Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Phillip C. Saindon
Phillip Carl Saindon, 82, of 2510 Oakwood Blvd, Wausau, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Aspirus Hospice House.
Phil was born July 28, 1935 in Wausau to the late Harold and Mona Saindon. He attended Wausau Senior High and proudly served on the Guardian in the US Navy from 1953-1956. He married Marie Leigh Schave in December 1960 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ and lovingly cared for her during her long-term battle with cancer.
He worked as a real estate agent and retired from Marathon Electric.
Phil was an active member of Resurrection Church of Christ. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching sports, trips to the casino and had a passion for cooking.
Survivors include his children, Michael Saindon, Mark Saindon and Michelle (Paul) Weasler; grandchildren, Tyler Saindon, Nicholas Saindon, Christopher Weasler and Mikayla Weasler; sister, Shirley(Joe) Gutowski, all of Wausau; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 44 years, Marie.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on February 9, 2018 at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 621 2nd St., Wausau. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of mass at the church. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Grand Ave., Wausau. Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, Phil’s family would like any monetary donations be directed to Aspirus Hospice House in Phil’s name at 530 N. 32nd Ave, Wausau, WI 54401.
We would like to thank the staff of Aspirus Palliative Care and especially the Nurses/CNA’s at Aspirus Hospice House for the exceptional care and support they provided to Phil and his family during his short stay.
Louis P. Marek
Louis P. Marek, 59, passed away on February 3, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Private services will be held in Indiana at a later date. Full obituary will follow, as arrangements are pending with Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel.
Mary Kay Kucirek
Mary Kay Kucirek passed away on February 2, 2018.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection Catholic Parish, Wausau, with burial to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Fr. Robert Streveler will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2018 at Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams Street, Wausau, and again from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Parish Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home.
A full obituary will follow, as arrangements are pending with Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel.
Roberta Vinger
Roberta Ann Vinger, 72, passed away on February 1, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Roberta was born on February 22, 1945 in Waukesha, WI, to the late Elmer and Harriet (Grube) Schmidt. She married Karl Vinger in Sussex, WI.
Roberta was an avid flower gardener and loved worshiping at the Church of God in Wausau.
Private memorial services are being held at a later date. Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.brainardfuneral.com
The family wishes to thank the nurses and hospice staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for their care to Roberta in her final days.
Norbert Berg
Norbert Berg passed on Thursday February 1st at the age of 91.
He was born on April 24th 1926 in the Town of Washington, Shawano County. His parents were Robert and Mayme (Stengel) Berg. He graduated from Shawano High School in 1944 and served in the Air Force during WWII. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1949 and worked for Morning Glory Dairy for 6 years. In 1956 he joined the former Wausau Insurance Company and retired after 35 years as Vice President of Reinsurance. His wife Colleen (Hansen) and Barbara proceeded him in death.
He is survived by his daughter Elizabeth Berg, Grandchildren Heath Jones-Hartwig and Jennifer Fieldhouse, and Great Grandchildren Beckett and Esme Jones-Hartwig and Jude Fieldhouse.
In lieu of flowers donations can go to Humane Society of Marathon County or Portage County Healthcare Center of Stevens Point.
Special thanks to the doctors nurses and staff at Portage County Health Care Center for the excellent care they gave Norbert during his short stay.
Trudy Boettcher
Trudy Boettcher, 74, of Wausau passed away on Friday, February 2, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born October 17, 1943 in Wausau to the late Rudolph and Dorothea (Glenzer) Heyer. Trudy grew up in Wausau and graduated from Wausau High School. For many years she worked in the cleaning department at Wausau Homes and later for Howard Johnsons. On August 19, 1967, Trudy married Steven Boettcher at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. For many years they were members of the Wausau Deaf Club. Trudy and Steven were instrumental in forming deaf ministry at Rib Mountain Lutheran Church. Trudy enjoyed gardening, canning, baking and cooking for her family. She was an excellent seamstress making clothes for her children, Tania and Shane. Trudy was also a gifted artist specializing in oil paintings. In her younger years, she loved family camping trips and taking care of her cat. If Trudy wasn’t backing the Pack, she was cheering on the Wausau East Lumberjacks.
She is survived by her husband, Steven of Wausau, daughter, Tania (Robin) Mittelsteadt of Merrill and son, Shane (Jennifer) and their children, Cole and Caitlyn of Mason. Trudy was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Heyer.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 10, 2018 at Rib Mountain Lutheran Church, 3010 Eagle Ave. Rev. Tim Swanson and Rev. Bill Knack will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood. Visitation will be at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
Memorials may be directed to the Rib Mountain Deaf Lutheran Church, 3010 Eagle Ave., Wausau, 54401.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Colonial Manor for all the care and kindness they gave Trudy and our family during her stay.
