Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Jim was born July 24, 1949, in Stevens Point, WI, the son of George A. and Margaret Mary “Pat” (Kelly) Lutz. He attended St. Joseph school and graduated from Pacelli High School in 1967. On January 12, 1969, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Jim married Barbara Lynn Newby on August 3, 1970, at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, after growing up next door to one another in Stevens Point. Jim re-enlisted and was transferred next to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, AK, where he served as a Communications/Analysis Specialist. In Anchorage, he and Barb welcomed their first daughter in 1973. Jim earned an Associate degree from the University of Alaska-Anchorage. After his honorable discharge from the service and the family’s return to Wisconsin, he earned his Bachelor’s degree at UW-Stevens Point. It was during this time that Jim and Barb’s younger daughter was born. Jim later earned his Master’s degree at UW-Whitewater.
Jim was an avid outdoors and sports enthusiast, playing football and baseball in high school, completing Grandma’s and Twin Cities Marathons, local triathlons and running races. Jim ran, biked, kayaked and passed his love for cross-country skiing on to all 5 of his grandchildren. He was a vocal and proud fan of his daughters and grandchildren in their various sporting endeavors. He loved learning, earning advanced degrees as well as his CPA designation (Jim was a member of AICPA and WICPA) and he supported his children and grandchildren in their educational pursuits, always providing pep talks and encouragement. He worked as a financial controller for most of his career and was currently employed full-time in that capacity at Silver Spring Foods, eagerly taking on the role of “Mustard Man.” Jim was an active and dedicated member of St. Olaf Parish and served in many capacities such as Finance Council, Adoration and Men’s Club. Jim loved spending time in Northern Wisconsin each summer with his family, helping his grandchildren reel in sunfish and out-paddling his sons-in-law in their kayaks on the lake. When he found himself indoors, he enjoyed listening to Cajun music, reading and keeping up on current events. Above all, Jim was dedicated to his family. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren. Jim and Barb shared a deep and abiding love. They genuinely enjoyed one another’s company, attending fish fry meals each Friday and just spending time together. Every Sunday, the entire family gathers for a meal and this time will never be the same.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara (Newby) Lutz; his children, Kelly (Eric) Muller and Kristin (William) Kays; his grandchildren, Marah, Annalise, Brady James, Joshua and Nolan all of Eau Claire, WI; his brothers, George (Mary Anne) Lutz of Milwaukee, WI, John (Luci) Lutz of Stevens Point, WI, Don (Alvie) Lutz of Marathon, WI; his sister, Mary (Ronald) Domka of Stevens Point, WI; mother-in-law, Dawn (Eckerson) Newby of Stevens Point, WI; brothers-in-law, Don (Maggie) Newby of Stevens Point, WI, Gary (Elaine) Newby of Stevens Point, WI; sister-in-law, Jan (Nix) Lutz of Stevens Point, WI; Godchildren, Andrew James Domka, Mark Lutz and Sarah Hofkes. Jim is further survived by many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Dale Newby; brother, Peter Lutz; sister-in-law, Judy (Wysocki) Lutz; and an infant daughter.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 16, 2018, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 3220 Monroe St, Eau Claire, with Father Paul Hoffman officiating. A visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave, Eau Claire, with a Prayer Vigil beginning at 7:30. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to services at the church. Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Eau Claire.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Sojourner House, 618 S Barstow St, Eau Claire; the Eau Claire Ski Striders, send to Mark Blaskey, 2004 E. Willson Dr, Altoona, WI 54720 – please put “Tower Ridge Improvement Fund” on the memo line; or Halos of the St. Croix Valley, 207 South Knowles Ave, New Richmond, Wisconsin 54017.
The family would like to thank the passersby who stopped to help, EMS, and the Mayo Clinic Health System Emergency Department for their care and compassion.
Mary B. Tryba
Mary B. Tryba, 67, of Wausau, passed away at Aspirus Wausau Hospital on April 10, 2018.
Born to Wilfred and Charlotte (Eggerbrecht) Thomas, Mary grew up in Illinois. She was a homemaker who enjoyed spending her time knitting, baking, cooking, and especially loved taking care of her family.
Survivors include her husband James Tryba, Sr.; mother Charlotte; children Christine (Christopher) Lynch, Michael (Tammi) Tryba, James Tryba, Jr.; grandchildren Linsey, Chelsey, Nathan, Aryanna, Madelynn, Emalynn; great-grandchild Brae; brothers John (Roxanne) and Gary Thomas; and friend Mary Gelhar. She was preceded in death by her father.
A visitation will be held Friday, April 13 from 4pm-7pm at Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams Street, Wausau. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 14 at 11am at St. Therese Catholic Church, 113 W Kort Sreet, Rothschild, with a visitation from 9am until the time of Mass. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery.
The family would especially like to thank the palliative care staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and the staff at Mount View Care Center for the care and compassion they showed over the past four years.
