Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.

Mary “Virginia” Davis

Mary Virginia (Danner) Davis, 103, Wausau, died February 10, 2018 at home under the care of Interim Hospice Care. Virginia was born January 23, 1915 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Charles William and Bessie Vera (Moyer) Danner. She was Salutatorian of the high school class graduating from Ford City High School, Ford City Pennsylvania in 1933. Due to graduating during the depression she was unable to attend college but worked in the office of the Pittsburg Plate Company until her marriage to Bertis Eugene Davis on June 8, 1940 in Ford City, Pennsylvania. He preceded her in death in 1996.

Virginia was very active her entire life; playing tennis, bridge, golf, bowling and reading. She volunteered for a variety of organizations: leader in the Boy and Girl Scouts, 4H, Red Cross volunteer (Grey Ladies), Wausau Hospital volunteer, Aspirus Gift Shop, Wausau Newcomer Clubs, Wausau Women’s Club, Wausau Country Club and Wausau Club. She was also very active in the schools in all communities where she lived, volunteering, and serving on PTA and PTO committees and boards, and in the Wausau Stunt Night performances.

Throughout her life, Virginia actively served in the Presbyterian Church serving as a Deacon and teaching Sunday school.

Virginia is survived by her two sons, B. Eugene Davis, Jr. (Brenda) and W. Jeffrey Davis (Dee), and one daughter Cheryl Davis, all of Wausau. Grandchildren Jennifer Davis of Minneapolis, B. Eugene Davis III of Santa Monica, CA, Jessica Matkovic (Alan) of Santa Monica, CA, Carmen Lombard (John) of Prairie du Sac, WI and Kimberly Davis of Wausau, WI. Seven great-grandchildren Sophia, Alexander and Mathias Matkovic of Santa Monica, CA; Davis, Emma, Anna, and Ella Lombard of Prairie du Sac, WI.

Memorial services will be Friday, February 16, 2018 at 11:30 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 406 Grant Street, Wausau. There will be a visitation from 10:00 – 11:30 AM prior to the service at the church.

The family sincerely requests that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Davis Family Fund for community support at the Community Foundation of Northcentral Wisconsin or First Presbyterian Church.

The family wishes to thank Interim Health Care for their assistance. Arrangements are being handled by Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel.


Bruce E. Kegley

Bruce E. Kegley, age 68, of Schofield, died February 8, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a seven-year battle with cancer.

Bruce was born April 12, 1949, in Antigo, Wisconsin, the son of Linda (Bartelt) (Borneman) and Frank Kegley.

He was a 1967 graduate of Antigo High School. On June 14, 1969 he married Mary Tapper in Antigo. After more than 39 years, Bruce retired as Design/Drafting Supervisor from John Crane, Grafton, Wisconsin. His interests included trap shooting, fishing, hunting, traveling, gardening, gambling, and wood working.

Survivors include his daughter, Joleen (Phil Fendryk); his life partner, Carla Bates; three grandsons, Jacob, Brandon, and Nathan; two granddaughters, Sabrina and Meagen; one great-grandson, Zephyr; brother Ralph Borneman; sisters-in-laws; and nieces and nephews.

Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; father and mother, Frank and Linda Kegley; brother, Arthur Borneman; sisters, LaVerne Carter, Berniece Petters, Margie Wendrock, and Shirley Zolnik.

Per Bruce’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com .


Lorraine Splinter

Mary Lorraine Splinter, 90, Weston, died Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston.

Lorraine was born January 6, 1928 in Dubuque, Iowa to the Thomas and Katherine (Burns) Lyons. She is a 1946 graduate of St. Columbkille Catholic School in Dubuque. Lorraine married Joseph Splinter and the couple were the proud parents of five children: Mike, Rick, Mark, Mary Jo and Patrick. Joseph died on September 3, 2001. In addition to being a very loving mother, she volunteered over 1000 hours at Wausau Hospital and St. Clare’s Hospital over the course of her life.

