Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Paul G. 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.
Dale R. Nass, 69, of Wausau passed away on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Colonial Manor Rehabilitation Center.
He was born November 27, 1948 in Wausau to the late Clarence and Esther (Anklam) Nass. Dale was a graduate of Wausau High School. At the age of 19, he was in a car accident that left him paralyzed. Even though he was disabled, Dale never let that get in his way. He later graduated from North Central Technical College. After 35 years of service, Dale retired from Wausau Insurance as a Senior Claims Adjuster. On October 10, 1987, Dale married Jackie Leslie at the family home. Jackie and her children, Chris and Cindy made sure Dale stayed active in helping him try new things. Dale was blessed with many good friends, a wonderful sense of humor and a love for his many pets over the years. Dale was an avid Brewer fan who had special clubhouse privileges at the old County Stadium.
Survivors include his wife, Jackie, step children, Chris (Donna) Huitfeldt, Cindy (Larry) Opichka and their daughter, Josie, all of Wausau, three brothers, DuWayne of Modesto, CA, Ronald (Bonnie) of Columbus, OH, Lyle (Bonnie) of Green Bay, one sister, Joanne Gnirk of Mn and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Clark.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date.
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 (Jaime) Peterson, 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
Ethel D. Brown
Ethel Brown, 80, was called to her loving God on Monday, March 5, 2018.
She was born August 3, 1937 in the town of Freedom, WI, daughter of the late Norman and Marie (Bowers) Huss. On June 4, 1956, she married her loving husband, Bob Brown in Abbotsford. They were married for 61 years.
Ethel loved being a stay-at-home mom. Together, Ethel and Bob traveled extensively, including 45 days in Europe with six children. She enjoyed helping others, serving as a Girl Scout leader for 25 years, volunteering at Salvation Army and nursing homes, St. Michael’s Parish and the year 2013 marked 25 years of service with the Good News Project in St. Lucia.
Some of her favorite pastimes included, cooking, sewing, crafts, gardening and line dancing.
Survivors include, her loving husband, Bob; two sons, Tim Brown and Brian Brown, both of Washington, D.C.; four daughters, Jane (Steve) Bell, Fort Dodge, IA, Kathy (Ken) Krieg, Glen Carbon, IL, Susan Garcia, Dallas, TX and Diane (Tom) Martin, Marshfield; grandchildren and great grandchildren, one brother, Bernard (Denise) Huss, Peshtigo, WI; and two sisters-in-law, Kaye (Gary) Prechel, Tomahawk and Dorothy Dopkins, Naples, FL.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Roy Huss; brother-in-law, Donald Brown; and sister-in-law, Gloria Strevle.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 12, 2018 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. The Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce and The Rev. William Grevatch will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.
Memorials may be directed to St. Vincent de Paul, 131 W. Thomas Street, Wausau, WI 54401.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Gene R. Kemp
Gene R. Kemp, 71, Athens, died Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Marshfield Medical Center.
He was born September 23, 1946 in Cedarburg, son of the late Harvey and Catherine (Orlikowski) Kemp. On January 27, 1968 he married Judy Fickel at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, Cedarburg. She survives.
Gene served his country in the United States Airforce and worked as a farmer.
Survivors include his wife, Judy; children, Tom Kemp, Jim Kemp, Steve Kemp and Mary (Mike) Arndt; grandchildren, Grace, Katelyn, Hailey, Thomas Jr., Alexis and Browning; brother, Mike (Brenda) Kemp; nephews, Dan Kemp and David (Tanya) Kemp.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Donald.
Graveside services will be 3:00 p.m. Monday, March 12, 2018 at St. Francis Borgia Cemetery, Cedarburg.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
John M. Palmer
John M. Palmer, 82, Wausau, died Friday March 2, 2018, at the home of his daughter in Wausau.
He was born December 12, 1935, in Grafton, West Virginia, son of the late John S. and Freda (Jolitz) Palmer. On June 9, 1962, he married Suzanne Williams in Ottumwa, Iowa. She preceded him in death August 3, 2013.
John began his career in Education as a sixth-grade teacher at Franklin Elementary School in Wausau. During this period in time he met his future wife, Suzanne, who was a high school teacher at Wausau High School. In 1966, he became the first principal at the newly built Franklin Elementary. In 1969, the Palmers moved to Albia, Iowa, to be near family, with John as a school principal and Suzanne continuing her high school teaching. John retired in 1998 and enjoyed traveling with family. They took many cruises and visited all 50 states. He had a passion for music and a beautiful baritone voice, which he shared lovingly with several community theaters in Albia, Ottumwa, and Wausau. Growing up in West Virginia, John had a longstanding love of trains. Through the years, he attended many family sporting events and served as an armchair coach for the Packers, Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Cubs.
Survivors include his daughter, Cathy (Dr. Leon) Veldhuizen, Wausau, two grandsons, Jacob and Joshua.
