Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Virginia K. Peter
Virginia K. Peter died peacefully in her sleep on March 21, 2018 with her family beside her.
Virginia was born on January 27th, 1938 in Peebles, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to Louis P. Nett and Eleanor Fritz. On July 19, 1968 she married Richard F. Peter in Worthington, Ohio. She is survived by her sons Gregory A. Peter (Cathy), Appleton, WI and Brian J. Peter (Minnie), Los Altos, CA; her grandchildren: Jordynn Peter, Darby Peter, and Theo Peter, and her brother, Bruce Nett (Joyce), Oregon, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents Louis and Eleanor, husband Richard, brothers: Louis, Roger, Eugene “Mupie,” James, and sisters Doreen, Joan, and Mary.
She received her bachelor’s degree from Alverno College, Milwaukee, WI, and her masters and Ph.D. in German Literature from the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. During her doctoral work, she studied in Freiburg, Germany for a year before returning to Boulder. She began teaching at Alverno, and stayed for a number of years, and then taught at Eastern Kentucky University and Denison University. She married Rich when he was studying for his doctorate at the Ohio State University, and they moved to Elk Mound, WI, where they had two boys. Virginia taught in the Education department at UW-Stout, Menomonie, WI for 20 years.
After retirement Virginia and Rich moved to a cabin on Black Dan Lake in Winter, WI, where they lived for 16 years until they moved to Wausau, WI in 2011. Virginia kept a large and beautiful garden by the lake. After retirement she was certified as a Master Gardener and wrote a gardening column. She was also interested in geneology, traced her family roots back to 1635, and kept contact with distant relatives she had met through her geneology research. She always loved to travel, and after retirement she and Rich traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, and Mexico, but her favorite times were those spent with her children, grandchildren, and friends. After Rich died in 2016, Virginia was not lonely, and instead spent many hours and laughs in the company of close friends.
Virginia’s family wishes to express special gratitude to Dr. Islam and the Oncology nurses at St. Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point who cared for Virginia during the six months she had cancer, and also to the Aseracare Hospice workers who provided loving care in the last days. A Memorial service will be held at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home 1302 6th Street, Wausau, WI at 1pm on Friday March 30, 2018, with visitation at the funeral home from 11am-1pm preceding the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the family who will establish a memorial fund for Virginia Peter. The family will use the funds to support the hospice programs in Marathon County. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
JoAnn Ruth Atkinson
JoAnn Ruth Atkinson, 67, Mosinee, formerly of Weston, died Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at her home, under the care of her family and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
She was born January 1, 1951 in Fort Atkinson, Wis., daughter of the late Gilbert Scholl and Arlene (Wealti) Scholl. On April 4, 1970, she married John Paul Atkinson. They ran off to Crown Point, Indiana, where they eloped above the Clausen’s Hobby Shop.
JoAnn was a loving person, always tending to others needs. She was an excellent baker and her grandchildren brought her endless joy in life. The BEST wife, mother, sister, grandma and friend a person could ever wish to have in their lives.
Survivors include her husband, John Mosinee; three children, Ricky (Mary Zebik) Atkinson, Merrill, Amy (Gus Griego) Atkinson, Rib Mountain and Peter Atkinson, Wausau; two grandchildren, Marissa and Austin Atkinson, both of Mosinee; one brother, Gary (Vicki) Hoffmaster, Indiana; one sister, Ginger (Dan) Gehri, Michigan; her dear friend, Brenda Boerst, Schofield; and many special nieces, nephews and friends.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by two siblings, Rhonda and David.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Rev. Marion Talaga will officiate. Visitation will be on Sunday from Noon until time of services at the funeral home. Private burial will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Arlin R. Meilahn passed away on Wednesday; March 21, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born to Arnold and Eva (Hollinger) Meilahn on June 28, 1941. He is survived by his wife Debra, his children, Debbie (Wally) Bringgold, Rochelle (Kurt) Larson, Claudette (Terry) Nest, and Richard (Michelle) Meilahn. Grand children, Mallory, Luke, Erik, Jake, Halle, Hanna, Danielle, and Alyssa.