Lorraine was a very intelligent and independent woman who was a devout Catholic and loved being a mother first and foremost. She was never a needy person and enjoyed caring for others. Lorraine was a proud member of the American Contract Bridge League and master level Duplicate Bridge player. She taught bridge and continued to play online with her computer or iPad and until very recently. Lorraine also loved being the social glue wherever she lived; either in her neighborhood organizing block parties or teaching line dancing at Birchwood Highland Apartments. Following retirement, she was always on the go traveling to Florida, Arizona, Canada and other places visiting friends and playing in bridge tournaments.

Lorraine is survived by her children, Mike (Judy) of Stevens Point, Rick (Cathy) of Chatam, NJ, Mark (Barb) of Wausau, Mary Jo (Chris) Gritzmacher of Wausau and Patrick (Colleen O’Neill) of Edina, MN; 15 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and one more due later this year; sister, Irene McDermott of Dubuque, IA; very dear friend, Germayne Matzke of Wausau; and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her brother and 2 sisters.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Lorraine will be at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at St. Matthew Catholic Parish, Wausau. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park. 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 the nurses and staff of the Intensive Care Unit of Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital for the skillful and compassionate care for Lorraine during the last days of her life.


Marvin R. Babler

Marvin R. Babler, 89, of Wausau, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2018, at Benedictine Living Community.

He was born on December 21, 1928, in Madison, WI to the late Marvin A. and Dorothy (Grenzow) Babler and grew up in Appleton. He married the former Beverly Knaack on March 29, 1952 in Appleton, WI and they celebrated 64 years together.

Marvin taught classes in math and science at Northcentral Technical Institute for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors and the many seasons that Wisconsin has to offer. He could be found fishing, cross-country skiing, or traveling throughout the state with his family, always taking the “back roads.” He also had interests in model railroading, computers, and technology.

Survivors include his children, Bob (Linda) Babler, Barb (Tom) Goetsch, both of Wausau, and Bill (Susan) Babler of Mason City, IA; grandchildren, Kelly (Neal) Heckendorf, Allison (Sam) Williams, Matt (Beth) Goetsch, Sarah (Jared) Cass, Katie (Matt) Teresinski, Carrie Goetsch (fiancé, Kyle Dietz), Mandy Goetsch, Abbie (Jose) Sura, and Ben Babler (fiancée, Jessica Haag); and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly; parents; and grandson, Joey.

A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 12, 2018, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Snow Hill Cemetery, town of Scott.

You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.

A special thank you to the staff of Benedictine Living Community for the care that Marvin received.


Ernest R. Schuld

Ernest R. Schuld, age 81, of Macomb, IL, formerly of Mosinee, passed away with family by his side at 3:38 p.m. Monday, February 5, 2018, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL, under the care of hospice.

He was born on June 20, 1936, in Marshfield to the late Alvin and Florence Harter Schuld. He married Mary Ann Reuter on May 23, 1964, in Wausau.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years; one son and two daughters, Sara (Brad) Payne of Good Hope, IL; Alan Schuld of Huntsville, AL; and Dana (Tim) McVicker of Metamora, IL; seven grandchildren, Ashley (Steven) James, Austin and Alex Payne, Erin and Riley Schuld, and Kaelyn Ray and Connor McVicker; two brothers and one sister, Bernard (Blanche) Schuld of Marshfield; Eugene (Dolores) Schuld of Phoenix, AZ; Carol Jean (Michael) Stack of Beaverton, OR; and sister-in-law Joyce Stencil of Wausau, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Dorothy Ashenbrenner Schuld, two brothers, Leo and Lavern Schuld.

Ernie graduated from Columbus Catholic High School in Marshfield. He was co-founder/CEO of Schuld Mfg. Co. in Mosinee and CEO of Bushnell Illinois Tank Co. (Schuld/Bushnell) in Bushnell, IL. Manufacturing operations expanded to Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska. He received a Florida high-rise construction license, and held various manufacturing patents. He enjoyed traveling, bowling, sailing, reading, and playing cards and games with family and friends.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 19, 2018 at The Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau. Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Woman’s Care Center, Peoria, IL, or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com


John “Jack” C. Schlaefer

John C. “Jack” Schlaefer, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, surrounded by his family at home after a long illness.

