Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Cynthia Slagoski
Cynthia Lea Slagoski, 62, lost her battle with breast cancer after 18 years of fighting, in the comfort of her own home on Sunday, January 21, 2018.
Cindy was born in Toole, Utah on February 20, 1955 to the late Norman and Marlene (Sherry) Shevy. She met, fell in love and married her true love, Wayne Slagoski on April 14, 1990 in Rothschild, Wisconsin. She worked as a Line Technician at Kraft Foods for 36 ½ years before retiring in 2013.
Cindy lived life with passion and love in her heart. She loved every moment she spent with her husband; whether it was going somewhere tropical or just taking a walk around the neighborhood. She also enjoyed going snowmobiling, golfing, snorkeling or just being outdoors working in her garden. But most important to Cindy were her family and friends. Cindy loved going to Packer games and tailgating with Wayne, Dave and Sandy. She cherished every moment that she spent with each and every one of them.
Cindy is survived by her husband, Wayne; son, Joshua Slagoski; son-in-law, Jason Hungerford; grandson, Jonathon Slagoski; brother Steve Shevy; sisters, Kim (Jim) Sether, Chris Weisenberger and Julie (Lloyd) Pete.
Beside her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Jason Seymour; daughter-in-law, Andrea Slagoski and her sister Susan Kubisiak.
Memorial services will take place at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Brainard Funeral Home-Weston Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court. Chaplain Terri Hernandez will officiate. Visitation will take place from 3:00 pm until the time of services at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated in Cindy’s name to the Humane Society of Marathon County.
The family would like to thank the staff at Ministry Hospice Home Care as well as Palliative Care and Dr. Claessen and Julie for their compassion and care.
Mary Oldenburg
Mary Kaufman Oldenburg, 93, of Wausau, died peacefully with family by her side on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Mary was born in Antigo, Wisconsin on February 3, 1924, the daughter of the late Elmer and Eleanora (Anderson) Kaufman. On June 14, 1947, she was united in marriage to Ralph Oldenburg at Peace Evangelist Lutheran Church in Antigo, Wisconsin.
She was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1946 with a BS in Home Economics. She started her career as a County Home Agent in Clark County, Wisconsin. Following a hiatus during which she raised five children, she went back to work as a Hostess for Civic Newcomers. She followed that with employment as the Home Economist for Wisconsin Fuel and Light Company, a Home Economics teacher at Newman High School, and a consultant to the Marathon County Commission on Aging.
Mary was active in the Wausau community. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for more than 50 years and active in the Welfare Workers group and Bible studies. She also was a Charter Member of the Marathon County Graduate Home Economists; she attended meetings and gatherings of the group until her death.
Mary was a talented seamstress and an exceptional cook. She was interested in the world around her and a continuous learner. She learned how to use her computer, email, and Facebook in her 80’s and listened avidly to Wisconsin Public Radio throughout her life. Mary loved poetry and could always come up with an appropriate quote, whether from Emily Dickinson or Edgar Guest. Mary made friends with everyone she met and kept track of what was happening with the people she loved.
Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph Oldenburg, her parents, and her brother, Richard Kaufman. She is survived by her loving family, including her five children: Julie (John) Phend, Milton (Maureen) Oldenburg, Suzanne (Richard) Schroeder, Janice (Jonathon Ninnemann) Oldenburg, and Mark Oldenburg; 11 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the devoted staff at Primrose for the care and attention they lavished on her during the last eight years of her life.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, January 26, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m., Thursday, January 25, at the Helke Funeral Home, as well as the hour before the service on Friday morning at Trinity Lutheran Church, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Memorials may be made in Mary Oldenburg’s name to: Trinity Lutheran Church or Wisconsin Public Radio. If Trinity Lutheran Church, send donations to 501 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401; if Wisconsin Public Radio, donate online at www.wpr.org/donate and include in notes that it is a memorial for Mary Oldenburg.
James Heller
James Allen Heller, 77, of Ogema, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at Marshfield Medical Center.
He was born on November 16, 1940 in Marshfield to the late Milton and Alma (Spindler) Heller. James grew up in Rib Mountain and was a graduate of Wausau High School. He attended Northcentral Technical College and received a degree in accounting. After working in the Wausau area for many years, first in accounting and later with his own business in millwork, James retired to the northwoods of Wisconsin.
James loved his time outdoors and always kept himself busy. He could be found working in his garden, flower beds, or planting and nurturing his apple trees. James also enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as the camaraderie that went along with those activities.
