Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
William “Bill” Sims
William “Bill” D. Sims, 62, died Tuesday, January 23, 2018.
Bill was born January 27, 1955 to the late Samuel and Harriet Sims.
He recently worked for K-Tech Building Maintenance. He lived with his twin brother Bob and younger brother Chuck. Bill lived the outdoors and in the summer, you could find him up in the Boulder Junction area on a lake camping with family and friends. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, 4-Wheeling, and being with family. If he was not outdoors, you could find Bill watching either football or Nascar racing. His favorite football team was the Green Bay Packers. Bill had a good sense of humor and a loving heart. He, along with his two brothers, adopted a cat that was found outside their home, which became a permanent part of their family.
Bill is survived by two sisters Mary (Mike) Rhode, Margaret (Ken) Stengl; four brothers Mel (Bonnie), Bob, Chuck, and Jim (Jennifer); 8 nephews; 4 nieces; 8 great nieces and nephews; and his cat Snoopy.
A visitation will be Sunday, January 28 from 4pm-6pm at Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams Street Wausau and again Monday, January 29 from 9:30am until the time of service at the church. A funeral Mass will be Monday, January 29 at 10:30am at St. Michael Catholic Church, 611 Stark Street, Wausau.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Aspirus Hospice for their dedication and compassion.
Donald E. Voge
Donald Erwin Voge died January 23, 2018.
Arrangements are pending at this time with Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel.
Eileen A. Kroening
Eileen A. Kroening, 93, of Wausau, died on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Stone Crest Residence. She was born in the town of Wausau, on September 7, 1924 to the late Herman and Emma (Hollinger) Kroening.
She graduated from Wausau Senior High. She and three friends traveled to Chicago, IL to take the civil service test immediately following graduation. Which lead to Eileen working in Chicago for 43 years. She worked for the government for 27 years, employed by the Treasury Department, Bureau of the Public Debt. She transferred to the Naval department, working in naval intelligence. She then worked for the American National Bank in Chicago until retirement.
She is survived by her sister Inga Borchardt; and her nieces and nephews, Lynn, Keith, Stephen, Craig, Patrick, Mark, Debra, Debbie and Michelle.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Davis (Patricia) and Eldro, and his wives, Virginia and Francis; and sister Hazel Eckel.
Funeral services will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, January 26, 2018 at Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel, 522 Adams Street, Wausau. The Reverend Bruce Lamont will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9:00 am until the time of services at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park following the service.
The family would like to thank the staff at Stone Crest for their compassion and care for Eileen while she was there.
Marion E. Lilge
Marion Lillge, 90, of Wausau, died on Monday, January 22, 2018 at Pride Therapy and Living Campus in Weston.
Marion was born May 22, 1927, in Park Falls, the daughter of the late Richard and Esther Hartig. She was a 1945 graduate of Park Falls Lincoln High School.
After a few years working in Chicago, Marion moved to the Wausau area where she met her future husband at Employers Insurance.
She married Jack Lillge on June 26, 1948, in Park Falls.
After raising four children, Marion began working in the composing room at the Wausau Daily Herald in 1967.
She moved to the newsroom in 1970, where she wrote obituaries, eventually moved into feature stories and was affectionately known as “Mom” to the many young reporters and editors who worked there.
Marion had a penchant for limericks and poetry and was especially proud of a World of Poetry award of merit certificate she earned for a piece entitled “The Last Glass.”
Marion and Jack enjoyed 52 years of marriage, including many summers camping at Camper’s Haven north of Tomahawk.
Marion also enjoyed watching University of Wisconsin football and basketball games, Green Bay Packers football games, doing crossword puzzles and baking and cooking for family and friends.
She spent several years doing volunteer knitting of winter garments for needy children in Marathon County.
When not on the go, plenty of memories were accumulated in the 65 years on South Seventh Avenue. A vast array of clothes on the wash lines, neighborhood wiffleball games, Sunday chicken dinners in the small kitchen, cocktails and laughter with family and friends on the front porch were all staples.