Isabelle Misudek
Isabelle Misudek, 97, of Wausau died on Sunday, April 8, 2018. She was born April 28, 1920 in Marathon City, Wisconsin, the daughter of Conrad and Isabella (Vetter) Lang. She was the last survivor of eleven siblings in the Conrad Lang family.
She married Henry Misudek on January 3, 1945 at St. Raphael Catholic Cathedral in Dubuque, Iowa. Henry preceded her in death on October 4, 1996.
In 1958, Henry and Isabelle bought the Misudek 80-acre family farm in the town of Johnson on Highway 29 from his parents Joseph and Anna. Prior to that, they also operated a used car dealership and Garage in the same location, and while dairy farming until they retired in 1985.
Isabelle had a positive attitude for life, and maintained an interest and concern for others until the final weeks of her life. She traveled when young to Wyoming. When she was 87, she was happy to be accompanied by Ken, on the “Lang Trip to Alaska” in 2007, which was a 7-day inside passage cruise. This trip was attended by 60+ relatives who enjoyed the ship’s amenities while enjoying good food, beautiful scenery and time to truly connect and share time with one another. She also enjoyed attending Vetter family reunions, especially those held on the century family homestead.
Isabelle lived on the family farm until 2000, when she moved to the Heidi Apartments in Edgar where she remained until going to Wausau Manor in 2012.
Isabelle was a devout Catholic and she enjoyed arranging for Mass at Heidi Apartments and leading the Rosary at Wausau Manor (especially the Glorious Mysteries) when requested. She was proud to explain the many traditions and beliefs of her faith, and was aware of the church seasons throughout her entire life. Isabelle was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Wurzburg.
Isabelle is survived by one son, Kenneth (Susan) Misudek of Fond du Lac. She is also survived by three grandsons, Daniel Misudek of Kaukauna, Mark (Tori) Misudek of Chamblee, Georgia, and James (Jessica) Misudek of Baltimore, Maryland. She is further survived by one Sister-in-Law Delores Lang (Hubert’s wife) of Marathon.
Isabelle was preceded in death by her husband Henry, her own parents and her in-laws. She was further preceded in death by her seven brothers: Clarence, Hugo and Hubert (twins), Melvin, Arnold, Mark and Frederick; and three sisters: Erna Pozorski, Caroline Zimmerman and Stella Cortwright, and all of their spouses with the exception noted above.
While so many of her family preceded Isabelle in death, she was not lonely as so many of her nieces, nephews, cousins and friends maintained such cordial and frequent contact, for which her son’s family is very grateful. In addition to long-held relationships, Isabelle found many new friends wherever she lived, and made genuine friendships with her many caregivers at Wausau Manor. We appreciate the care and concern you took with our beloved mother and grandmother. Sharing your lives with her made a tremendous difference in the quality of her life. When Isabelle saw her life begin to fade, she chose hospice care from the Aspirus care team who were invaluable to ensuring her comfort in the end of her earthly life and we are especially grateful for your compassion and guidance.
The Funeral Mass will be Noon, Wednesday April 18, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 103 N. 4th Avenue, Edgar, WI 54426. Rev. Thomas Huff will preside. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Family and friends may call on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Duane K. Hofstetter
Duane “Dewie” K. Hofstetter, 49, Wausau, died April 2, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Duane was born June 13, 1968 in Moline, Illinois to Carolyn “Kay” (Clifton) and the late Harold Hofstetter. He is a graduate of Beaver Dam High School and went on to honorably serve in the United States Air Force as a mechanic during Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf War. Over the years he has worked at a variety of places as a chef.
Duane was a good man willing to do just about anything for another person. His wonderful sense of humor was infectious, bringing a smile to the faces of those around him. Duane was a proud member of the Wausau Man of Honor Society. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time outdoor fishing and camping.
Duane is survived by his beloved daughter, Morgyn Hofstetter; mother, Kay Hofstetter; siblings, Kevin Hofstetter and Kathy (Vaughn) Meyer; nieces and nephews, Tim, Brittany (Adam), Cody and Mandy; dear friend, Beth Holtz; and extended family and friends.
The memorial service for Duane will be at 6:00 PM on Friday, April 13, 2018 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home. Duane will be inurned at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Dorothy Taylor
Dorothy Taylor, 94, of Wausau passed away peacefully on Monday, April 2, 2018 at Mount View Care Center.
She was born on April 20, 1923 in Sydney, Australia to the late Frank and Vera (Whyburne) Ward. Dorothy came to the United States to marry Clifton Taylor on August 31, 1944 in Sycamore, ILL. Dorothy was proud to become an American citizen in 2000. She was a homemaker and managed The Catholic Thrift Center for 25 years. Dorothy was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Parish and a very active volunteer in the Circle of Joy food pantry and as a communion distributor. She was a member of the Altar Guild and St. Catherine’s Council.
