Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Joan A. Winter
Joan A. Winter, 89, of Wausau, passed away on Friday, March 2, 2018 at home, with her loving family by her side.
Joan was born in Mattoon on December 20, 1928 to the late John and Emma (Hiller) Axmann. She married Eugene Winter in Milwaukee on September 10, 1950. He preceded her in death on March 22, 2011, after 60 years of marriage.
Joan was an avid fan of both the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends, taking the occasional trip out to the casino, and spending time up north at the family cottage. She was an amazing entertainer, and loved to cook and host parties. Every year she would put together a big bash for her husband and his co-workers at Otis Elevator Company. Joan was also very dedicated to her faith, sitting in the front left section of church every Sunday. She always looked forward to her time with Pastor Tim; sharing her love of the Lord and all of God’s blessings. But most important to Joan was her family.
She was proud of each of her grandchildren; excited about seeing and spending time with her great-grandchildren, and she was loved supporting both of her children and their businesses; alternating her Friday Fish Fry between PJ’s Log Jam and Winter Haven Bar & Grill in Mosinee.
Joan is survived by her children, Dennis (Debbie) Winter of Mosinee and Dana Buhse of Weston; grandchildren, Heather (Josh) Hahn, Heidi (Lance) Uttecht, Kyle(Chris) Buhse, Doug (Kim) Winter and Don (Amanda) Winter; six great-grandchildren, Dawson, Ava, Kolbie, Mylah, Zayden and Braelee; sister-in law, Geri Harris; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Beside her husband, Joan was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Jeff Buhse.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at Rib Mountain Lutheran Church, 3010 Eagle Ave, Wausau. The Rev. Tim Swanson will officiate. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Entombment will take place at 11:00 am on Monday, March 12, 2018 at Restlawn Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.brainardfuneral.com
Paul Holtz
Paul G. Holtz, 47, of the town of Stettin, passed away on March 2, 2018 in Kronenwetter.
He was born on July 8, 1970 in Milwaukee, the son of Gerhardt and Elaine R. (Erdman) Holtz. Paul grew up in the town of Stettin and attended school in Wausau, first at Trinity Lutheran and later graduating from Wausau West High School.
Paul worked as an over the road truck driver for Graebel Van Lines for over 25 years. Recently he had been driving for FBN Transportation in Athens. When he wasn’t away from home driving truck, Paul enjoyed being outside and helping his friends. He seemed to always have a project going with his buddies on the farm or fixing equipment. Paul also enjoyed time on his four-wheelers and plowing snow.
Survivors include his children, Evan and Chloe; parents, Gerhardt and Elaine Holtz; sister, Ruth Holtz; and many other friends and relatives.
He was preceded in death by aunts and uncles.
A funeral service will be at 12:00 noon on Thursday, March 8, 2018, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, with Rev. Zach Holdorf officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Rib View Cemetery, town of Stettin.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Jeanette Richetto
Jeanette Evelyn (Lucht) Richetto, 88, of Wausau, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 2, 2018 at the Aspirus Hospice House in Wausau.
Jeanette, known to many as Dolly, was born July 2, 1929, to the late Richard and Mary (Denham) Lucht. At a young age she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, and her faith remained strong to the end. She graduated from Wausau High School in 1947. On May 19, 1951, she married Audeen Richetto. They celebrated 63 years of marriage together, until he preceded her in death on April 29, 2015.
Jeanette was dedicated to her Lord and to her family. After waiting for children for eight years, she received the 1st of 3 and dedicated her life to raising them to love God and to love each other. She faithfully attended Sunday services and Wednesday night prayer meetings her entire life, most recently with Bible Believers Fellowship. She was her husband’s helper, working beside him at the weekly Children’s Hour for 25 years, introducing many children to Jesus Christ. She also was his partner for his dairy distribution business, carefully managing the books. She loved being together with her family, in later years enjoying any opportunity to see grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Janice (Michael) Juedes of Wausau, Dean (Cindi) Richetto of Maple Grove, MN, and Jill (Greg) Dietz of Wausau; eleven grandchildren, Micah (Lindsey), Bethany (Ben), Julia (Eric), Josiah (Beth), Kristin (Eric), Ray, Ryan, Kelly, Graciella, Joanna, and Lydia; eight great-grandchildren, Jamin, Anneka, Katelyn, Eiley, Beckham, Perry, Denham, and Abraham; one sister, Marilyn (John) Niemeyer, and one brother-in-law, Peter Stavrakis.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband, a granddaughter, Alissa Richetto, one sister, Ruby Kaetterhenry, and two brothers, Richard Lucht and Lenard Lucht.
Funeral services for Jeanette are as follows: Visitation will be held at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St, Wausau, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 6th. A visitation at 10:00 a.m. will precede her funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 7th, at Helke Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau.
