Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
William “Bill” Hintz
William “Bill” E. Hintz, 81 of Wausau, passed away at his home on Thursday, January 11, 2018, with his loving wife by his side. Bill was born in Wausau on March 28, 1936 to the late Herman and Sylvia (Tesch) Hintz. After graduating from Wausau High, Bill joined the United States Army, where he served honorably from 1955 to 1957. He was awarded the Rifle and Good Conduct Medals and was given the Sharpshooter Decoration.
Bill married the love of his life, JoAnn “Joie” Nielsen, on June 7, 1958 at Grace United Church of Christ in Wausau, Wisconsin. Together they raised five wonderful children and own and operate several businesses together. Bill worked at Marathon Press, starting in the art department,
becoming Vice President at the age of 22. He worked there for 20 years, before venturing out on his own; purchasing Roto Graphic Printing in 1974 in Schofield, operating out of a garage in the back of the previous owners home with two employees and his family. They continued to grow and relocated the business to 500 S. 38th Avenue, in Wausau for many years. Bill had his dream come true, when his son asked to him to purchase some equipment from the former Marathon Press facility which was closed. Well, he didn’t just buy equipment; he ended up buying it all. In March of 2003, Roto Graphic moved to the 50,000 square foot facility, located at 255 S. 80th Avenue, Wausau, where his two sons, Bob and Jon, and daughter, Tina, continue to operate the printing company. Along with the Wausau Plant, Roto Graphic also has a printing firm in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He, along with his family, have made Roto Graphic one of Wisconsin’s most diverse printing companies around!
His other love in life was Star Lake in Vilas County, Wisconsin. Camping and fishing in Star Lake, for many years, with his family. In 1980 North Star Lodge went up for sale; his son asked him to purchase it, and he did. Now, Hintz’s North Star Lodge is known for their great food and family-like atmosphere. His son, Bill, chef and manager, and his daughter Laurie continue to operate with him.
He was the Town Chairman of Stettin for 13 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, was an avid bowler, and loved the Green Bay Packers.
Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years, JoAnn “Joie”; his children, Laurie (Jim) Bornowski, William J. Hintz (Will Roach), Robert (Paula) Hintz, Jonathan Hintz, and Kristine ”Tina” (Tim) Spees; Grandchildren, Jerret Parker, Ashlee (Jim) Huempfner, Broc Hintz, Mitch (Rachel) Hintz,
Calli (Scott) Paro, Leah (Korey) Klein, David (Mandy) Hintz, Samantha (Corbin) Johnson, Michael Wischmeyer, Savannah Spees, Scott and Todd Bornowski. Great Grandchildren: Aiden, Aria, Brett, Braylee, Jesse, Hallie, Caden and Liam Parker. He is further survived by his siblings, Janet(Joel) McClure, Evelyn (Darold) Wegner, Bonnie (DuWayne) Graveen, Kathleen (Ron) Speener, Virginia Hintz, and Bruce (Joyce) Hintz. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald.
Funeral services will take place at 11:00 am on Friday January 19, 2018
at Grace United Church of Christ, 535 S. Third Avenue, Wausau. Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 18, 2018 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm and again on Friday, from 10:00 until the time of services, all to take place at the church. Entombment will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau, where full Military Honors will be provided by Montgomery-Plant-Dudley Post 10.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship is being set up in Bill’s name at:
Community Foundation of Northcentral Wisconsin
500 S. First Street, Suite 2600
Wausau, WI 54403
Phyllis Ashton
Phyllis Ashton, 91 of Weston, passed away in her home on Friday, January 12, 2018.
Survivors include her three children, Lynn (Bill) Spindler, Greg (Deb) Ashton, and Sue (Tom) Stefonik; eight grandchildren, Lisa (Shawn) Thomas and Amy (Erik) Evenson, Naomi (Sasha) Wisnewski, Natasha (CJ) Nichols, and Mikela Zuelsdorff, Trescha Kay (Charlie Giese), Brandon (Suki) Purdeu, Casie (Joseph) Wilcox; and four great grandchildren, Megan Nguyen, Ashton and Tanner Wilcox, and Navi Purdeu. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Ashton in 1995.
Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 18 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 503 Schmidt Ave., Rothschild, WI. Rev. Rich Block will officiate. Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Interment will be held at Cemetery of the Pines in Boulder Junction, WI at a later date.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.brainardfuneral.com
Steve A. Medvecz
Steve A. Medvecz “Gramps” of Wausau passed away Thursday January 11, 2018 at Pride TLC in Schofield. Steve was born in Wausau at the family farm in the Town of Hewitt on June 23, 1924 and resided there until his marriage to Aldine Violet (Krejci) in 1959. At that time he moved to town taking residence for a short time on Henrietta St. in an apartment until he and Violet purchased the family home at 824 East Thomas St. There he resided from 1963 until this past October when he moved to Pride Assisted Living.
Steve married Violet at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Wausau on August 8, 1959, and each was truly the other’s better half. We take comfort at this difficult time in knowing he is with her again and that together they can rest in the care of our Lord. He endured a lot of pain these past years, his hands so twisted and knees worn out from a lifetime of hard work and memories made. But through it all he still could smile, share a laugh, and was happy to tell a tale of wisdom from his 93 years of real life experience.
Steve worked on his family farm as a young man and at the age of 18 he took a job working for his lifetime friend Herb Beyer, who was also from the Town of Hewitt. Together with a crew of hard working men, they built many barns and made priceless memories in and around Central Wisconsin. He also worked as a mason before he took permanent employment at Drott where he was the Maintenance Foreman until his retirement in 1984. He took great pride in his work and cherished the friendships made working the land, building barns and stone walls, and spoke often of all the boys at Drott.
Steve’s passion was spending time with his grandchildren, and recently his great grandson Bowen who could instantly make Gramps smile. He never missed a baseball game from little league through high school cheering on Scott’s team and he sat many hours in the 4-H barns with Carley. He loved to hunt with all the boys, Ben, Carley and Scott and looked forward to annual hunting stories with Lance, Christian and Trevor. He nurtured Stephanie’s love of horses from the time she was very little, giving her pony rides on his back until he was able to get her Bucky the farm horse; and recently they just enjoyed talking horses and tractors. He was proud of the beautiful Hannah and her independent spirit. He enjoyed traveling to Alabama to visit Valerie, Emmily and Susan. He loved driving around with them in “the valley”, seeing the sights, making new friends, and he really cherished their southern hospitality.
Steve really enjoyed driving around the Town of Hewitt in his big Chevy station wagon and later his big blue Lincoln. He put on many miles checking on all the neighbors in the township, driving down Hill Road to check in with Ruthie or Scott, or to go to Antigo or to the Pub with Stevie, and he loved just looking at the woods and fields. His favorite job other than cutting wood was watching over his nephew Bob’s cabin where he was Chief in Charge of damage control inflicted by beavers and porcupines. And he really loved all the Perkin’s goodies, muffins and meals delivered with love from Karen.
Survivors include 3 children, son Stephen, daughter Karen (Allan) Klay and daughter Ruth Blado. 8 grand-children Susan (Charlie) Hincy, Valerie (Lance) Arnold, Emmily (Jason) Smith, Stephanie Schroeder, Benjamin (Cara) Schroeder, and Hannah Klay, Carley (Tracy) Blado and Scott (Rebecca) Blado. 8 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by his dear sister Irene (Jim) Mertens and sister-in-law Agnes Medvecz, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Aldine Violet, daughter Mary Ann, parents Ethel and Stephen Medvecz, brothers Michael and Joseph, sister Ethel and an infant brother.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at The Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 621 N 2nd St, Wausau. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 15, 2018, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel, 522 Adams Street, Wausau, and again on Tuesday, from 9:00 am until the time of services at the church. Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.
The family wishes to extend a since thank you to the wonderful caring staff at Pride TLC. Steve was only there a few months but in that time he and our family received a lifetime of hugs, compassion, and care.
Steve “Gramps” was truly a legend and will be dearly missed by so many people who have had the honor to hear a story or two from this wise old man who always responded to “how are you doing” with “as compared to what?” As compared to life on earth, finally this sweet man can say “I am resting well, no more pain.”