Survivors include his friend and companion, Sharon Dering; son, Scott (Denise) Heller; grandchildren, Morgan, Chase, and Ryan Heller; and brother, Ronald Heller.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Heller; parents; grandson, Brandon Heller; and sister, Earlene Burns.
A memorial service will be at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at Grace United Church of Christ, 535 South Third Ave., Wausau, with Rev. Julie Goranson officiating. Friends and family may call beginning at 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place in Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas, at a later date.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Estlene “Eddie” Venske
Estlene “Eddie” Venske, 82, of Wausau, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born on November 10, 1935, to the late Harrison and Bertha Lee (Hall) Bryant at home in Ulysses, Kentucky. Eddie grew up on the family farm in Ulysses and helped her parents with different jobs including beekeeping with her dad. On May 5, 1956 she was united in marriage to Frank Venske at home on the farm. Frank accepted a position with Wausau Paper after his military service, which brought the couple to Wausau, and back to Frank’s hometown.
In addition to working in the home and raising her and Frank’s children, Estlene worked for over 10 years for Wausau Catering. She also enjoyed flowers and gardening.
Survivors include her husband, Frank; children, Charles (Barb), Renee (Wayne) Wiedeman, David, and Christopher (Kerri); grandchildren, Keith (Norma), Vicki, and Steven; great-grandchild, Kahli; and brother, Charles (Helen) Bryant.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Monville, Earnest, and Earsel; and sisters, Garnett, Flory, Ivrene, and Allean.
A funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, with Pastor Jeff Martinson officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service in the funeral home. Burial will take place in Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Suzanne Leona Lenard
Suzanne Leona Lenard, 95, Wausau, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Acorn Hill in Mosinee.
She was born July 17, 1922 on a farm in Rosholt, daughter of the late Leon and Frances (Frydach) Bruski. In September of 1942, she married Henry Joseph Yach Sr., he preceded her in death in August of 1969. On August 12, 1972, she married Theophilus “Phil” Francis Lenard in Wausau. He preceded her in death in June of 1998.
Suzanne was a longtime President’s Club Avon representative. For many years, she was a dedicated member of the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus. She was the most angelic, compassionate, gentle, kind and loving mother, mother-in-law, step-mother, grandmother, step-grandmother, sister and friend.
Survivors include seven children, Roy (Linda) Yach, Weyauwega, Henry Jr. (Sandy) Yach, Rib Mountain, Judy (Rev. Dr. Gary) Uttech, Tomahawk, Bill (Sharon) Yach, Rib Mountain, Bob (Cheryl) Yach, Kronenwetter, Sandy (Mark) Loos, Wausau and Randy (Mary) Yach, Kronenwetter; four step-children, Margaret Treu ,Vivian (Merle) Van Horne, JoAnn (Merlin) Alexander and Tony (Mary) Lenard; 19 grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; four siblings, Helen Cislewicz, Kronenwetter, Clarence (Blondie) Bruski, Wittenburg, Eddie (Joyce) Bruski, Milwaukee, and Leone Bruski, Stevens Point; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and both husbands, she was preceded in death by seven siblings.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. Rev. Peter Kieffer will preside. Burial will be in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Acorn Hill, 430 Orbiting Drive, Mosinee, WI 54455.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
James G. Erickson
James G. Erickson, 92, Wausau, died Friday January 19, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born November 15, 1925 in Wausau, son of the late George and Lydia (Abraham) Erickson. On November 12, 1949, he married Mary Narloch at Holy Name Catholic Church, Wausau.
Jim served his country honorably in World War II in the Army Air Force. He retired from the former Employers Mutual Insurance Company as Director of Purchasing after 40 years of employment. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Elks Lodge No. 248, Wausau.
Survivors include his wife, Mary; seven children, Janice (Everette) Strahl, Green Bay, Gregory (Jan) Erickson, Oconomowoc, Michael (Barbara) Erickson, Lake Geneva, Thomas (Karen) Erickson, Wausau, Sue Ann (Bill) Schmidt, Torrington, Wyo., Margaret (Joe) Langteau, Longboat Key, Fla., Mary Beth (David) Doll, McFarland; 22 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Glenn Erickson.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Noon, Friday January 26, 2018 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau and again on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Matthew Parish or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in care of the family.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Adeline Pilgrim
Adeline I. Pilgrim, 88, died Sunday, January 21, 2018 at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau.
She was born May 31, 1929 in Edgar, daughter of the late Henry and Lily (Borchardt) Draeger. On October 1, 1955 she married William Pilgrim at St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church, Edgar. He preceded her in death on November 6, 2013.