The family would like to thank the kind services of Aspirus Hospice at Home, and Aspirus Hospice House for the tender care our mother received in the last five months of her life.
Memorials will be directed to Grace & Truth Publishing, in Danville, Illinois.
“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; …. Enter into the joy of your Master.” Matthew 25:21
Joel Strei
Joel Thomas Strei, 63, of the town of Stettin, passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at home.
He was born on September 2, 1954, in Wausau, to the late Leo and Hertha (Krenz) Strei. Joel grew up on the family farm while attending school in the town of Berlin and graduating from Wausau West High School. He remained on the farm his entire life. He will be remembered for always being there to help. He was always willing to pitch in and help family, neighbors, friends, and even animals in need.
Joel worked for 3M, Van Der Geest Dairy, and most recently at Eastbay. In addition to his time at work, Joel enjoyed butchering, processing, and smoking meat for his family and neighbors. Over the years he produced sausage and cuts of venison, beef, elk, and buffalo.
Survivors include his brothers, Gerald (Mary) Strei of Wausau, Jerome (Pamela) Strei of Rothschild, and Leon (Louann) Strei of Wausau; sister, Anne (Strei) Zinsmeister; special nieces, Amanda Baltz and Jessica Aschenbrenner; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Hertha; brother, Charles; sisters, Helen and Iris; and brother-in-law, Orville Thurs.
A prayer service will be at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 18, 2018, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau. Visitation at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home until the time of service. Private family burial in Friedenshain Cemetery, town of Berlin, in the spring.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Zane Farkas
Zane Farkas, 78, Wausau died Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born January 24, 1940 in Prentice to the late Joseph and Pearl (Jackson) Farkas. Zane served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1960. On June 8, 1963 he married Violet Guralski at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. During his earlier years Zane worked at Marmet and Golden Guernsey Dairy. In 2008 he retired fom Cequent after 15 years of service. Zane enjoyed traveling with Violet, hunting and fishing. Some of his favorite past times were playing Sheephead, Farkle and watching old westerns. He was a huge fan of the Packers, Badgers and Brewers. Zane was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. One of his favorite joys in life was spending time with family and grandkids.
Survivors include his wife, Violet Farkas, Wausau; three children, Michele (Roger) Schmidt, Weston, Marla (Jay) Klinger, Cunningham, TN, Merle (Rachael) Farkas, Wausau; 9 grandchildren McKenzie. Elise, Brelynn, Jaclyn, Megan, Michael, Renee, Amber, Nathan and several great grandchildren. Zane is further survived by one brother, Mervin Farkas, Lexington, IL. Besides his parents, Zane was preceded in death by his sister, Deloris Stade.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Wausau. Father Peter Kieffer will officiate. Entombment will be in Memorial Mausoleum at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau and again on Tuesday from 9:30 until time of services at the church. A parish rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m at the funeral home Monday. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
Martha B. Westberg
Martha B. Westberg, 98, Wausau, died Sunday, March 4, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born February 1, 1920 in Wausau, daughter of the late Henry and Mary (Constanz) Roth. On February 6, 1937 she married Everett Westberg at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Wausau. He preceded her in death on November 18, 1993.
Martha was always on the go and loved spending time with her family and friends. She was adored by her family and will be truly missed.
Survivors include her daughters, Charlotte (Calvin) Beals and Laura (Ron) Spulak; grandchildren, Amber (Tom) Kunau, Maggie (Scott) Duley, Chris (Cecilia) Beals and Cindi Vaughn; great-grandchildren, Jovie and Jordan Kunau, Dustin and Mathew Peterson, Lacey Vaughn and Crystal Beals; great great-grandchildren, Jaxx and Reid Peterson, Chase Howell and Nikolai Canfield.
Besides her parents and husband, Everett, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Emma Luedtke and Esther Modrzewski and three brothers, Otto, Charles and Donald Roth.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Wausau. Rev. Jen Dahle will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Shirley Florence Bell, 98 of Wausau passed away peacefully at home on March 3, 2018. She was born to the late William and Ida (Graffunder) Gies on December 27, 1919.
She is survived by her loving children Marilyn Holzem, John (Linda) Bell and Allan J. Bell, three grandchildren Bevin Bell, Michael Bell and Roger Holzem, Jr., two great grandchildren Cecilia and Evalina Holzem, nephew Merlyn Kamke, niece Kathleen Huber, many other loving family members and her special furry puppy “Jackie”.
She is preceded in death by her husband Arthur Louis Bell who passed in October of 1994 and two sisters Helen Kamke and Leone Breitzman.
Shirley was a very active and the oldest member of St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. She loved to read and spending time with her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Services will be held at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church on Tuesday, March 3, 2018 with Visitation at 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Pastor Jeff Mahnke will be officiating.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
Alvin “Al” Alexander Holewinski, 96, of Rothschild passed away at home peacefully on March 3, 2018. He was born to the late Julius and Julia (Tyczkowski) Holewinski on February 21, 1922.