Marion is survived by two daughters, Barbara (Mark) Olbrantz of Schofield and Jan (Chester) Worzella of Schofield; two sons, Jay (Debra) Lillge of Kronenwetter and Tom (Sherry) Lillge of Mosinee; six grandchildren, Jody (Rick) Stummer, Melissa (Darin) Brommer, Sara (Zach) Kerwin, Brian (Laura) Worzella, Lisa (Rick) Hubert and Mackenzie (Nick) Bradfish; and seven great-grandchildren, Katie and Kelsey Stummer, Cailer Brommer, Camilla and Clayton Hubert, Graham Kerwin and Sawyer Bradfish. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Nancy; her parents; her sister, Crystal and her husband, Jack.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 26 at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Wausau. Visitation will be at the church from 4:00 p.m. Friday until services.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com
The family would like to thank Dr. Kevin O’Connell, “Beaner”, Dr. Timothy Logemann, Aspirus Hospice and Tom and his staff at Pride Therapy & Living Campus for the excellent care Marion received and neighbors Orville and Roxie, who kept a close eye on her after Dad’s departure.
After Glow (Helen Lowrie Marshall)
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun … of happy memories that I leave when life is done
Calvin C. Chamberlain
Calvin C. Chamberlain, 89, of Wausau, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at home with his loving wife by his side.
Cal was born in Wausau to the late Ralph and Genevieve (Meyer) Chamberlain on June 17, 1928. He graduated from Wausau High School in 1946 where he was an avid football player. He went on to Lawrence University to play football and was a Steward and President of Sigma Phi Epsilon before graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1950. After college, he was recruited by the Baltimore Colts to play football, but declined the offer in order to pursue a career and family. Cal served honorably in the US Air Force for four years and taught classes at Scott Air Force Base in Bellevue, IL. He married Eunice Erdman, daughter of the late Raymond and Laura Erdman, on March 27th, 1954 in Wausau. He then took on a successful career at Wausau Insurance, where he proudly rose to the position of Executive Senior Vice President of Administrative Services and retired after 35 years.
Cal truly enjoyed the outdoors as he loved doing many activities with family and friends including camping at Crystal Lake, hunting with his son, grandson and the “Red Berets” clan. He enjoyed spending time at their cottage on Somo Lake boating, snowmobiling and fishing – especially with his favorite “fisherwoman”, Eunice. Cal was an avid Wisconsin sports fan; always ready to cheer on the Packers, Brewers and Badgers. He cherished traveling with his wife & family.
Cal was dedicated to serving his community. He was a long-time member of Kiwanis Club, serving over 40 years and helping to lead Little Olympics. He was active in Junior Achievement with over 25 years of helping students discover their career potential. He was a counselor and VP of Training for SCORE for over 17 years, assisting entrepreneurs to plan for a successful business. Other involvements include serving on the board of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Wausau, a member of the board of the Win Brockmeyer Memorial Committee, member of the Free & Accepted Masons Lodge #130, member of “Good People”, served on the board of directors for the Wausau Club, and coached Little League baseball.
Cal is survived by his loving wife and sweetheart of 63 years, Eunice; their children, Deb (Tom) Rhoda of Brookfield, Kerry (Russ) Wende of Wausau and Jeff (Cindy) Chamberlain of Sussex; four grandchildren, Dana (Adam) Brooks, Kelly Plunkett, Alexis (Chris) Lackey and Josh Chamberlain; five great-grandchildren; four extended grandchildren; five extended great-grandchildren and his brother, Ralph “Jay” (Ilene) Chamberlain. Besides his parents, Cal was preceded in death by his brothers Clarence and Richard.
A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 26, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1101 Elm Street, Wausau. The Rev. Sue Lee will officiate. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Internment will occur at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial in Cal’s name be made to an organization he participated in during his lifetime, as mentioned.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.brainardfuneral.com
Melvin L. Hirsch
Melvin L. Hirsch, 93, went to his eternal home on January 21, 2018 surrounded by his family.
Melvin was born March 28, 1924 in Wausau to the late Arthur and Amanda (nee Saager) Hirsch. He attended and graduated from Wausau High School and entered the Army in March 1942, where he served four years. He served on the Pacific Front in WWII. After the Army, Melvin played minor league baseball for the Pacific Coastal League. He married Marion Eschenbach on November 22, 1947. In 2010, Melvin had the honor of attending the Honor Flight.
Melvin is survived by his children Mary (Warren) Behm of Strum, Ellen (Howard) Klemp of Stoddard, Larry (Patricia Gilray) Hirsch of Weston, and Jane (Jim) Priebe of Weston; grandchildren Lynn (Clint) Grambort, Collin (Krystyn) Hirsch, Erica (Christopher) Pedrazolie, Cory (Candy) Hirsch, Mark (Katy) Priebe, Jared Behm, and Rani Behm; 7 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife.
