette Lang at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. She survives.

For most of his life, Victor farmed in the town of Cassel until his semi-retirement in 1992. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed bowling and playing cards. Most of all, Victor loved spending time with his family, especially with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include, his wife of 63 years, Jeanette Hall, Edgar; nine children, Leroy (Karen) Hall, Rib Mountain, Charles (Deb) Hall, Wausau, Delmar (Christele) Hall, Edgar, Jeffrey (Mary) Hall, Edgar, Karen (James) Schara, Athens, Janice (Darrel) Soczka, Edgar, Brian (Diane) Hall, Mosinee, Lisa (Paul) Lemmer, Edgar and Susan Hall, Edgar; 27 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; one brother, Wilfred (Ruth) Hall, Edgar; one sister-in-law, Dorinda Hall, Marathon; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Wayne Hall; daughter-in-law, Barb Hall; two sisters, Marcella Thurs and Juanita Schmidt; and six brothers, Leonard, Julius, Michael, Walter, Arnold and Alexander Hall.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 12, 2018 at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. Rev. Thomas Huff will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar and again on Friday from 10:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com


Fred “Fritz” Bender

Fred “Fritz” Bender, 78 of Rib Mountain, passed away on Wednesday, Jan 3, 2018 at Mt. View Care Center after a long and courageous battle with lung disease.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Barb his 3 children from a previous marriage; Gary (Lisa Weisenberger) Bender, Schofield, Michele (Jerry) Muzynoski, Weston and Chris (Lisa) Bender, St. Cloud, MN, 3 granddaughters; Leslie (Brent Letarski), Carly Bender and Michaela Muzynoski, 1 great grandson, Victor Letarski, all of Wausau area, also our beloved pet, Taffy, 2 sisters Dorothy Nieuwenhuis, Wausau, and Charlotte Laffin, Three Lakes, one brother, Leslie (Carol) Kufahl, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Steven 2 brother-in-law’s and beloved pet Sandy.

In younger years he owned and operated “the Bender” Bar in Wausau and worked at Anderson Bros Quarry. In later years he worked for Michels Pipline and most recently for Verizon (GTE) where he retired from. Fritz was a great guy and had many friends.

Family would like to thank Dr. Ahuja and staff at Aspirus Cancer Center for his care and all the wonderful nurses and CNA’s at Mt. View for their compassionate care in his last 3 weeks.To follow the wishes of Fritz, no service will be held.

Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com


Joel Mark Van Order

Joel (Joe) M. Van Order, 64 of Birnamwood, formerly of  Paicines, California, died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at his home. 

He was born on March 30, 1953 in Wausau, the son of the late John C. Sr. and Thelma E. (Gunderson) Van Order.

Joe’s construction skills led him to becoming the caretaker at Stone Canyon Ranch in Paicines, CA.  After retirement, he moved back to Wisconsin.

Joe adored his children and grandchildren. He was extremely proud of each and every one of them.  He was especially fond of animals and had many pets throughout his life.  He was an avid Packers fan, loved to golf, enjoyed Wisconsin pizza, fish fries, and brats.  He was an old car enthusiast and was very proud of the ‘41 Chevy Coupe he customized.

Joe is survived by his children, Leah Jo (Jason) Islinger of Menasha, Evan James Ermer of Kimberly and Odessa “Odie” Van Order of Fullerton, CA;  grandchildren Lukas, Avery, Claire and Grant Islinger; siblings Jack Jr. (Sally) Van Order of Birnamwood, Mike (Connie) Van Order of Marion, Cheryl (John) Janssen of Hortonville, Bob (Terry) Van Order of Wausau and Wendy (Joe) Bushman of Galloway along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew Jay Van Order.

Visitation will be at the Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home in Wittenberg on Friday, January 19, 2018 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.   A Memorial Service will immediately follow.  Deacon David Ashenbrenner will officiate.  Inurnment will be in Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in the Spring.  Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.


Elizabeth Irene Krauss

Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Krauss, 85, formerly of the town of Almon, died on Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Homme Home of Wittenberg.

She was born September 19, 1932 in Milwaukee, the daughter of the late John and Theresa (Melter) Jaeger.  Betty was a 1950 graduate of the Girls Trade & Tech High School in Milwaukee.  On April 19, 1952, Betty was united in marriage to William Krauss II in Milwaukee.  He preceded her in death on November 2, 2013.

The couple lived in Milwaukee prior to moving to the town of Almon where she was employed at MEPPS and Weinbrenner Shoes, Antigo.  She was then the administrative secretary for the Bowler School District for over 20 years until her retirement.  She was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Birnamwood and served her church in many capacities.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary holding many positions both at the local and county level.  She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, cooking and baking and was a member of the Bowler Red Hats.

Family was very important to Betty.  She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Betty is survived by two children, William (Linda) Krauss III of Wauwatosa and Kathy (Doug Jr) Johnson of Eland; four grandchildren, Dana (Adam Winter) Krauss, Lychelle (Cody) Miller, Robert Krauss and Douglas (Laura) Johnson III; four great grandchildren, Leon Miller, Evelyn Johnson, Delylah Miller and William Johnson; siblings, Lorraine Champion of Menomonee Falls, Jane (Robert) Wilde of West Bend and John Jaeger of Germantown.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband and parents; daughter Cheri; sister Theresa Schmidt and brothers-in-law Leo Schmidt and Thomas Champion.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Birnamwood.  Rev. Matthew Christians will officiate.  Interment will be in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood.  Visitation will be on Friday, January 12, 2018 from 4pm – 7pm at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg and again on Saturday from 10am until the time of service at the church.  Memories and condolences may be shared schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.