Besides his wife and parents, John was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Alice Nicola.
Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday March 10, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, Wausau. Rev. Sue Kruger will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Church Columbarium. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established to support St. John’s Organ Renovation Project.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
“Her children will rise up and call her blessed.”
Proverbs 31:28
Lorraine M. Resch, 90, of Birnamwood, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother went from the arms of her loved ones on earth to the heavenly embrace of her husband, Emery, on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at Homme Home of Wittenberg under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.
She was born on August 29, 1927, in Antigo, the daughter of the late Leo and Anna (Kuhr) Lenzner.
On November 6, 1943, Lorraine was united in marriage to Emery Resch at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Birnamwood. He preceded her in death on June 28, 2001.
Lorraine was a life-long member of St. Philomena Altar Society. She enjoyed crocheting – especially blankets for her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored.
Lorraine is survived by seven daughters, Judy (Don) Armstrong and their children, Troy & Tara, Shirley (Tom) Schreurs and their children, Kelly & Geilan, Dorothy (Ron) Gehring and their children, Kristina, Shawn & Nick, Jean (Michael) Rolnecki and their children, Miekka, Meghan & Michael II, Theresa “Kitty” (Bob) Zollendorf and her children, Stephanie & Brandon, Patty (Charlie) Knapp and their children, Emilee & Riley and Janette (Jerry) Baumann and their children, Jenna & Jayda; seven sons, Ervin (Trish) and their children, Jason, Jenny, Waylon, Travis, Rachel and Cassie, Ron (Jonelle) and their children, Scott, Brian, Matt and Mark, Ed (Carol), Norman (Mary) and their children, Norman Jr., Jeramie and Jessica, Fred (Nancy) and their children, Laura, Kevin, Jamie and Renae, Paul (Sharon) and their children, Brittany, Kelsey and Mitchell, Peter (Lori) and his children, Tanya, Krystal and Brett; 54 great-grandchildren and three more expected later this year and one sister, Catherine Kautza, whom Lorraine enjoyed being together with again at Homme.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; husband; grandson, Trevor Schreurs and seven siblings, Mabel Noskowiak, Roy Lenzner, Robert Lenzner, Ralph Lenzner, June Resch, Walter (Bill) Lenzner and Richard (Dick) Lenzner.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 12, 2018 at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Birnamwood. Fr. Anthony Ibekwe will officiate. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood with a Rosary recited at 7:30 PM. Visitation will continue on Monday from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass at the Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Homme Home for the Aging, Wittenberg, or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation “JDRF”.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtshculta.com or at Schmidt Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
Rhoda Ferne (Beyer) Matz, 74, of Eland, passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at her home with her husband and dog, Tuscany by her side. She went peacefully under the care of her family and AseraCare Hospice after a battle with cancer.
She was born on January 28, 1944 in DeSoto, WI. On July 20, 1963, she was united in marriage to Arthur Lee Matz in West Prairie, WI. He survives.
Rhoda retired from Homme Home of Wittenberg where she worked many years as a certified nursing assistant caring for people. She enjoyed quilting, knitting, crocheting, and sewing. Rhoda also enjoyed researching genealogy, her flower gardens, reading, collecting coins, thimbles and other collectables. She looked forward to hitting the slots several times a month and the meat raffle on the first Saturday of every month. Above all, spending time with her grandchildren and family was very important to her.
Rhoda is survived by her husband, Art; one daughter, Cynthia (Gregory) Van Lanen of Wittenberg; one son, Dale Matz of Eland; one daughter-in-law, Sandy Matz of Birnamwood; seven grandchildren, Jason (Shara) Van Lanen and Nicole Van Lanen all of Birnamwood, Justin Stewart of Wittenberg, Tony Stewart, Ben Matz and Anna Matz all of Neenah and Chance Matz of Birnamwood; five great-grandchildren, Cole Knaack, Kendyl and Alyssa Kessen and Konnor and Josalin Stewart; one sister, Wanda Davis of La Crosse; one brother, Gary (Nancy) Beyer of Janesville and one sister-in-law, Evelyn Beyer of Evansville.
Rhoda was preceded in death by her mother, Ferne Beyer and father, Byron Dach; one son, Gregory Matz; an infant brother, Robert Beyer; one brother, Alan Beyer; eight brothers-in-law, Richard Davis, Eddie Matz, Jay Reynolds, Ken Kaufman, Roger Treptow, Ken Matz and Allen Matz one nephew, Mark Serrano; her mother-in-law, Violet Matz, and father-in-law, Eddie Matz, Sr.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Rev. Clifford Kessen will officiate. Burial will be at the Town of Almon Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 P.M. on Friday, and from 9 A.M. until the time of service on Saturday, all at the funeral home.
Memories and online condolences may be given at www.schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta.