He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Florence (Klemens) Holewinski, two sons; Roman, Sr. (Susan) Holewinski, Adam (Carmen) Holewinski, four grandchildren; Roman, Jr. (Michelle Chesmore) Holewinski, Jeffery (Ashley) Holewinski, Emily (Brandon) Etheredge, Heather Holewinski, Alexander Holewinski, six great-grandchildren; Sierra, Alexander Koriana, Devin Holewinski, Lily, Reese Etheredge, two brothers Arthur (Shirley) Holewinski, Stanley (Regina) Holewinski, brother-in-law Roman Klemens, sister-in-law Sally Paddock along with many nieces and nephews.
Al entered the United States Army in 1943. He served with the 209th Engineers Battalion in WWII in the China Burma India Theatre. After arriving back home he married the love of his life on April 26, 1947 in Chicago. They later moved to Wisconsin and built their home and family. Al was an active member of St. Therese Catholic Church, and was a 3rd degree KC. Al was a loving family man and enjoyed spending time with all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Ave, Schofield, on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Rosary starting at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will again be held at St. Therese Catholic Church on Thursday, March 8, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00, Father Louis Britto will be officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Gate of Heaven where he will be laid to rest, with full military honors.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.
Cecelia R. Pieper
Cecelia R. Pieper, 94, Wausau, died Sunday, March 4, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Cecelia was born to the late Rev. E.H. and Anna (Kaiser) Bertermann on August 4, 1923 in Wausau. She married Robert J. Pieper in Wausau on June 26, 1948. She worked as a nurse at both the original and new Wausau hospitals. She served her church, Trinity Lutheran on Stewart Ave, in various capacities.
Surviving her are five children: Caroline Pieper of Wausau, John (Betty) Pieper of Ocala, FL, Paul (Karen) Pieper of Albuquerque, NM, James (Janine) Pieper of South Milwaukee and Ronald (Jennifer) Pieper of Wayzata, MN; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; cousins; nieces and nephews. Proceeding her in death are her husband, Robert; brothers, Dr. E.R. Bertermann and Rev. M.A. Bertermann.
The funeral service for Cecelia will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 9, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church (501 Stewart Ave, Wausau). Rev. Zach Holdorff will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Thursday, March 8 at Helke Funeral Home; resuming at 10:00 AM until the time of service on Friday at the church. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church (501 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401).
Robert “Bobby” Rew
A life well lived and the creative mind of Robert ‘Bobby’ Rew, 73 of Birnamwood, was stilled by esophageal cancer on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at his home with his wife, Cheryl (Young), of 53 years and his entire family by his side. His spirit will be carried on by his son, Daniel (Paula) and daughter, Kim (Jeff) Zeller. He got to watch his grandchildren, Riley (Carli Bricco) Rew and Dana Rew grow into wonderful adults that he was very proud of.
Bobby was born on April 16, 1944, in Birnamwood, the son of the late Rueben and Violet (Timm) Rew.
On May 16, 1964, Bobby was united in marriage to Cheryl Young at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Birnamwood. She survives.
Bobby was part owner and operated the family business, Rew Motors Inc., with his brothers for 57 years until his retirement. He served as the Birnamwood Area Fire Chief, a village board member and a Birnamwood Area Development Corp. member for many years. Bobby volunteered at the Birnamwood Polka Days, Sno Parade and homecomings and for the last 15 years at the Crandon Brush Run. He was an organizer of the Birnamwood Trail Riders Snowmobile Club in the days when the drag or groomer was a bed spring. He enjoyed snowmobiling, being a ‘Hodager’ since 1984, Edgar Steam Engine Days, camping anywhere, creating things in the shed and helping his family. In the 70’s he helped build a cabin in Alvin, WI that is enjoyed by everyone to this day.
Bobby is survived by his wife, Cheryl; two children, Daniel (Paula) Rew and Kimberly (Jeff) Zeller all of Birnamwood; two grandchildren, Riley (Carli Bricco) Rew and Dana Rew; siblings, Dennis (Debbie) Rew, Sally ‘Cookie’ (Jack) Van Order, John (Katherine) Rew and James (Karen) Rew all of Birnamwood; nieces and nephews, Jessica Rew, Kyle Van Order, Jenny Van Order, Brian (Melanie) Rew, Mike (Becky) Rew, Megan (Rich) Olson and Tim (Amanda) Rew and great nieces and nephews.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Penny Rew, and nephews, Jay Van Order and Nicholas Rew.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Birnamwood. Rev. Adam Roberts will officiate. Interment will be in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Schmidt Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood and again on Thursday from 9:30 AM 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.
The family would like to thank Aspirus Antigo Cancer Center, Eastview nurses and CNA’s and LeRoyer Hospice for the exceptional care given to Bobby.