Visitation will be Friday, January 26 from 4pm to 7pm at Brainard Funeral Home- Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston and again on Saturday, January 27 at the church from 9:30am until the time of service. A funeral service will be Saturday, January 27 at 11am at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1351 Grand Avenue, Schofield. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park.
Melvin’s family would like to thank the ICU Staff at St. Clares and the Weston First Responders for their dedicated care and compassion.
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.
Kevin Pijan
Kevin “Buck” Pijan, 46, died Friday, January 19, 2018 at University Hospital, Madison, WI.
He was born July 3, 1971 in Wausau, WI, son of John and Sharon (Piehl) Pijan.
Kevin is a graduate of Wausau East High Schools class of 1989, and earned his associates degree in Healthcare Business Services from North Central Technical College, Wausau, WI
Kevin enjoyed working. He served 4 years in the US Navy as a Gunners Mate aboard the USS Cayuga ported in Long Beach, CA, as Ski Lift Operator at Granite Peak, a Driver for All American Cab Company and as an Assembly Operator at Hoffers Glass Fab. He also worked as a CNA for Aspirus Wausau Hospital and as a Volunteer Fire Fighter & EMT for the Weston Fire Department.
Buck loved sports. He was an avid Brewers, Packers, Steelers, Wisconsin Badgers and Clemson Tigers fan. Many will remember him from the countless Wausau Timbers & Wisconsin Woodchuck games he attended sitting up in “The Corner” with his friends. He even had the opportunity to work for the team doing video at the ballpark. He also enjoyed skiing, NASCAR, archery, traveling, music and comedy of all kinds.
Survivors include his parents, John and Sharon Pijan; brothers, Richard Pijan and James (Lynette) Pijan, Nashville, TN; godparents, Steve Piehl and Cynthia Clancey; aunts and uncles, Nancy Pijan, Lenny and Brenda Pijan, Tim Piehl, Polly and Fritz Kimball, Sue & Joe Brisch, Terry and Alice Piehl, David Pijan, Steve and Mary Beth Piehl, Chris Piehl; fiancée, Denise Pelo; nieces, Aarian Range and Dallas (Pijan) Girard; nephews, Alan Pijan, Korbin Pijan, Tyler Pijan and Taylor Girard; great niece, Lumen Girard. As well as his many cousins and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Elizabeth Pijan, grandparents, Leonard and Vernette Pijan, William and Alice Piehl; aunts and uncles, Barbara & Harold Russ, Peggy Pijan, Shirley Piehl, Carol Pijan and Billy Piehl.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 27, 2018 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau, WI. Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau, where full military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Montgomery Plant Dudley Post No. 10, Wausau. Visitation will be Friday, January 26, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau.
Kevin’s family would like to express their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the staffs at both Aspirus Wausau Hospital & University Hospital, for their tireless and compassionate care that was provided to Kevin, and the love and kindness that was shown to their family during this most difficult time.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Clarence Weiler
He was born April 20, 1925 in the town of Bern, youngest of 14 children, son of the late Sebastian and Margaret (Gilles) Weiler. On November 1, 1980, he married Delores (Berres) Rodman in Wausau. She survives.
Clarence was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of the American Legion Chapman-Belter Post No. 4, Athens for 48 years. He owned and operated Weiler’s Bar in Athens for 37 years, where he met many people and made many lifelong friendships. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers.
Survivors include his wife, Delores, Athens; one daughter, Linda (Randy) Rodman, Milwaukee; eight step-children, Brenda (John) Klimpke, Kenai, Alaska, Tammy (Mike) Dahl, Athens, Todd Rodman, Stetsonville, Gail (Scott) Zettler, Athens, Dawn Rodman, Edgar, Noreen (Dennis) Albrecht, Marathon, Wendy (Tony) Niewolny, Athens and Troy (Erica) Rodman, Hilbert, Wis.; two sisters, Dorothy Schug, Abbotsford and Mary Bina, Viroqua; one brother, Bill Weiler, Abbotsford; daughter-in-law, Chris Weiler, South Milwaukee; sister-in-law, Marlene Jones, Ohio; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews; and his very special kitty “Gracie”.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Inez; his second wife, Bernice; two sons, Gerald and Lester; and his siblings, Sebastian “Bud”, Charlie, Hank, Nick, Theresa Kreft, Rose Gilbertson, Helen Schreiner, and three very young siblings.
The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Rev. George Graham will preside. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Athens with full military honors conducted by the American Legion, Athens and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Athens. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to his grandson, Chris Dahl for all the loving care you gave to Grandpa Clarence over the years, also, the family would like to thank the staff at Dycora and Ministry Hospice for the excellent care and support for Clarence during his stay at the nursing home.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Margaret Judith Leitner, 64 of Wisconsin Rapids born on November 6, 1953 was called to her eternal home on January 22, 2018.