Vivian Ruechel
Vivian Nettie Ruechel, 94, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Vivian (and her twin sister Lillian, who survives) were born on August 28, 1923 in Wausau to the late Edward and Anna (Thyes) Ruechel. Vivian and Lillian went to school in the town of Maine and lived together all of their lives.
Vivian was employed at Connor Forest Industries for many years and she enjoyed traveling, crafts and caring for her family. Vivian was a life-long member of Salem Lutheran Church where she enjoyed worshipping. Vivian volunteered for many years at Dime & Dollar and Salem Lutheran Church.
Vivian is survived by her twin, Lillian, and sisters, Mildred Wurster, Wausau, Mabel Clemens, Cloquet, MN, and brothers, Elroy and Berden, both of Wausau and many nieces and nephews.
Vivian was preceded in death by her brothers, Floyd, Elmer, Adolph, Fred and Marvin.
The funeral service for Vivian will be at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 19, 2018 at Salem Lutheran Church, Wausau. Rev. Jeff Mahnke will officiate. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the church on Friday. Entombment will be at Restlawn Mausoleum. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
A sincere word of appreciation goes to Dr. Steven Nichols and Dr. Hamied Rezazadeh for their years of compassionate care for Vivian.
Gene Christian
Gene Franklin Christian was born in Wausau, WI on June 9, 1942. He went to his heavenly home on the evening of January 13, 2018. He was 75 years old.
Gene’s parents were Franklin and Viona (Steffen) Christian. They preceded him in death. Gene grew up on the family farm in the (then) Township of Maine. He would later be the 3rd generation Christian to farm this land.
Gene graduated in 1960 from Wausau High School. He later completed the farm program at NTC.
Gene served in the National Guard Red Arrow Division. Their unit was called into active duty during the Berlin Crisis. Upon returning, he worked for the Town of Maine in the Road Maintenance Department for 12 years. In 1974, he and his wife, Joyce, took over the ownership and operation of the family farm on a full time basis.
In his farming career, Gene was very environmentally conscious and strongly believed in utilizing best practice. He worked to have all of the farm land layed out in contoured strips and waterways to prevent soil erosion. He and Joyce received the “Conservation of Soil and Other Water and Related Resources” Award in 1983 from Marathon County Land Conservation. The Christian Farm was recognized as a Century Farm in 2009. Gene also served on the Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee for Marathon County. He was a past board member (9 years) and President (4 years) of the Marathon County Farm Bureau. Gene was a board member of Pine River Cheese Factory Co-op for 5 years. He also was a past supervisor for the Village of Maine.
Gene was a lifelong member of Grace Ev. Lutheran Church. He served on the church council for 18 years – 12 years as the congregation’s President. For many years he played dartball on the church league.
Gene married the love of his life – Joyce (Sturm) Christian on November 3, 1962 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. They celebrated 55 years together this past November. Together, Gene and Joyce raised three children: Brenda (James Schalow), Keith (Jennie), and Scott. Grandchildren are Matthew (Tara Schepp), Sarah, and Emily Christian and Sarah Schalow (Aaron Westman). They survive and all mourn his loss.
Gene is further survived by: his sister, Marlene (Eugene) Fehlhaber, Sister in Law, Karen Sturm, nephew Brian (Marie) Heise, and nieces Jennifer and Kelly Fehlhaber. As well, Gene is survived by special friends – a group of 5 couples who have gathered to play cards monthly for the past 50+ years: Jim and Jeannie Klinger, Eldon and Shirley Kopplin, LeRoy and Sandy Laabs, and Bob and Carol Zimmerman.
In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his parents in law, Ben and Esther Sturm, his sister Joyce (and his brother in law Roger) Heise, and his infant twin siblings Gerald and Elaine Christian.