He was born on September 14, 1941, in Wausau, the son of John B. and Helen A. Schlaefer.

He and Sandy Markotic were married December 13, 1997, in Three Lakes where they lived for 20 years, she survives. They recently moved back to Wausau to be closer to family.

He raised five children with Joanne Schlaefer, she survives. Also surviving are his children and grandchildren. Susan (Todd) Fischer, Wausau, and their children Erin, T. Benjamin, Amanda, Johanna; MaryJo (Jeff) Johnson, Wausau, and her children Samantha, Chayden; Diane (Jeff) Johnson, Cuenca, Ecuador; John D. Schlaefer, Knowlton, and his children Jacob, John Ethan: Greg (Tonya) Schlaefer, Maple Grove, MN, and their children Megan, Caraline, Joey, Isabel. He is also survived by one sister Karen Mielke, Wausau.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, James “Jim” Schlaefer.

Jack enjoyed life—meeting new people and having conversations along the way! Some of his favorite activities throughout his life were curling, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, traveling, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. In recent years most important to Jack was attending his grandchildren’s activities and supporting them as a proud Papa Jack could!

He was a retired partner of Wipfli Ullrich Bertelson LLP. Throughout his life he was involved in many community activities, which stemmed from his belief that Central and Northern Wisconsin were great places to live, including the Data Processing Management Association, the Rothschild-Weston-Schofield Ducks Unlimited, Wausau Area Catholic Schools, and the Wausau Curling Club. In his retirement he continued to serve his community on the board of the Edith Reiter Senior Center serving many years as President, treasurer of the Christian Food Pantry and an active member of the Lions Club in Three Lakes, WI.

In retirement he also enjoyed the time he was able to spend on mission trips in New Orleans and St. Lucia.

Jack’s Celebration of Life will be at the Bible Truth Chapel, 1600 N. 1st Ave., Wausau, on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Dave officiating. Private burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Wausau. Visitation will be at the chapel from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Reiter Senior Center, P.O. Box 161, Three Lakes, WI 54562

Peterson Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.


Angeline E. “Angie” Cain

Angeline (Sellung) Cain passed away in Milwaukee on February 5, 2018 at the wonderful age of 100.

Angie was born in the Town of Cleveland (South of Edgar), WI, on January 13, 1918 to the late Joseph and Bessie (Dvorak) Sellung. In 1939, she married Bernard E. Cain in Milwaukee. Her life was blessed with five children, 15 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and four Godchildren.

She lived in Edgar and then Milwaukee before moving to Wausau when she retired in 1980. For many years, she was a dedicated employee of Velvac, Inc. and later General Electric, Inc. of Milwaukee, from which she retired. As a young woman, and again after her retirement from GE, she lovingly cared for others and for their homes.

Angie was a devoted member of St Anne’s Parish; over the years she served as a Eucharistic Minister, Fatima Council and Sympathy Circle member, and fish fry potato-salad maker. She was a friend of the Good News Group in Wausau with whom she traveled in mission to St. Vincent, West Indies, in 1996.

Survivors include her four daughters and son-in-law: Maureen Hainz of Muskego, Marilyn Doome of Milwaukee, Judy Cain of Wausau, and Donella (Thomas) Elsen of Bristol, WI. She is further survived by grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and her Godchildren. Rose Ann Belunas, Milwaukee, and Marilyn Kindschy, Greendale, were among her many treasured friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Daryl; a brother, Lawrence Sellung; a grandson, Dean Phillips; and many other dear friends and relatives.