Marge married Russell Leitner on January 13, 1973. Marge and Russ have two children, Ryan (Christina) Leitner of Wisconsin Rapids and Nira Mae (Chad) Fisher of Oxford, WI.
Marge and Russ had a fond love for Dalmatians, by giving 11 of them a loving home. They also shared the hobby of floral tributes for many occasions.
Marge was a seamstress artist and quilter. One of her proudest accomplishments was winning the grand prize for St. Jude’s “Quilt of Dreams”
Marge is survived by her loving family. She is further survived by one brother Stan (Anne) Glisczinski, Jr., Almond, one sister Diane (Kyle) Pray, Amherst.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Stanley Sr. and Beatrice (Poblocki) Glisczinski.
Interment will be held at Restlawn Memorial Cemetery at a future date.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
Chili WI – Richard L Pongratz Sr, 80, was born in Milladore WI on April 29, 1937 to Louis and Rose Pongratz, passed away on January 18, 2018. He attended Auburndale Public School, after school he enlisted in the army and was stationed in France from 1957-1959.
Richard worked many different jobs such as a truck driver, crane operator, worked for the pipeline and worked in the wheat fields in Montana. He returned to Wisconsin and married Christine Jacobs and worked in construction for many years. They later settled in the Chili area and raised their eight children while farming.
Richard enjoyed shaking dice, playing the accordion and listening to the Polkas on Sunday.
He is survived by eight children: Richard (Lisa) Pongratz Jr, Granton, Louie (Marecil) Pongratz, Marshfield, Barbara (Mike) Binder, Spencer, Gerald (Samantha) Pongratz, Sheldon, Bill (Amie) Pongratz, Granton, Rose (Bruce) Schmidt, Spencer, Linda Brueggen, Marshfield, Charles Pongratz, Spencer, two brothers, Carl (Betty) Pongratz, Vern (Cheryl) Pongratz and one sister Loretta (Eddy) Bushman, 22 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He is proceeded in death by his loving wife Christine Pongratz, his parents Louis and Rose Pongratz, father and mother-in-law Chris and Barbara Jacobs, one brother-in-law Chris Jacobs and one sister-in-law Pauline Krause.
Marilyn J. Vlietstra, 84 of Birnamwood, died on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Mount View Care Center in Wausau.
She was born on December 29, 1933, the daughter of the late Alva and Ella (Lorenzen) Larkey in Iowa.
Marilyn graduated from Onslow High School in 1951 and worked on the family farm until she married Jacob Vlietstra on December 1, 1956 in Wyoming, Iowa. They moved to a Wisconsin dairy farm and raised their family. He preceded her in death on February 14, 1997.
Marilyn was a member of New Hope Community Church where she was active in many groups. She bowled in the New Hope Church League and was the secretary clerk of Forestville Cemetery Association. Marilyn was a 4-H leader for 25 years, a member of HCE Homemakers for 37 years and an election clerk for the Town of Norrie. She enjoyed Brewer’s games, feeding the birds, playing cards and going out for fish fries with special friends, Evert and Betty Kruit. Marilyn liked to do many crafts, ceramics, crocheting afghans for her grandchildren and knitting hundreds of mittens and baby hats for many people.
Marilyn is survived by four children, Roger (Karen) Vlietstra of Wittenberg, Tom (Dawn) Vlietstra, Mike Vlietstra and Larry (Jennifer) Vlietstra all of Birnamwood; ten grandchildren, Kelly, Matthew and Marcus Vlietstra, Rachel (Dustin) Bauch, Keith (Mandy) Vlietstra, Megan and Molly Vlietstra, Jordan Wolff, Alex and Mason Vlietstra; six greatgrandchildren, Gavin, Gracyln, Gabrielle, Kendyl, Olyvia and Haylie; one brother, Bob Larkey of Maquoketa, IA; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters and their spouses, Roseann (Warren) Roberts and Alice (Don) Burmahl and three sisters-in-law and their spouses, Myrna Larkey, Henrietta (John) Fraaza and Grace (Dan) Merriam.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at New Hope Community Church in the Town of Easton. Rev.Larry TenHaken will officiate. Inurnment will be in Forestville Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood is assisting the family at this time. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
The family would like to thank the staff at Mount View Care Center in Wausau for their loving care over the past seven years.