Gerald Strehlow
Gerald W. Strehlow (Gerry), 80, of Wausau, passed away at Marshfield Medical Center on Thursday, February 1, 2018. He was a resident of Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, for over 20 years.
He was born on August 13, 1937 to William and Charlotte (Zaremba) Strehlow in Wausau. Gerry grew up in Wausau and attended local schools. After graduating from Wausau Senior High School, he enlisted in the National Guard, serving during the Berlin Crisis. Gerry was united in marriage to Pauline Peterman on June 4, 1966 in Rhinelander.
Gerry worked for many years as a farmer raising beef cattle. In addition, he ran the sawmill he built where he cut and planed lumber for many neighbors. He also enjoyed the quiet time in the woods making maple syrup. Gerry appreciated being self-employed and independent. Whether it was making repairs or engineering replacement parts for whatever project he was working on, Gerry took pride in being able to complete those projects on his own. He was baptized at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Village of Maine and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church on Stewart Avenue, Wausau. He later became a member of Salem Lutheran Church, Wausau, where he sang bass in the choir. Gerry’s musical abilities also included playing the trumpet and the accordion.
Survivors include his wife, Pauline; mother, Charlotte, 109, who also resides at Bell Tower; children, Geralyn (Tim) Plautz, Dawn (Nick) Schoch, and Daniel Strehlow (Julie Duwe); and grandchildren, Noah Plautz, Rachel Plautz, Drew Schoch, and Becca Schoch.
He was preceded in death by his father, William (Bill).
A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 9, 2018, at Holy Cross Chapel in Bell Tower Residence, 1500 O’Day Street, Merrill, with Rev. Jeffrey Mahnke officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service in the chapel. Burial will follow in the Town of Berlin Cemetery.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
A special thank you to the staff of Bell Tower Residence for the excellent care Gerald received over the many years he was there.
Charles “Russ” Clayton, M.D.
Charles “Russ” Clayton M.D., age 63, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Friday, January 26, 2018, after a courageous two year battle with Melanoma. He fought
a good fight, refusing to give up.
He was born on March 2, 1954, in Freeport, TX, to the late Howard and Elizabeth (Matthews) Clayton. On January 4, 1975, he married his college sweetheart, Carol Kunz, and the two have been married for the past 43 years. He often joked that he spent 30 years going to school, but that wasn’t too far from the truth. He graduated from Angleton High School, Class of 1972, as
Highest Ranking Boy. He then earned a BBA from Texas A&M (where he prided himself with being a 2% Aggie). He later received an MBA from The University of Chicago. After 30 years in
the oil and gas industry as an accomplished executive, he decided to “retire” at age 52 and pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a physician. He spent the next decade taking pre-med
classes, becoming a Paramedic, and eventually earning a medical degree from St Eustatius School of Medicine, which led him to Wausau, where he ended his career as an M.D. in the
Medical Residency program at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol; his daughter, Amy (Steve) Steinbach, and son, Chris (Jodi) Clayton; his granddaughters: Taylor, Charley and Payton Steinbach, and Abbie Clayton
and upcoming arrival; sister: Jane (Clarence) Griggs; brother: Glenn (Martha) Clayton; sister-in-law: Becky (Randy) Meeks; brother-in-law: Bobby (Margaret) Kunz; numerous niecesand nephews, and his adored St. Bernard, Daisy Mae. Russ was preceded in death by his parents: Elizabeth and Howard; in-laws: Jack and Kathryn Kunz; niece: Hollye Meeks; and best
friends: Herman Johnson and Darwin Klein.
Russ was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. Through his unbelievable strength, positivity, and humor, he taught everyone around him to make the best of their own situation and find a silver lining even when it seems that one doesn’t exist. He will forever be missed by his family, friends, and those whose lives he touched. While his life may have ended too soon, his inspiration and legacy will live on for years to come.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at 12:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer East Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street in Wausau with Darlene Antoniewicz presiding.
Friends may call at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Everyone is invited to come share their memories of Russ at a reception immediately following the service in the Medallion Room at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, 333 Pine Ridge Blvd. A Celebration of Life party will be held in Texas in Russ’ honor at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Melanoma Research or Shriners Hospital for Children in Russ’ name or just do something that will make someone else’s day.