Adeline enjoyed crocheting, gardening, playing cards and Bingo.
Survivors include her three children, Dale Pilgrim, Debbie Pilgrim, both of Edgar and Dean (Margarita) Pilgrim, Fairfax, Virginia; four grandchildren, Miranda (Steve) Diehn, Amanda (Brian) Fraizer, Tamara Pilgrim and Sara Pilgrim; two great-grandsons, Kaden and Conner Fraizer; sister, Esther Pilgrim.
Besides her parents and husband, William, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Lydia Pilgrim, Mildred Tuscher and Arlene Draeger.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 25, 2018 at St. Stephen Evangelical Lutheran Church, Edgar. Rev. Gail Sowell will officiate. Burial will be in the Edgar Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Heather and the staff at Copperleaf Assisted Living, Marathon and Mary and the team at Hospice House for their kind, compassionate care of Adeline.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Betty Adams
Betty R. Adams, 87, died Saturday January 20, 2018 at Rennes Health and Rehab Center, Weston.
She was born November 6, 1930, in Green Bay, daughter of the late Charles and Flora (VanHecke) Rousseau. On January 27, 1951, she married John Quincy Adams II in Green Bay.
Betty had been employed as a Bookkeeper Supervisor at Wausau Insurance Credit Union until the time of her retirement. After her retirement, she worked 15 years part-time for Riiser Energy.
Betty loved to spend time with family and friends. As a grandmother, she never missed a chance to go to her grandchildren’s sporting events, concerts, dance recitals, award banquets, and many other activities. Betty’s life was a shining example of a life well lived. Not through the accumulation of stuff, rather through her unwavering relationships with family and friends. Betty understood life’s true meaning is derived from relationships. She had a servant’s heart and constantly gave selflessly to help her family, neighbors and friends, and complete strangers through her ministries at church and the hospital.
Faith and the church community of St. Matthew Parish were very important in Betty’s life. Included among her many involvements there were, member of the Ladies Council, St. Patrick Circle, Eucharistic Minister, Fun Days Dining Room chairperson, Girl Scout organizer and involvement in the Charismatic Movement in the Catholic Church since 1976. Betty also was a Pastoral Care volunteer at Aspirus Hospital for 21 years. From her days in eastern Wisconsin, Betty was a loyal, dedicated fan of the Green Bay Packers. She attended over 150 Packer games. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten by the many whose lives she touched.
Survivors include a son, John Q. (Carrie) Adams, Wausau, three daughters, Patricia A. (Dan) Hull, Thorp, Mary B. Seehafer, Wausau, Judy A. (Steve) Pophal, Janesville; grandchildren, Jessica (Matt) Gardner, Jason (Julie) Hull, Juliane (Jimmy) Petranovich, Joshua (Katie) Hull, Benjamin (Kimberly) Hoenisch, Jordan Hoenisch, Marisa (Robbie Woldt) Seehafer, Elizabeth (Diego Cuenca) Pophal, Bradley Pophal, John Q. Adams IV and Jake Adams; great grandchildren, Raedyn & Baeret Gardner, Quinn & Grayson Hull, Claire & Carli Petranovich, Wyatt & Brinley Hull, Anja & Anika Hoenisch and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband and parents, Betty was preceded in death by, her son-in-law, Jim Seehafer, a granddaughter, Sara Hoenisch and siblings, Kenneth (Mary) Rousseau, Maxine (Ken) Cashman, Chester (Irene) Rousseau and Douglas (Vi) Rousseau.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Noon, Thursday January 25, 2018 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue and again on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for St. Matthew Parish. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
A special thank you to the staff at Renaissance Assisted Living and Rennes Health and Rehab for the compassionate and exceptional care given to Betty during her time with them.
Roger R. Lenzner
Roger R. Lenzner, 68, Merrill, died Saturday, January 20, 2018 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born January 31, 1949 in Wausau, son of the late Roy and Victoria (Krall) Lenzner. On October 16, 1971, he married Karen Schlag at Zion Lutheran Church, town of Maine. She survives.
Roger served his country in the United States Army from September 1969 until August 1971 and serving in the Vietnam War. On October 18, 1971 Roger started his career with the Wausau Police Department as a Patrolman, and later was promoted to Detective Sergeant. He retired in August of 2001 as Inspector of Detectives after 30 years of service. Roger was also a range officer for the Wausau Police Department and taught at North Central Technical College as a firearms instructor for the Police Science recruits.
