Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Darlene Gruening
Darlene “Dar” Gruening, 85, peacefully entered into the loving arms of her Savior on February 13, 2018 at her home under Asera Care Hospice Services.
She was born and raised in Schofield on September 3, 1932 to the late Randley and Agatha (Means) Wendorf. The family attended St. Peter Lutheran Church in Schofield, where Dar was baptized, confirmed and eventually married. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert Gruening, at St. Peter on May 5, 1951. Both Dar and Bob were proud to sing in the Senior Choir and were faithful members of the congregation who made “the walk” from the old church building to where it now stands on top of Grand Avenue. There was never a question as to what to do on Sunday morning; she would be found worshiping at church with their family.
In her earlier years, Dar was a tremendous self-taught seamstress; she even sewed her own wedding gown. She was an excellent athlete as well, enjoying bowling and swimming and diving, starting as a four-year old. Many vacations and weekends were spent at her parents’ cottage on South Blue Lake at Hazelhurst, doing what she loved most – swimming and water skiing. Dar and Bob made two trips to several European countries over the years, but a trip to Luther Land would remain as a trip she would never forget. Dar found her niche in life being a loving wife, tender mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a devoted friend. She shared her great sense of humor with everyone she met. Despite her health struggles, the love she shared with her family never faded and she remained faithful to her Savior. Her joy and passion for life live on in all those whose lives she touched.
Dar is survived by her husband, Bob; sons Randy (Beth) and Scott (Faye); three grandchildren, Ryan Gruening, Preston Gruening and Kimberly Haugen; and four great-grandchildren, Kameron, Jaeden, Nathan, and Nickolas. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Don Wendorf; and brothers-in-law, Marvin Gruening and Melvin Gruening.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 19, at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, 1351 Grand Ave, Schofield. Rev. Walter C. Davidson and Rev. Jeffery P. Mahnke will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Interment to follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church. Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dar’s family would like to especially thank Dr. Jensan and the Asera Care Hospice staff, “our angels sent from the Lord” for the tender care given to Dar and her family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com
Robin L. Kennedy
Robin L. Kennedy, 59, of Wausau, passed away Monday, February 12, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a ten year battle with Liver Disease. Her loving family was by her side.
Robin was born in Boston, MA on June 8, 1958 to the late Evelyn Thurs. She graduated with a Doctorate Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She practiced law and ran her own law firm, advocating for children who were victims of sexual abuse.
Robin met, fell in love, and married the love of her life, Paul Kostuck in Wausau on April 27, 2012. Together they shared many days enjoying each other’s company, quietly in front of a fire with some relaxing music playing in the background. She was a proud mom to her son Beau Darrin, who she shared her love of cooking with; teaching him many of her secrets in the kitchen. Robin loved to spend time with her very good friend, Michael Deasy. They enjoyed their time together, but their trips to Ireland were some of her favorite memories. She was also proud of her step-children, who she loved as her own, Paul (Ed Martinez) of Seattle, Carson Kostuck of Wausau and Caitlyn Kostuck of New York. Robin also enjoyed the special moments she shared with her niece Amy, who she loved and adored, and thought of as a daughter. The memories they made together will forever be cherished. Robin shared a special bond with her sister Kelly, the type of bond that could never be broken, no matter how much time or distance was between them.
Robin was proud of the work she did with caring for children and fighting for them within the confines of the law. She was an avid sports fan and loved cheering on her favorite football teams. She had a great appreciation for music and loved to travel. Robin will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Robin is survived by her loving husband, Paul of Wausau; her son Beau Darrin of Edgar; step-children, Paul, Carson and Caitlyn; Brother’s, Fran, Shawn and Daniel and her two sisters, Kelly and Maggie. Robin is further survived by her niece, Amy (Kevin) Berard and their children, Stephen III, Xavier, Peyton and Madilynn; as well as her very good friend Michael Deasy.