Special thanks to Faith in Action of Marathon County volunteers and to Wheaton Franciscan Hospice in Milwaukee for their wonderful care and support.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Anne’s Parish, 700 W. Bridge Street, Wausau, WI, on Saturday, February 17, 2018, at 12 noon, with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Homes, Wausau, WI, 715-845-6900 is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com


Milton G. Schmitt

Milton G. Schmitt, 102, Rothschild, died Sunday February 11, 2018 at Benedictine Living Community, Wausau, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

He was born April 9, 1915, in Wausau, son of the late Edward R. and Martha (Darrin) Schmitt. On December 28, 1935, he married Ella Ann Baumann at St. Mary Catholic Church, Wausau. She preceded him in death May 13, 1997.

Milton began his working career at the former Wausau Motor Parts Company which became Federal Mogul as a lathe operator. Through his 45 years of service with the company, he retired as Production Manager. He helped to organize and was a charter member of the Wausau Motor Parts Employees Credit Union and held several offices, mostly as treasurer.

For 40 years he was a member of the former Wisconsin Valley Leadership Council, a chapter of the National Manufacturing Association. Among his favorite things to do were, bowling, woodworking, gardening, hunting and fishing. In later years did extensive traveling.Milton had been involved in several capacities in Scouting since 1939. He served as scoutmaster for 29 years, organized the first Samoset Council Explorer Post No.418 in 1946 and served as their advisor. In 1955, he received the Rib Mountain District Distinguished Service Award, in 1959, he received the council’s highest award-The Silver Beaver and in 1965 in the Diocese of LaCrosse, the St. George Award among various other awards and distinctions through the years.

Survivors include a son, Thomas R. (Mary) Schmitt, Rothschild; a daughter, Constance Justice, Florida; seven grandchildren, Kim, Lori, Patrick, Jim, Robbie, Bradley (Sara) Schmitt, Sara (Paul) Block; five great-grandchildren, Ashley, Brandis, Benjamin, Brantley, Mitchell; three sisters, Marie Kant, Rockford, Ill., Annette Ruether, Wausau and Frances Schmitt, Steuben, Wisc.

Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brothers, Win, George, Wilbur and Jim Schmitt and a step-brother, Leroy Darrin.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Saturday February 16, 2018 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild. Rev. Allan L. Slowiak will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mark Catholic Church or the Boy Scouts.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com


Patrick Thomas Bresnahan

Patrick T. Bresnahan 83 passed away on February 10, 2018 at his home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services surrounded by his loving family.

“When he came into the world he cried and the family rejoiced. When he left the world he rejoiced and the family cried”. He was born to the late Frank and Dorothy (Donnelly) Bresnahan on March 27, 1934. He served proudly in the United States Navy from 1952 ~ 1955 serving in Porto Rico and Bermuda during the Korean War. He married the love of his life Jeanette (Jan) Rothloff at St. Mary’s Church. Together they celebrated 60 years before his passing. Pat joined the Wausau fire department on May 1, 1959 serving 34 years. He retired on March 17, 1993 on St. Patrick’s Day as assistant chief. Together with some help they bought, remodeled and sold 18 homes in the Wausau area. He enjoyed creating something new out of nothing.

He is survived by his wife Jan, children, Kim (Pat) Nelson, Pat (Terri) Bresnahan, Jill (Roger) Reisner, John Bresnahan. Grandchildren, Jenny (Mike) Trzebiatowski, Brad (Abby) Dobeck, Heidi (Jerim)Desjarlais, Jack Bresnahan, Kadine Bresnahan, Megan Bresnahan and great grandchildren, Reese , Grey, Rylan, Isaiah and Vaughn, nieces and nephews along with dear friends.His quick wit, sense of humor and charming personality was a blessing to all who knew him. Rest in peace Pat – we love you and (Don’t bump the woodwork).

Honoroning his wishes a private family funeral will be held.

