Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Dale Westaby
Dale E. Westaby, 78, of Weston, passed away in his sleep at home on Saturday, December 30, 2017. Dale was born in the Town of Stanley on August 24, 1939 to the late James and Gladys Westaby. He married the true love of his life, Eve Mack. She preceded him in death in 2013.
Dale ran day runs for Georgia Pacific/Blue Lynx, traveling as far as the UP, Michigan. His CB handle was the “Flying Irishman”. He was a family man, waking up unbelievably early to start his day so he could always get home to see his wife and kids. Dale loved living in the woods in his beautiful log cabin that he helped design and build (he humbly called it his “one room shack in the woods”). His faithful companion at home of recent years was his dog “Bear” who never left his side.
Dale enjoyed cutting and splitting wood so he could relish a warm fire. He liked riding his ranger and John Deere, watching the Packers and Badgers, talking to his family and friends, and tuning in old Westerns. He also loved traveling across the U.S. with his family and enjoyed Polka’s, Country music, and jelly beans which lead to his nickname of “Grandpa Jelly Bean” – he usually had some stashed in his pocket. He was always quick to show an incredibly warm smile and was happy to provide a helping hand to others. He was an amazing Husband, Dad, and Grandpa.
Dale is survived by his children, Dan (Holly) Westaby, of Wausau, Jim (Roshni-George) Westaby of Mendham, NJ and Nancy (Steve Raab) Westaby of Wausau; grandchildren, Maggie, Meredith (Justin), Anna and Mariam and one great-granddaughter, Vinca Rose. He is further survived by his siblings, Betty Morrissey, Richard “Pee Wee” (Lorraine) Westaby, Billy (Pat) Westaby, Joanne (Stanley) Rogowski, Charles Westaby, Maxine (Bill) Auger, Donald (Sandy) Westaby, and Bernadine (Earl) Shilts and sister-in-law, Merideth; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by his infant brother Douglas, as well as his brother Gerald “Butch” Westaby, sister-in-law, Betty and brother-in-law Auggie.
The family would like to thank all those special care givers in Dale’s life, such as Jeannie, Deb, Wendy, Ruth, Bob, to mention just a few, and all the wonderful people at Davita Dialysis, Interim Health Care, and the Doctors and Nurses at the Marshfield Clinic and St. Claire’s Hospital.
A memorial service will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 630 Adams Street, Wausau. The Rev. Niveen Sarras will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9:30 am until the time of services at the church. Burial will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.brainardfuneral.com
Juan Fernandez
Juan Fernandez, 86, Wausau, died Monday, January 8, 2018 at his home.
He was born June 18, 1931 in Cuba, son of the late Juan and Vicenta (Barros) Fernandez. On August 7, 1955, he married Georgia De Posada in Havana, Cuba. She preceded him in death in 2010.
In 1967, Juan’s family moved to the East Coast, where he worked as an accountant for the Royal Insurance Company, until his retirement. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed stamp collecting and Sudoku puzzles.
Survivors include, two sons, Dr. Juan (Christine) Fernandez III, Rib Mountain and Francisco (Silvia) Fernandez, Dominican Republic; five grandchildren, Daniel (Robyn) Fernandez, Minnesota and their children, Roman and Gianna, Alex Fernandez, Guatemala, Alfredo Nicolas Fernandez, Virginia, Paola Andrea Fernandez, Virginia and her son, Blair Lucas Moss and Henrique (Patricia) Ellrich, Brazil; and one brother, Carlos (Marina) Fernandez, Florida.
Besides his parents and wife, Georgia, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Maria.
Memorial services will be at Noon on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Rev. Nathaniel Kuhn will officiate. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Paul Zopel
Paul M. Zopel, 73, Wausau, transitioned at home in the presence of his loving family on Monday Jan. 8, 2018.
He was born May 29, 1944 in Chicago, son of Vincent and Rose Zopel. On November 19, 1966 he married the love of his life, Sherry. Living family members include his wife, Sherry; children, Wendy, Justin (Alex), Adam (Mariana) and Allison. One granddaughter, Violet. Two brothers, Vincent (Mary) and Tony (Jan).
Paul was a professional musician and music educator of many students for over 40 years, including 25 years teaching the DC Everest string program. After his retirement Paul composed over 100 original jazz compositions which are performed by the Zopel Jazz Ensemble and recorded on CD. His legacy lives on as his music continues to be shared and played by his children and fellow musicians. He enjoyed saying “I am a conduit of the Divine” when asked about his inspiration.
Before his teaching career Paul was a professional dancer beginning his training in his mother’s dance studio in Chicago. He has passed on the passion for dance to his daughters by encouraging and supporting their years of dancing.
A few of Paul’s other passions include, participating in spiritual study groups, meditating, gardening, travel, biking, organic and non GMO foods and using his energy to make our lives and the world a better place.