Gene was a very social individual who always enjoyed talking and visiting with family and friends. Rare times spent relaxing usually included deer hunting or a game (or several) of sheepshead and a cold beer…if polkas were playing in the background – all the better! As well, Gene supported his grandkids in all their endeavors – be it sports, music, dance, or academics. They, truly were, his great pride and joy.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 19, 2018 at Grace Lutheran Church, 6655 Cty. Rd. A, Wausau. Reverend Joel Willitz will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau and at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
Faith, Family, Friends, …and Farming pretty much covers it for you, Dad/Grandpa. You taught us to believe and trust in God and to be faithful…to Love and Support each other as family… to always stay close and connected to each other…to maintain friendships and relationships…to work hard and be devoted – at whatever you do… and NEVER do something half-way.
Thank you, Dad/Grandpa – For being you. For giving us your strength, your faith, your character, your love and support. We will all miss you so very much. We will all carry you in our hearts always-Till we meet again.
Lydia Theresa Laska
Lydia Theresa Laska, 92, Wausau, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was called home to God and her precious Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 12, 2018. Lydia was born on Feb. 24, 1925 to the late Joseph and Valeria (Landowski) Burclaw in Torun, Wisconsin.
Her early years were spent working on the family farm. Later, during WWII she was a “Rosie Riveter” making Walkie-talkies and batteries for General McArthur in Milwaukee and Wausau.
On July 3, 1948, Lydia married Henry Laska and he preceded her in death on Jan. 11, 2015. They had met dancing at Colonial Ballroom. Mom loved to tell Dad that he would have to catch up with her, as she was 4 months older. As wife and mother, she was industrious in sewing, baking, canning, cooking and kissing “owies” away. Her fresh bread could be smelled walking up the driveway into the house.
Mom worked hard washing clothes in the old wringer washer. Working many years as a salad lady for 2510 Restaurant, she created some recipes still favored today.
Lydia and Henry were founding members of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Wausau, which they attended regularly and volunteered until their health started to fail. Mom belonged to St. Jude Circle as a charter member nearly 60 years. She also belonged to the National Catholic Society of Foresters and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the VFW, Post 388, where they awaited her homemade lemon pies that sold before being delivered for the spring dinners.
Mom would love up on her grandchildren with overnight stays, gifts, kisses, bingo and hugs, always making goodies and treats for them. She taught her children and grandchildren how to dance.
Mom and Dad worked as a team over the years making beautiful hand-woven rugs. As they collaborated with their colors and designs, a new piece of artwork was created. People still call wanting their rugs.
When Dad ended up in a nursing home, Mom visited him faithfully. It became 2-3 times a day, when she ended up in rehab in the same home. They always shared hugs and kisses, both loving and treasuring the song, “You Are My Sunshine”.
Though a quiet woman, Mom was courageous, industrious, intelligent, kind, patient, wise with common sense and had a good sense of humor. She loved dark chocolate and enjoyed puzzles, bingo and getting more Yatzees and large straights than anyone. On Saturday and Sunday mornings you’d see her feet moving to the Polkas & Waltzes that she listened to, even while sleeping. “Waltz of the Angels” was a favorite.
She is survived and will be deeply missed by her daughters, Diane, Cathy and Julie (Randy) Laska-Punke; five grandchildren, Christopher (Amber), Nicholas, Benjamin, Elizabeth and Abraham; great-grandchildren, Brenna and Barrett; and sisters, Teckla (Dave) Cline and Wanda. She was also preceded in death by her infant daughter, Mary Ann; brothers, Tony (Sadie), Leonard (Virginia), Emil (Lorraine), Daniel and Johnny; and sisters, Clara (Ray) Karch and Sylvia (Leo) Ksiozk.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon on Monday Jan. 22, 2018 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Peter Kieffer will preside. Visitation on Monday will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the services at the church. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Family and friends may call from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.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
Richard J. Becker “Dick” age 78, was surrounded by his family as he was carried to his heavenly home on January 12, 2018 after a valiant battle with cancer. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
Richard was born to the late George and Adeline “Heckendorf” Becker, in Athens, WI. He served his country in the US Army and Army Reserves from 1962 – 1968 with accommodations in Expert Badge (Carbine), Sharpshooter (Rifle) and Marksman (Missile). He worked for Athens Cooperative for 8 years, Cloverbelt Cooperative of Wausau for 33 years as an agronomist, and then rounded out his career with Cenex Land-O-Lakes. During retirement, he kept busy in private lawn care services for over 10 years.