A private celebration of Arlin’s life will be celebrated at a later date.
Mary E. Kostuck, 83 passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on March 20, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
She was born to the late Richard and Helen (Mogensen) Mathie on February 20, 1935. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau and graduated from Wausau High School in May of 1953. She married James Kostuck at St. Therese in Rothschild on November 12, 1955 together they had three children. She worked for Bill’s Fine Food for 17 years as a cook. Mary enjoyed her time watching the Brewers, Packers and attending shows at the Grand Theatre. In the summer, Mary enjoyed going to water ski shows and band concerts at Marathon Park with her friends. Mary enjoyed going to 2510 restaurant, especially celebrating family birthdays. “Faith and Family is all we need” was something Mary said often. Mary’s faith in God was very important to her and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau.
She is survived by her children, Todd (Leah) Kostuck, Candice (Ronald) McGivern, and Craig Kostuck. She had three grandchildren, Matthew (Shannon) Kostuck, Megan (Ryan) Ullenbrauck, and Jenna McGivern. Four great-grandchildren, Aiden, Isaac, Rory Kostuck and Tanner Ullenbrauck. Siblings, Jack (Pat)Mathie, Joanne Irwin, Sue (Bob) Petrowski, and Mike (Terry) Mathie. Sister-in-law, Ann Kostuck. As well as nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by James Kostuck, her parents, her sister Carol Little, nephew Patrick Little, brothers-in-law Tom Little, Fred Irwin and Donald Kostuck.
Funeral services will be on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church 501 Stewart Ave, Wausau. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until time of service at 11:00 with Pastor Zach Holdorf officiating.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift to Trinity Lutheran Church will be made by the family in Mary’s name. Online condolences can be made at www.honorone.com
Harold W. Denissen, 64 of Schofield passed away at home due to long term heart disease. He was born on May 3, 1953 to Harold and Patricia (Thiel) Denissen.
He is survived by his loving wife Debra (Hoff) Denissen, two sons; Christopher (Cherie) Denissen, Scott Denissen, three sisters; Barb (David) Allen, Judy (Willie) Reed, Kathy (Vic) Maulden, one brother Bruce (Connie) Denissen and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Harold was employed at Drott Manufacturing, North Central Health Care, Marathon County Jail and Marathon County Court House.
Harold loved spending time at his house in Michigan hunting and fishing.
A private family burial will be held at a later date.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
John A. Estok, age 62, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Monday, March 19th, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family.
John was born December 11, 1955 in Phillips, WI to Andrew and Dorothy (Eysnogle) Estok. He was married to Penny for 31 years.
John enjoyed supporting the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters, hanging out at Kwik-Trip enjoying doughnuts with friends, eating out at buffets, and stealing everyone’s dessert. He was a lifelong Wisconsin Badgers Fan, holding season tickets for 25 years, only missing three games ever. He loved any UW game, and especially enjoyed trips with the children across the county to support his team. But his real love, was spending time with his family. John loved traveling with his daughter. John enjoyed discussing daily Badger updates with his son. He was also an avid supporter of his grandchildren in all of their sporting events.
He is survived by best friend Penny (Eric); children, John Ross (Cassie) Estok of Wis. Rapids, Amanda (Marshall) Estok of Wis.Rapids; and grandchildren, Hallie, Ross, and Averie. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his brother Allan Malach and parents, Dorothy and Andrew.
Celebration of life will be on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at John J Buettgen Funeral Home 631 E. Grand Ave, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, from 9:00 until time of service at 11:00. In honor of John, we ask you to wear Badger gear or anything red, his favorite color.
Harry Bushman, 98, of Galloway, died on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at his home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Galloway. Fr. Augustine Bentil will officiate. Interment will be in the Parish cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 9AM until 1030AM at which time a Rosary will be recited.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Memories and condolence may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
Doug Johnson, Sr., age 83 of Bowler, passed away on Monday, March 19, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on July 6, 1934 in Peshtigo, the son of the late Edward and Lucinda (Long) Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Janet (Marten), whom he married on May 21, 1955, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in the town of Almon.