Dorothy enjoyed being a mother to her four children, Clifton (Linda) Taylor of Neenah, Robin (Arlene) Taylor of Mt. Prospect, ILL, Betty (Mike) Bresnahan of Rib Mountain and Patricia Taylor of Wausau, seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton in 1972 and her brother and his wife, James and Alma Ward.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1104 S. 9th Ave., Wausau. Father Robert Thorn will officiate. Entombment will be in Restlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
The family would like to thank the staff at Northern Reflections and especially Michelle, CNA. They made Mom’s days very comfortable. They are an excellent caring staff.
Darlene Smith
Darlene Rose Smith, 82, of Rothschild passed away on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born on April 11, 1935 to the late Herbert and Eva (Tesch) Schultz in Butternut. Darlene spent her early years in Butternut and later married Donald Smith on July 9, 1955. Over the years they lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the family farm in the town of Maine, and most recently Darlene resided in Rothschild.
Darlene was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Wausau. She enjoyed reading, playing cards and Yahtzee, and collecting dolls. In her spare time she also volunteered with hospice.
Survivors include her children, Douglas Smith of Johnstown, CO, Dawn (Duane) Klink of Rhinelander, and David Smith of Vail, CO; granddaughters, Sara Van Den Heuvel and Jessica (Jeff) Blaisdell; great-grandchild, Nari Blaisdell; brothers, Wayne (Dorothy) Schultz and Darrel (Betty) Schultz; and sister, Marilyn Luczaj.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Smith in 2001.
A funeral service will be at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 13, 2018, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, with Rev. Ken Albers officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 4:00 p.m. until the time of service in the funeral home. Burial will be on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. in Maple Grove Cemetery, town of Maine.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Thomas Gerard Lisack, age 59, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Wausau, WI, on April 5, 2018, due to natural causes. Tom was born August 20, 1958 in Chicago, IL, to the late Edmund J. and Margaret M. Lisack.
Tom is survived by: his sons, Jordan T. Lisack, age 17, Samuel L. Lisack, age 16; former wife, Nancy J. Wiskerchen, Weston, WI, brother, Lawrence E. Lisack, Chicago, IL, nephews, Joseph A. Lisack and Ryan C. Lisack, niece Laura Lisack, sister-in-law Keeli Lisack, and former sister-in-law Yolanda Arellano.
Tom attended primary and secondary schools in Chicago. He received his Bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University, Master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and Doctorate of Education from the University of Phoenix. Thomas was a lifelong, passionate educator. He taught Writing and English at the secondary and post-secondary levels at institutions including: Pacelli Catholic High School, Stevens Point Area Senior High, Newman Catholic High School and Rasmussen College.
Tom considered the adoption of his sons from Russia in 2002 with his former wife, Nancy, one of the most inspirational events in his life. Tom considered his children to be “the light of his life.” Tom loved watching Jordan participate in track and bowling through Special Olympics. He also enjoyed supporting Sam in his competitive horse shows. In addition to his sons, Tom loved his time at Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp where he was able live out his childhood dream of playing Notre Dame Football. Tom and his father, Edmund, were avid Chicago Cubs fans. Tom was thrilled when his beloved Cubs won the World Series in 2016 after 108 years of waiting.
A funeral service will be held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church on Saturday April 28, 2018 at 11:30 am. The church is located at 820 Division Street, Lisle, Illinois 60532. Please contact Larry Lisack at 312-307-1557 with any questions.
Larry M. Zeinert, 79 of Wittenberg, passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by his family.
He was born on August 9, 1938 in Wittenberg, the son of the late Harold and Agnes (Bernarde) Zeinert. On June 15, 1963 he married Bonnie Johnson. She preceded him in death on November 28, 2008.
Larry served his country in the US Army. He was a barber for over 50 years, and spent many of those years at Larry’s Barber Shop in Birnamwood. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, and spending his summers up north at his cabin.
Survivors include three sons, Kurt (Sue) Zeinert of Wittenberg, Darryl (Shelly Maas) Zeinert, Tigerton, and Jay Zeinert of Wittenberg; special friend, Dianne Long, Wittenberg; his grandchildren, Robert, Jessica, Josh, Dalton, Logan, Chyara, Ty and Charlie; one great grandchild, Brayden; his siblings, Darwin (Betty) Zeinert, Tigerton, Sharon (Dennis) Trinko, Bowler, and Rodney (Patsy) Zeinert, Bowler; sisters in law, Lori Zeinert, Waupaca, Pat Zeinert, Wausau, and Patti Zeinert, Bowler.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Bonnie, his siblings, DeLloyd Zeinert, Julaine Olson, Jerald Zeinert, and Ricky Zeinert; brothers and sister in law, Charles Johnson, Dorothy Geiger, and Richard Johnson.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bowler. Rev. Michael Schram will officiate. Visitation will be on Monday from 4 – 7 PM at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, and on Tuesday at 10 AM until the time of service at the church.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta.