He was blessed with a loving family after meeting his wife, Janice (Jeanne) Paulson of Wausau through a blind date! They were married on November 16, 1968. Richard helped raise 3 children with patience, discipline and humility. He taught them to read, write and solve life problems. He often took them to Northern Wisconsin to see the state’s natural beauty and loved to go fishing and hunting with his family. Richard loved his wife and family very much; he was a kind, strong and soft-spoken person, always making time to help others wherever he could. He loved our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator.
Richard is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his daughters Rhonda (Donnie) Abel, Kronenwetter, WI; Roxanne (Todd) Peterson (Scottsdale, AZ); and his son Rick (Chris) Becker, Wausau, WI; grandchildren; Casey Peterson (Scottsdale, AZ) and Samantha Peterson, (Mosinee, WI); step grandchildren; Megan, Emma and Tyler Modjewski, nieces; Marilyn (Ed) Lahr; Janet (Jon) Kemp and Lisa (Leif) Larson. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sister-in-laws; Arlon (Alice) Becker and Norman (Virginia) Becker.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at Highland Community Church on Thursday, January 18th, with Pastor Jeff Hinds officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of Service at 11a.m. with a luncheon to follow. The family would especially like to thank Carla, Bev and Jen of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services and Dr. Christopher Peterson and his team at the Aspirus Regional Cancer Center for their care, compassion and dedication. Prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted at www.honorone.com.
Bernice Grace Breitenstein was called to rest on January 11, 2018 at St. Clare’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family. After braving a series of health issues for three years; her strong spirit was no longer a match for her tired body. She was born to the late Henry and Martha (Zoromski) Koback. In 1950, she married her late husband; Jerome (JB) and they went on to have 3 children; Linda, Tom and Pat, all residing in Knowlton. Bernice is survived by one brother; Andy Koback, three sisters; Emily Tokarski, Delores Toboyek, and Mary Jean Grassl. She has 4 grandchildren; Kim, Brandi, Tracy and April. Bernice was also blessed with 6 great grandchildren; Dylan, McKenzie, Devin, Logan, Caleb and Alessandra.
She is preceded in death by her two sisters; Esther, Irene and four brothers; Stanley, Raymond, John and Clarence.
Bernice belonged to the St. Francis Cabrini Society and St. Mary’s Circle. She was most proud of the time spent caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren as they grew. She loved to Polka dance and when her health no longer allowed her to, Bernice would tap her toes and hum along to the music.
Services will be held at John J. Buettgen Memorial Chapel 900 Old Highway 51, Mosinee on Friday, January 19, 2018 from 3:30p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer service at 6:30 p.m. officiate by Father Marion Talaga. John J. Buettgen is assisting family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
Lloyd Arnold Tetzloff, 92 passed away January 9, 2018 after a short illness. He was born on April 16, 1925 to Frank and Mary (Dulski) Tetzloff. Lloyd enjoyed spending time with family and friends, reading, and following a variety of sports. He could fix almost anything that needed tinkering! Lloyd was employed by Consolidated Paper Co. as a Power Dispatcher until his retirement in 1988.
He is survived by his wife Elaine (Gillis) Tetzloff, one daughter Ann (Mike) Preis, Greenfield, 3 grandchildren, Amy (Tim) Reichert, Matt (Renee) Preis and Joy (fiancé Andy Kotecki) Preis, great grandchildren Madison, Natalie, and Alyssa Reichert and Sawyer Preis. Also survived by 1 brother Maynard (Rose) Tetzloff, 3 step- daughters, Jennifer Richgels, Jody (Glenn) Federwitz, Jeanne (Les) Nakamoto, step grandchildren Lisa ( Ben) Xagas, Renee (Eric) Lyon, Brian Richgels, Amy ( Vic) Romandine and step great-grandchildren Dominic Romandine, Addy, Beckett & Piper Xagas, and Axel & Isla Lyon. Lloyd is survived by many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his 1st wife Virginia (Mushinski), son David, parents, 5 brothers and 4 sisters.