Some of his hobbies included camping, hunting with family and friends and fishing up North and in the Upper Peninsula. He was known for his amazing sense of humor and was always thinking up his next prank. Roger also enjoyed traveling with wife, Karen, visiting all 50 states, various cruises and casino trips across the country. He was an excellent woodworker, building all three homes he lived in as well as building his children’s homes. Above all Roger was a family man who loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Karen Lenzner, Merrill; children, Debra (Shane) Heilmann, Wausau and Terri Lenzner, Mount Juliet, Tennessee; grandchildren, Emily and Matthew Heilmann, Wausau; siblings, Carol Jean (James) Krummel, Minocqua, Dale (Lauren) Lenzner, Wausau, Donald Lenzner, Wausau, Gloria Ruether, Wausau and Sharon (David) Larsen, Wausau; brother-in-law, Robert (Marlene) Schlag, Merrill; and many very loved nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wilbert and Floretta Schlag.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at the Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Nathaniel Kuhn will preside. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 23, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau and again on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the Church of St. Anne, Wausau.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Benjamin Burger
Benjamin Henry Burger, 88, Wausau, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at his home, under the care of his granddaughter, Katie, her husband, Chris and their children, Chris Jr. and Bobbi Stockman, along with Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born November 11, 1929 in Wausau, son of the late Hubert and Selma (Prahl) Burger, and was the youngest of four sisters and five brothers who all preceded him in death. On February 20, 1950, he married Mary Duquette at St. James Catholic Church, Wausau. She preceded him in death in 2013.
Ben lived his whole life in Wausau. He was blessed with five boys, Ben Jr. (Kathy) Burger, Merrill, Brian Burger, California, Bruce (Kim) Burger, Oregon, Bob Burger who passed in 2010, and Blake (Lisa) Burger, Wausau; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, Dan Burger, Jason (Aurora) Burger and their children Zander and Genevieve, Mark (Courtney) Burger and their children Ila and Thomas, Chris (Amy) Burger and their child Lane, Katie (Chris) Stockman and their children Chris Jr. and Bobbi, and Matt Burger.
Ben enjoyed playing sheepshead, fishing, traveling to all 50 states and overseas to Europe. He enjoyed many years going up to the family cottage in Rhinelander and attending many church dinners. For 29 years, he worked at James Rivers Corp. in Wausau.
Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Burial will be on Friday at St. Joseph Cemetery, Wausau.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Lawrence (Larry) Edward Last, 72, of Wausau, passed away on January 20, 2018 unexpectantly at home. He was born on August 14, 1945 to Clarence and Laura (Becker) Last. He is survived by his wife JoAnn Gluck (Last) of 51 years, Daughter, Kelly (Darrell) Ekum of Mosinee, Daughter, Tracy (Chris) Witscheber of Wausau, and Son, Jeffery (Fiancé Michelle Henry) of Gleason, Grandchildren Breanna, (Friend Josh Carabella), Trever Ekum, Devin Last, Lindsey,(Friend Brad Philavanh), Jacob and Colton Pesola, Great Granddaughter, Kilee Ekum, Step Grand Children,Jacqueline and Gwendaline Witschber, Taylor Krohn, Dylan and Alexsis Henry, Sister MaryAnn (Nicholas) Bichler of Dacada, WI, Brother in Law, Richard (Karen) Gluck of Random Lake, WI, 1 niece and 4 nephews.
He is preceded in death by an infant son, both parents and both parent in laws. He served in the US Navy as a Sea-Bee during the Vietnam Era in Cuba during the Bay of Pigs. Drove truck for several years, spending 6 years team driving with his wife, both retiring and moving back to Wisconsin in 2010. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Services will be held at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home 900 Old Hwy 51, Mosinee on Saturday, January 27, 2018. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of Service at 1:30 p.m. Father Marion Talaga will be officiating. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.Honorone.com
Jon Thomas Zielsdorf, 77 of Wausau passed away surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer on January 18, 2018. He was born in Wisconsin to Henry & Celeste (Hanson) Zielsdorf on January 17, 1941. He is survived by his children, Lori Zielsdorf, St. Petersburg, FL, Todd Zielsdorf, Lacrosse, Patti (Randy) Ziebell, Janesville, grandchildren Brett, Gavin, Natalie Ziebell and Greta Zielsdorf, his brother Jim ( Carolyn) Zielsdorf and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gary Zielsdorf. He was an avid Nascar fan, loved football and his greatest joys were his children and grandchildren.
Services will be held at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home 948 Grand Ave., Schofield on Monday, January 22, 2018 with visitation at 11:00 until the time of service at 1:30 p.m. Father Norman Boneck will officiate. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