Doug served his country in the US Airforce from 1953 – 1957, where he participated in an air-sea rescue squad in Greenland during the Korean War. His work included heavy machinery operating and building construction. He had a great love of horses all of his life. He got his first horse at age 10, and was a member of the Triple W Saddle Club in Peshtigo. He and his wife loved dancing, especially square dancing as part of the Wausau and Shawano clubs, and later country line dancing. He was a former commander and member of the Bowler American Legion.
Survivors include his wife, Janet; one son, Douglas (Kathy) Johnson, Jr., Eland; five grandchildren, Brandia (Jamie) Kutchek, Neenah, Richard (Rachele) Wamboldt, Eland, Anthony (Amanda) Wamboldt, Wausau, Lychelle (Cody) Miller, Gresham, and Douglas (Laura) Johnson III, Rhinelander; 10 great-grandchildren, Lorelei and Katia Kutchek, Corryn, Ellie, Cabela and Archer Wamboldt, Leon and Delylah Miller, and Evelyn and William Johnson; two sisters, Geraldine Trepanier, Pulaski, and Janet Klaver, Porterfield; special nephew, Mark (Patty Jo) Johnson, many other nieces and nephews; two sisters-in-law, Marcia (Bruce) Felts, Shawano, and Mary Ann Marten, Stevens Point.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Candace Wamboldt; his siblings, Edward (Betty) Johnson, Jr. and Donna Vista; his brothers-in-law, Franklin Trepanier, Jerry Klaver, Lester A. Marten, Jr., and Floyd (Mavis) Marten.
Funeral service will be held at high noon (12:00 p.m.) on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bowler. Rev. Michael Schram will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, town of Almon, where military honors will be conducted. Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of service on Saturday at the church. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories and online condolences may be given at schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta.
The family would like to thank the doctors and all of the staff of Aspirus Wausau Hospital for their care during these final weeks. They also would like to acknowledge neighbors Janice Grosskropf, Nancy Dionne, and also Rick Wamboldt Sr. for their help with transportation to doctor appointments. Per Doug’s request, please dress casual or in blue jeans to his funeral in his memory.
MacCoy ‘Mac’ Johnson, 81, of Birnamwood, died on Monday, March 19, 2018, at Ascension Saint Clare’s Hospital, Weston. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family during the last days of his life.
Mac was born on May 4, 1936 in Minneapolis, MN, the son of the late Walter and Jeanette (Boucher) Johnson.
Mac was a United States Army veteran serving during the Korean War. He was honored to have the opportunity to take part in a Never Forgotten Honor Flight.
Mac enjoyed 54 blissful years of marriage to Arlene Stahlberg. They were married on June 1, 1963 in South Dakota. She survives.
Mac drove truck cross country for many years for various trucking companies, working 20-hour workdays. He liked to stay busy, always finding projects around the house and making sure things got done. Mac was a Minnesota Viking’s fan and was dedicated to serving God, his country and his family. He always prayed before every meal and read stories out of the Bible to his family. Mac loved to travel with his family and spoil his grandchildren.
Mac is survived by his wife, Arlene of Birnamwood; four children, Mark (Cindy) Johnson of Minneapolis, MN, Randy Johnson of Los Angeles, CA, Daryl Johnson of Paulden, AZ and Stacy (Roger) Zunker of Wittenberg; five grandchildren, Collin Wilson, Alex (Ariel) Wilson, Casey Wilson, Robert Zunker and Logan Wilson and two step-grandchildren, Robin (Jay) Kronewetter and Andrew Wilson.
Mac was preceded in death by his parents and two children, Keith Johnson and Sandra Johnson-Wilson.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home in Wittenberg. Rev. Adam Roberts will officiate. Military rites will be conducted by the Darling-Gunderson American Legion Post #341. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
The family would like to thank Dr. Onitilo for his wonderful care given to Mac these past years.
2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