Lloyd attended the Pleasant Valley elementary school and graduated from Amherst High School in 1943. He attended the Coyne Electrical School in Chicago in 1945. He served in the Armed Forces in 1946 & 1947. He was employed at Staabs Electric for 4 years prior to Consolidated Paper Co.
He was married to Virginia Mae Mushinski from 1953 until her death in 1988.
He was also a member and officer in the Wis. Power Dispatchers Association and a member of the Catholic War Veterans.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the America Cancer Society.
Lloyd will be remembered as a good, kind, holy and gentle man who always thought of others first. He loved a good joke and had a hearty laugh and a wonderful smile.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the America Cancer Society.
Services will be held at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home 631 E. Grand Ave., Wis. Rapids on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with military honors. Online condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
Robert J. Clark, 87 of Birnamwood, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Bob was born on August 29, 1930 in the town of Norrie, Marathon County, the son of the late Earl and Julia (Pietz) Clark. On October 16, 1954, Bob was united in marriage to Shirley Matz at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, Birnamwood. She survives.
He was baptized and confirmed as an adult on November 11, 1955. Bob was an active member of St. Paul’s, serving as both a trustee and Elder.
He worked with his father farming and then served honorably in the Army during the Korean War. Bob received a hardship discharge after one year. He was a member of the Birnamwood Memorial Post #7933 VFW and the Darling-Gunderson American Legion Post #341.
After being discharged, he continued farming and the couple purchased their own farm where they had seven children. Due to health problems, Bob left the farm and worked various jobs and operated Clark’s General Merchandise in Birnamwood for several years. He then built their present home and helped family members with their building projects. Bob’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very important, and they were recipients of his deeply ingrained work ethic. He retired from Purpose Extruded Aluminum. In his retirement years, he became an accomplished Nantucket Lightship basket weaver and participated in the Log Jam in Wausau demonstrating his talent. Bob also did rug weaving.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley of Birnamwood; his children, Roger (Susan) Clark of Kronenwetter, Gayle Jaeger of Custer, David (Sidney) Clark of Birnamwood, Dean (Sally) Clark of Birnamwood, Ronald Clark of Birnamwood, Scott (Susan) Clark of Aniwa, and Colleen Matsche of Eland; grandchildren, Jennifer Clark, Nicole (John) Peterson, Kelly Clark, Amber (Brandon) Kohls, Shawn (Sarah) Clark, Rory Clark, Adam Clark, Carrie Clark, Dana (Shane) Stuard, Chelsea Clark, Scott Clark Jr., Makayla Matsche and Michelle Matsche; great-grandchildren, Haley Clark, Tristan Clark, Owen Boyd, Noah Peterson, Stella Peterson, Quintin Kohls, Kailan Kohls, Aleesha Clark, Alison Clark, Eli Clark, Jaylan Clark and Evan Cable; step-grandchildren, Bob (Suzie) Smith, Mike (Tina) Smith, Jill (Jeremy) Resch and Robert (Fallon) Harrell; step great-grandchildren, Megan Smith, Macey Smith, Zack (Michelle) Keckhaver, Hannah Smith, Loren Smith, Alex Resch, Drew Resch and Max Resch; step-great-great-grandchild, Abel Keckhaver; brothers, Dale (Barb) Clark and Wayne (Christy) Clark; sisters, Beverly Tarras, Virginia (Glen) Breyer, Janet (Melvin) Carlson and Vicki (Richard) Schwalbach; brothers-in-law, Ed Sr. (Marion) Matz, Keith White and sister-in-law, Lois Liethen and many, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, mother-in-law, Alma (Geise) Matz; father-in-law, Frank Matz; brothers-in-law Harold Tarras, Eldo Frederick, Warren Crawford, William Liethen Jr., and Melvin Matz; sisters-in-law Eudora Crawford, Evelyn Frederick, Mildred Matz, Irene Matz, and Mildred White; nephews Nels Jacobson, Kevin Frederick, Kenneth Frederick, and Lori Sells.
The funeral service will be held at 2PM on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Birnamwood. Rev. Matthew Christians will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood with military rites conducted by the American Legion. Visitation will be on Thursday from 12:30PM until the time of service at the church. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com and at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
An obituary will follow. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.