Visitation will be held at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 W. Stewart Ave. on Saturday, January 13, 2018 from 1 to 4 PM. An inspirational remembrance sharing will be held at 4 PM. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Ellen M. Kemnitz
Ellen T. Kemnitz, 53, Wausau, died at Aspirus Hospice House on Tuesday January 9, 2018 after a three-year struggle with ovarian cancer. She will be missed by many who’s life she touched. She truly enjoyed people and helping others.
She was born January 19, 1964 in Oconomowoc to Raymond and Joan (Parker) Unrein. After graduating from Waterloo High School (1982), Ellen earned Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville in 1986. She later went on to receive a Master’s in Business Administration from Concordia University in 2012. On August 17, 1985, she married Tony Kemnitz at St Paul’s Lutheran church in Waterloo, WI. Her professional career included work as a staff accountant and then certified public accountant for various public accounting firms from 1986 until 1991. She then ran her own accounting and tax preparation practice until 2016. Her love of learning and helping others lead her to become an accounting instructor at North Central Technical College in 2000, where she regularly taught extra courses, and was the advisor for accounting club. In 2013 she joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin – Marathon County as an Assistant Professor in the Business Department. She taught accounting and business and was the facility adviser of the UWMC Business Club and collegiate DECA.
Ellen was always active in her church and community, generously volunteering her time throughout her adult life to many organizations. She was a member of the Elkhorn Jaycees, where she chaired several community service projects aimed at bringing joy to others. She also served Christ through her active participation on several church-sponsored youth and multi-generation mission trips. She was a troop leader for her children’s girl and boy scout troops. She also served as a site coordinator for VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) to assist low income individuals with their taxes. Ellen was very committed to her family and spent time planning and managing the family’s activities. She enjoyed downhill skiing, fishing, and going on vacations to see and learn new things. Her hobbies included knitting, needle point, and sewing beautiful quilts. She was a proud cheesehead and enjoyed football weekends and the UW marching band. She also served as a director of the Karl John Unrein Memorial scholarship which assisted students in achieving their educational goals.
Ellen is survived by her husband Tony, Wausau; daughter, Rebecca (Dustin Hughes) Kemnitz, Madison, son, Karl Kemnitz, Chicago and daughter Sarah (Adam) Birchem, River Falls; her parents Raymond and Joan Unrein her father and mother-in-law Tony and Chris Kemnitz, Woodruff; and brother-in-law Chris Kemnitz-Meyerson (Rebecca), nieces Jenny, Diana and nephew Daniel, Duluth, MN.
Ellen was preceded in death by a brother, Karl Unrein, grandparents Joseph and Viola Unrein and grandparents John and Roberta Parker.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 13, 2018 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1101 Elm Street, Wausau. Pastor Sue Lee will officiate. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau, at a later date. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Karl Unrein Memorial Scholarship Fund or to Wesley United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Jean Schroeder
She was born June 8, 1941, in Wausau, daughter of the late Glen and Frances (Heil) Bonkoski. On September 3, 1960, she married the love of her life (whom she always called “Boyfriend”), Carey J. Schroeder at the former St. Mary Catholic Church, Wausau. He preceded her in death January 30, 2015.
Jean, as a homemaker, lovingly devoted her life to her family and church, living by the principle “You cannot do a kindness too soon—for you never know how soon it will be too late.” With her own brand of flair and verve, she was an artist who creatively sewed, quilted, upholstered, painted, grew and arranged flowers and volunteered at her children’s schools, with the Girl Scouts, at church, and in nursing homes. She could do anything from filleting a fish to making her own curtains or sewing church vestments to gutting a deer. She and Boyfriend wintered in Florida for twelve years after Carey retired. In their later years of retirement, they quilted, gardened, canned, cooked and baked together prodigiously. Their family, especially their grandchildren and great grandchildren, were the center of their lives, their dearest joy.
Jean’s survivors include three children, Randy (Denise Bessette) Schroeder, Mosinee; Rhonda (Randy Weibel) Schroeder, Eden Prairie, Minn.; Carrie Jean (Julie Feia) Schroeder, Riverside, Calif.; four grandchildren, Tanya (Steve) Donat, Casie (Mike) Peterson, Michael Brueggeman, Stephanie (Erik) Anderson; three great grandchildren, Brooklyn Donat, Sydnee Jean Donat and Gavin Peterson; and one sister, Lois (Ferdie) Paul, Athens; and one sister-in-law, Dee Bonkoski, Merrill. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Marvin Bonkoski; and two sisters, infant Marie Bonkoski, and Loretta Hilber.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 13, 2018 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild. Rev. Allan L. Slowiak will preside. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the food pantry, the Neighbors’ Place, her favorite local charity, 745 Scott Street, Wausau. A special thank you from the family to the care managers and staff at Sunrise of Minnetonka, where she lived for the last three months of her life; they enriched and enhanced her life with exceptional, devoted care and compassion.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Marjorie Ann Archie (Graveen) died peacefully in her home on January 8, 2018. She was born to the late, Arthur and Arline (Hickman) Graveen on August 6, 1934. After seven dates she married Neil T Archie whom preceded her in death on January 26, 2013.