The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Aspirus Wausau family. Russ truly felt at home here and loved you all deeply. A special thank you to Dr. Tom Strick, Dr. Chris Peterson, and all of the wonderful staff, colleagues and friends that have loved and taken care of Russ during his journey.
“And in the end, it’s not the years in the life, it’s the life in the years.” ~Abraham Lincoln
Darrin D. Rogers
Darrin (Deion) Rogers passed away on February 1, 2018 at Colonial Manor in Wausau. He was born to Tim and Lisa (Ames) Rogers on August 25, 1978. He had a loved watching the Packers, golfing, fishing and spending time with many good friends and family.
He is survived by his son Porter Dylan, his parents, Tim and Lisa, grandparents Yvonne Ames, Everett and JoAnn Rogers, uncles, Dean and Darrell Ames, aunts, Linda, Denise, Gwen, Gayle and a lot of cousins along with special friends Sarah, Michelle (Lewi), Brian and Kyle.
He will always be remembered for how he made everyone laugh, he will be missed by everyone.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family at this time. www.honorone.com
Jason Ronald Dickman
Jason Ronald Dickman, age 43, of Lily Road in Birnamwood, died Friday, February 2, 2018 in his home after a short battle with cancer.
Jason was born in Antigo on July 17, 1974 to loving parents Ronald and Patricia (Meyer) Dickman of Birnamwood. Jason was joined in marriage to Darcy (Durocher) Dickman in 1998, and they became parents to three beloved children. Known as “Ripper” through his life, Jason loved being outdoors, watching his children’s sporting events and activities, and making memories hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He graduated from Wittenberg- Birnamwood High School in 1992, completed the carpentry apprenticeship program and was employed as a carpenter for the last 24 years for the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters Union, working most recently for Miron Construction.
Jason is survived by his wife, Darcy (Durocher) Dickman; three children, Wyatt Leo, Owen Jason and Reese Libby, all of Birnamwood; his parents Ronald and Patricia (Meyer) Dickman of Birnamwood; his sister and brother-in-law, Lori (Dickman) Koeppel and Jamie Koeppel of Birnamwood; niece Katelyn Koeppel of Wyoming; brother and sister-in-law Lance Dickman and Mel Buchanan; nephew Axel Dickman of New Orleans, Louisiana; his maternal grandmother Joy Meyer of Birnamwood; mother–in-law Mary (Jadin) Durocher; brother-in-law Thomas Durocher; nephew Dax Durocher; niece Danica Durocher; brother-in-law Daron Durocher and sister-in-law Jen Durocher; nephews Joel Durocher, Emre Durocher and Drea Durocher all of the Freda, Michigan area and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father-in–law Leo Durocher; brother-in-law Andre Durocher and paternal grandparents and maternal grandfather.
The funeral service will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Birnamwood. Rev. Matthew Christians will officiate. Visitation will be on Monday from 4PM to 8PM at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood and again on Tuesday from 10AM until the time of service at the church.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
Larry spent most of his life in Wisconsin, save his time in U.S. Air Force from 1950-1953 when he served in Washington, D.C. and Alaska. He married Carla Ottman in September 1950 and eventually settled in southeastern Wisconsin after his discharge from the military. There he learned the tools and techniques of working with iron and steel. After working for others for a decade, he decided to go into business for himself, establishing L&R Crane& Hoist Corporation. The company built and repaired all sizes of overhead cranes. As it grew, his business took him all over the United States, and many L&R cranes continue in operation to this day. He took great pride in what he built.
Above all else though, he seemed most happy when pulling a slab bluegill out of a hole in the ice on a light weight jig pole or catching the same fish on a small popper with one of his many flyrods. He travelled far and wide looking for “the nice ones” making trips to northern Minnesota, North Dakota, and far northern Wisconsin multiple times. In the end, he always caught more fish closer to home.
He was preceded in death by his parents George and Alma (Johnson) McFarlane; four sisters (Shirley Hoffman, Patricia Nelson, Nellie DeBroux, and Georgetta Ladwig); two brothers (Donald and Robert McFarlane); two sons (Randy and John McFarlane) and his wife Carla (Ottman) McFarlane.
He is survived by his brother Jerry (Mike) McFarlane; six children (Lawrence G McFarlane (Marge), Dale McFarlane, Linda Schubert, Mark McFarlane (Dawn), Neal McFarlane (Bonnie), Kathleen Chmiel), and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren to numerous to mention.
He will be missed as father, brother, grandpa, and friend to all. May he rest in peace with a fishing pole in hand, and a limit of nice ones in the cooler.
A memorial visitation will be held at a later date.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