Please no flowers you can make donations to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Mid Wisconsin Cremation Services are assisting the family at this time.www.honorone.com


Judith M. Krause

Judith M. Krause 72 of Weston passed away on February 9, 2018, at St. Clare’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born to the late Herbert and Anna (Wild) Fleischman in Antigo, WI on March 13, 1945. She attended Antigo High School and graduated in 1963. She married the love of her life Donald Krause on August 23, 1969. He preceded her in death on April 10, 1994. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and was always helping people out.   Her heart was with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her three children, LuAnn Krause, Green Bay, David (Heidi Jo) Krause, Ringle, Patti (Scott) Peterson, Stevens Point, WI. Four grandchildren, Dominic and Gage Krause, Ryan and Megan Peterson. Eight siblings, Marianne Lemon, Ken (Mae) Fleischman, Karen (John) Mucha, Dale (Sandi) Fleischman, Gail (Mike) Koralewsky, Teresa Schroepfer, Jane (Joe) Seiler, and Joan (Gary) Bissonette. Sister-in-laws, Jean Andraschko and Corinne (Don) Metko both of Antigo and Barb who was like a sister to her.

She is preceded in death by her husband Donald, two grandchildren, parents Herbert and Anna Fleischman and Mother-in-law Lucille Bera, brother-in-laws Robert Lemon and Bill Andraschko, and sister-in-law Carol Fleischman.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 12, 2018, at JOHN J. BUETTGEN FUNERAL HOME 948 Grand Ave., Schofield from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at ST. THERESE CATHOLIC CHURCH 113 W Kort St, Rothschild, WI on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with a one hour visitation prior.

We would especially like to thank all family, friends and neighbors for their love, support and help during our mom’s illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Therese Parish or a charity of your choice.

John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. www.honorone.com


Dorothy Marie Canada

Dorothy M. (Bremer, Schilling) Canada, 90, of Kronenwetter, WI passed away peacefully at Oak Heights Assisted Living on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 with her family by her side.

She was born to Elmer & Esther (Seefeldt ) Bremer on March 9, 1927 in Wausau, WI. She married George Schilling on January 17, 1948 who preceded her in death on December 10, 1979. She remarried Charles (Charlie) Canada on October 9, 1982 who also preceded her in death on September 24, 2002. She is survived by her children Debra (David) Johnson Schofield WI, Lynn (Todd ) Warner Kronenwetter WI, Lori Giordano Palm Beach Gardens FL. Four grandchildren David Schilling Chatsworth IL, Steven (Kerri) Schilling Madison WI , Alisha (Fernando) Johnson Schofield WI , and Nathan (Dana) Warner Erie CO. Nine great grandchildren; Malik, Malena, Danielle, Lexi, Amber, Wesley, Danny, Maverick and Mariah. Seven great- great grandchildren; Elijah, Katherine, Wyatt, Jenna, Riley, Lucas, and Haley. Daughter-in-law Bernie Schilling and brother Jim Bremer.

She is preceded in death by her two husbands, son Wayne Schilling, brothers, Donald, Fred, Tom, and Sonny Bremer and one sister Bernice Jobs.

Dorothy enjoyed playing cards, cribbage, camping, golfing, country western music, bowling, bingo and spending time at the casino. She had a perfect hand in cribbage which made the news in the Wausau Daily Herald.

She was a devoted Catholic and was an active member of St. Therese Catholic Church for many years.

Her family was the most important part of her life. She worked her entire life and instilled in all of her children the importance of work, faith and family.   She was the one everyone turned to when they needed help with a problem, guidance or just assurance that everything was going to be alright.

Family would like to extend a special Thank You to the staff of Asera Care Hospice and the staff at Oak Heights; Gary, Tammy, Hattie, Kendra, Marrol, Joyce, Rease, Crystal, Angela, and Tia.

She will be deeply missed by all.

Services will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church on Thursday, February 15, 2018. Visitation at 9:00 AM, Rosary at 10:30 AM and Mass at 11:00 AM. Father Louis Britto and Father Robert Streveler will be officiating. Burial will be held at Restlawn Memorial Cemetery.

John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com


Obituaries are published free of charge as a service to Wausau area residents. To submit an obituary for publication, email [email protected].