Marjorie had retired form Wausau insurance after many years, so that she could spend more time with her family. She enjoyed puttering in the yard, traveling to the casinos, and visiting with her family.
She is survived by her seven children Daymon (Lori Robinson) Archie, Valerie (Mark) Nienow, Rebecca (Ken) Brodjieski, Kyle (Yong Mi) Archie, Ann (Vince) Keenan all of Wausau Niki (Steve) Chai Aurora, Il and Erin Archie also of Wausau. She had 12 grandchildren whom she adored, and 13 great grand children that she loved to spend time with.
She is also survived by two sisters and a brother. Carol Zastrow, DuWayne (Bonnie) Graveen, Darlo Akey, brother-in-law Charles Loy and sister in law Gail (Mel) Konkol and a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by a sister Nancy Loy, brother-in-laws John Akey, Bill Zastrow and a granddaughter Kayla Archie. A celebration of life for Marge is held at the John J. Buettgen Funeral Home 948 Grand Ave Schofield on Friday January 12, 2018 11a.m. – 1p.m.
Sally A Zimick (Babl), age 81, passed away at home on January 8, 2018.
She is survived by her husband Leon Zimick, daughter Catherine Thomas, son David Zimick, a granddaughter Katie Zimick, and three great grandsons Myles, Mason, and Ashton.
She is also survived by her sisters Bonnie Ion (Babl), Shirley Heinrich (Babl), and one brother James Babl. Preceded in death by her parents Arnold and Ann Babl, brother Gerald Babl, and her grandson Joshua Zimick.
She was born July 18, 1936 in Wausau, WI and was a member of the first class to graduate from D.C. Everest.
On August 18, 1956 she married Leon Zimick. They celebrated their 61st anniversary on 8/18/17.
Sally was a registered nurse and worked most of her nursing career for Dr. Joel Dekoning at the Wausau Medical Center. When she retired, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
As Sally wished, no funeral or memorial service will be held.
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.
Timothy G. Kuhn, 63 of Birnamwood, died on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving and dedicated wife, Jean. Being the stubborn goat that he was, Tim died having enjoyed years spent ignoring doctors’ advice and raising cane for those around him. He stared cancer in the face for 16 months and went out fighting despite his elation over the anticipated reunion with the Lord, Our Savior, his son, Mark Timothy and his mother, Eva Kuhn.
He was born on November 11, 1954 in New Mexico to the late Louis W. Kuhn and Eva Hartman Kuhn. Tim was intelligent, witty and a staunch advocate of those with special needs.
Tim graduated from Juneau High School in 1972 and served in the United States Army from 1974-1976. After an honorable discharge, he became a butcher, prompting his life-long love for making his own brats, sausage, and bacon. He married Gloria Jean Giese and together they had a son, Kyle Kuhn, in 1986. Tim was inspired to become a Registered Nurse after watching Gloria lose her battle with cancer in 1988.
Tim realized lightening does strike twice when he married the second love of his life, Jean Rader, in 1989. Tim’s second son, Mark, was born in 1988. Tim and Jean fostered Mark as an infant and officially adopted Mark in 1991. Tim was proud of his sons and especially proud when Kyle joined the United States Air Force in 2010.
Tim is survived by his wife, Jean Kuhn of Birnamwood; his son, Kyle Kuhn, of Colorado Springs, CO; his siblings, Regan (Joe) Kanaley of Mexico, NY, Bridget Wilson of Eldorado City, CA, Nancy (Frank) Nichols of Tuscon, AZ, Christine (Sam) Sampley of Marion, MT, William Kuhn of Happy Camp, CA, Guy Kuhn of Oconto Falls, WI, Eva (Robert) Moreno of Glendale, AZ, Maria (Terry ) Frederick of Menomonee, WI and Thaddeus Kuhn of Palm Harbor, FL and many nieces, nephew, cousins and extended family.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Eva Kuhn; his son, Mark Timothy Kuhn; his first wife, Gloria Kuhn; his mother and father-in-law, John and Anna Rader; his brothers-in-law, John Rader and Edward Paul Wilson; his sister-in-law, Sharon Kuhn as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, clients and friends.
The family would like to thank LeRoyer Hospice of Antigo, Dr. Christopher Peterson and staff, and especially the wonderful nurses and friends who helped care for and nurture Tim during his final days. A special thank you also goes out to Father Tony Ibekwe for his multiple phone calls and visits.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, January 19, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Birnamwood. Fr. Anthony Ibekwe will officiate. Inurnment will be held in the spring in the parish cemetery.
Visitation will be on Friday at the church beginning at 9:30 AM until the time of service. Military rites will be conducted by Darling-Gunderson Post #341, American Legion. A celebration of life meal for family and close friends will follow the Mass at Chet and Emil’s. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