She was preceded in death by her mother Evelyn Thurs and her brother, Billy Cowan.
A gathering for friends and family will take place from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2018 at Brainard Funeral Home-Wausau Chapel, 522 Adam Street, Wausau.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Marathon County Courthouse, as well as Dick Lawson and Dana from the Lawson Law Office and Dan Cveykus for all of their support during this very difficult time.
Ernest 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
Myron Joseph Rader
Myron Joseph Rader, 72, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 9, 2018 surrounded by his family at Marshfield Medical Center after a short battle with cancer.
He was born on December 8, 1945, the Holy Day of Immaculate Conception, in Marathon, the son of the late Clarence and Dolores Rader.
He married Sandra M. Schymanski on June 1, 1968 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Wausau. They have been married over 49 years, living in the Wausau/Rothschild area.
Survivors include his wife, Sandra, son, Shane (Jodi) Rader and granddaughter, Eliana Grace Rader. Also surviving are his sister, Phyllis Teikari, brothers, Gary and Duane Rader, brothers-in-law, Mike (Jean) Schymanski, Tom (Katherine) Schymanski and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by infant brother Myron and his in-laws, Charles (Evelyn) Schymanski, Betty (Don) Heitmann and Grace Schymanski.
Myron graduated from Marathon High School in 1964 where he was a member of the FFA. After high school, he served in the Army National Guard 632nd Red Arrow Division as an Armored Tracked Vehicle Mechanic and Marksman-Pistol and Expert-SubMG .45.
He worked at Buetsch Implement, Hammer Blow Tool and Die and Wausau Homes. In 1981, he began his own construction company, M&S Building & Remodeling and later started Sky General LLC.
He was an excellent woodworker building the protective encasement that surrounds the stain glass window from the old St. Michael Catholic Church which is on display in Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home. He was involved with many clubs and organizations including the Samoset Council Boy Scouts, built Camp Tesomas entrance map and time capsule, Scout Master St Michael’s Troop 456, Elks Lodge 248, MSRA, AACA-Northern Lakes Region, Wausau Area Builders Association, National Builders Association, North Central Wisconsin Gas and Steam Engine Club and the Wausau Antique Auto Club.
He enjoyed spending time at the cottage, boating, fishing, hunting, camping, Boy Scout outings, woodworking, working on his Allis Chalmers tractors, many trips to Arizona, his polka music, car shows and most of all car touring.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:30 a.m. Monday February 19, 2018 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. James Schaefer will preside. Entombment will be in Holy Angels Mausoleum at St. Michael Cemetery, Grand Avenue, Wausau. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Jeanne (Hinke) Kroeplin
Jeanne (Hinke) Kroeplin, 74, of Marathon, formerly of Wausau, passed away Friday, February 9, 2018 in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Jeanne was born December 7, 1943, in Tomahawk, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Leon and Florence (Gleisner) Weizenicker. She was the GAA queen and a 1961 graduate of Tomahawk High School.
Jeanne was united in marriage to William J. Hinke in 1963. They met while students at Lincoln County Teachers College. Bill passed away on August 11, 2007. Jeanne helped establish a care group for others who were recently widowed. Through the group she met Wayne Kroeplin. Jeanne and Wayne were married in 2013.
Jeanne was one of the original car hops in the 1950s at a drive-in in Tomahawk. In the 1980s, she enjoyed many happy years sharing her sparkly, friendly personality in her role as a switchboard operator at Hoffers. Jeanne was dedicated to her long and beloved career in community outreach with Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin. She retired in 2010 and focused more on a business she established, Terra Mater Blends. She made many hand-crafted natural products, including goats milk soaps made with essential oils. She blended soaps with fresh herbs and set them in single batches. She cut each bar of soap by hand.
Jeanne was a founding member of Thymekeepers herb club. In 2004, she helped establish the club’s tradition of making pesto for the University of Wisconsin Marathon County’s annual fundraiser, Educational Assistance Through Scholarships (EATS). Jeanne gave demonstrations in how to make pesto at the Monk Botanical Gardens. She was involved in several other service organizations. For many years she and Bill served at Forest Park Village during their Christmas celebration, and she and Wayne continued in that tradition. She was also involved in service to the community through the Wausau Garden Club, the Crimson Hats and more.
She was very close with a special bible study group for many years. She loved playing bunko regularly with friends at the Village Inn in Marathon. She treasured her herb, flower and vegetable gardens. She loved to cook, bake and entertain large groups at home. She loved to arrange flowers and decorate her home.
Survivors include her husband, Wayne Kroeplin, Marathon, son Jeff Hinke, Rothschild and daughter Veronica Hinke, Channahon, Illinois. Jean loved spending a great deal of time with Wayne’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Jeanne’s life will take place on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018 in the sanctuary at Highland Community Church, 1005 N. 28th Ave. Wausau, WI 54401. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pastor Dave Mahler will officiate Jeanne’s memorial service at 12 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the William Hinke and Jeanne Kroeplin Memorial Scholarship. In 2008, Jeanne established the scholarship for Merrill High School graduates pursuing education degrees in the University of Wisconsin system, and this year their children are expanding the scholarship to also include horticulture students, in honor of Jeanne.
Doreen Krueger
Doreen Krueger, 79, formerly of Wausau, died Wednesday, February 7, 2018 in Reno, Nevada.
She was born August 16, 1938 in Marathon, daughter of the late Bernie and Lena Kiepke.
Doreen worked in Washington DC as a fiscal planner for the Military Chiefs of Staff.
Survivors include three sons, James Hanson, Tom Hanson and Cheryl Krueger, all of Reno; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Jeanette Kiepke; and one daughter-in-law, Alice Hanson.
Committal prayers will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 16, 2018 at the Restlawn Memorial Park Chapel, Wausau.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
James Bouwens
James “Jim” F. Bouwens, age 94 of Birnamwood, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2018 at the Homme Home of Wittenberg.
He was born on March 5, 1923 in Antigo, son of the late William and Lula Belle (Sorenson) Bouwens. On July 14, 1951 he married Esther Helen Matz, who survives.
Jim served his country in WWII in the US Army Air Corps, where he was stationed in Alaska and Austria. As a young man, Jim moved with his family to the Alaskan Frontier to help establish the state of Alaska. He and his family were true pioneers, homesteading in the Matanuska Valley and establishing the city of Palmer, AK. Jim worked as an auto mechanic, and also was a bus driver for the Wittenberg-Birnamwood school district. He was a Trustee for the Village of Birnamwood, a Sunday school teacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Birnamwood, and was a member of the Darling-Gunderson Post #341 American Legion. Family and friends were everything to Jim. He enjoyed spending time at any and all family events. He also loved a good joke and a hot cup of coffee. He was truly the best and will be forever missed.
Survivors include his wife, Esther, Birnamwood; two daughters, Jo Ann Olson, Birnamwood, and Janet (Gary) Heinecke, Sheboygan Falls; 5 grandchildren, Richard (Megan) Olson, Jr., Birnamwood, Crystal (Jamey) Koles, Green Bay, Tina (Robby) Hass, Malone, Scott (April) Heinecke, Glenbulah, and Brooke (special friend Drew Brunner) Heinecke, Sheboygan; great-grandchildren, Marcianna and Abigail Olson, Carter and Morgan Koles, Tina Lynn Heinecke, Mayleigh Heinecke and Marjianna Brunner.
He was preceded in death by 16 of his siblings and son-in-law, Richard Olson, Sr.
Funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Birnamwood. Rev. Matthew Christians will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood, where military honors will be conducted by the Darling-Gunderson American Legion Post #341. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until the time of service on Saturday at the church. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Birnamwood.
Memories and condolences may be given at www.schmidtschulta.com, or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home.
