Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Maggie Zvoda
Apparently, my dad was one short in his heavenly golf foursome and needed mom to join him. So on April 4, 2018 she did.
I had the absolute pleasure of being Margaret (Maggie) Zvoda’s daughter. She was a gentle, kind, caring, compassionate and loving lady who liked everyone she met.
She started life in Somers, Wisconsin on June 25, 1927 along with parents Julius & Clara Johnson. She had two older brothers (Ernie and Bud) and an older sister (Dorothy) to welcome her. Later another brother (Ray) and sister (Audie) would complete the family. She started her education in a one room schoolhouse, continued on to Mary D. Bradford High school in Kenosha and then on to St. Luke’s Nursing School in Racine to become a registered nurse.
After graduating from nursing school, she married her high school sweetheart, Alvin Zvoda and they started their life together. I came along first followed four years later by my brother, Mike. After living in several locations around the country, they eventually came to the Wausau area where she worked at what is now Aspirus Hospital in the surgical department (because they had the best hours), where she worked for over 20 years. She made everyone who came through surgery feel a bit more at ease.
When her first grandchild, Samantha, came along, she would stop after work just to rock her for a while, needless to say, she was a wonderful grandma. She eventually had three more grandchildren, all boys, Jason, Max & Kyle and was wonderful with all of them.
She had many talents that she shared with her friends and family. She was a talented seamstress and knitter as well as doing many needlework projects. She was a very good bowler and golfer and loved to golf with Al and his cronies and the ladies at the Wausau Country Club. While a member of WCC, she was one of the first women to serve on their Board of Directors. She also served on the Northeastern Wisconsin Golf Association’s Board of Directors for many years. She was also a member of the Red Hats, and loved getting together with them monthly to celebrate birthdays.
She and Al loved to travel visiting places all over, some of her favorites being cruising through the Panama Canal and visiting Alaska. They also enjoyed escorting busses to the casinos and made many friends in doing so.
The last few years were spent at Pride TLC Assisted Living. She made many friends there, getting involved in many of the activities they had to offer. She loved her caregivers and they in turn loved her back. She was very comfortable and well cared for and appreciated everyone at Pride.
That brings us to Wednesday April 4, 2018, when she decided it was time to go after a short illness. It was a gentle, peaceful departure for a gentle, peaceful lady.
I will miss her dearly, she was a great example of what a loving daughter, nurse, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend should be.
She is survived by her children, Amy (Steve) Fronek and Michael (Rose) Zvoda (Verona, WI), her grandchildren, Samantha Fronek (Minneapolis, MN), Max Fronek (West Hollywood, CA), Jason (Danielle) Zvoda (Littleton, CO) and Kyle Zvoda (Madison, WI) and great-grandchild, Kyson Zvoda (Littleton, CO).
We will celebrate Maggie’s life on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 503 Schmidt Ave., Rothschild. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, with a Memorial Service to follow at 12:00 noon. A luncheon will follow the service.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com
Many thanks to the staff at Pride TLC for taking such good care of our parents during their time there. And thanks to Pastor Rich Block for always being a comforting presence to Maggie.
Francis Charles Hamann
Francis Charles Hamann, 92, 3 Park Heights Ct., Madison, WI died Tuesday April 10, 2018 at Sylvan Crossings Memory Care in Fitchburg, WI.
He was born September 19, 1925 to Grace and Frank Hamann in Milwaukee, WI. Francis served his country in the navy during World War II. He met his wife, Joan Bigsby Milbauer, in Milwaukee and they were married on January 17, 1948. Thereafter they moved to Wausau where his two daughters Linda and Pam were born. Francis played semi-pro football for the Wausau Muskies in the 1950’s. He worked for American Can Company/James River Corporation until he retired in 1988. He was an avid golfer, a computer hobbyist, and loved digital photography. Francis was a family man first and enjoyed being a part of his daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s lives.
Survivors include two daughters: Linda L. Hamann, Lake Ridge, VA and Pamela J. Meyer, Madison, WI. Four grandchildren: Anne M Duffie, David F. Showers, Sarah R. Meyer, and Angi L. Meyer. Three great grandchildren: Rayna C. Smith, Boyd T. Duffie V, and Quincey J. Duffie. He was preceded in death by his parents Grace and Frank Hamann; his wife Joan Hamann; his three sisters Dorothy Jackelen, Katherine Crother, and Jane Lenzen; and his twin brother George D. Hamann.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am Wednesday April 18, 2018 at the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. Entombment will be at the Holy Angels Mausoleum, St. Michael’s Cemetery, Wausau, with full military honors conducted by the American Legion Montgomery Plant Dudley Post No. 10, Wausau. Visitation will precede the Mass starting at 9:30 am until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Beverly Tomasik-DeHaan
Beverly Tomasik-DeHaan, 83, Rib Mountain died Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at Marshfield Medical Center.
Bev was born September 1, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Irene (Smogolski) Gawronski. Bev married John Tomasik who passed away in 1986 and later married Darrell DeHaan who passed in 2012.
Bev retired after many years of customer service with General Telephone & Electronics Corporation (GTE) in Wausau. Bev enjoyed the fine arts and theatre. Her favorite pastimes were fitness activities at the YMCA and morning coffee with friends. She enjoyed Friday fish fries, and attending Bible study at St. Andrew Lutheran Church. She especially enjoyed quality time with her family and friends who all meant the world to her.
Survivors include her children, Janet (Glenn) Pearson, Longmont, CO, Sharon (Dale) Gauger, Wausau and Gregory (Carrie) Tomasik, Appleton. She had seven grandchildren, Paul (Debbie) Gauger, Lauren Pearson, Sarah (Cale) Sala, Scott Pearson, Megan Tomasik, Erin Tomasik and Rachael Tomasik. One great granddaughter, Kylee Sala. Her brother, Bill Gawronski, niece, Peggy Gawronski, and nephew, Jim Gawronski who reside in Washington State and Montana.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 16, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Visitation will resume at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Rib Mountain on Tuesday, April 17 at 9:30 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Jenn Collins will officiate. A luncheon will be offered after the service. Entombment will be at Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Ronald McDonald House or St. Andrew Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
David Utecht
David E. Utecht, 85, of Wausau passed away on April 12, 2018 at his home.
He was born on October 3, 1932 in Wausau, the son of the late Frederick and Helen (Roe) Utecht. On June 10, 1967 he married Pearl Lutzewitz at St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Wausau.
David enjoyed working on antique cars and was a member of the Wausau Antique Auto Club. He also enjoyed working around the house and spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years Pearl and his children Joanna (Keith) Stenberg, Rebecca(Bill) Pries, Sarah(Paul) Gwidt, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and a sister Marlene Sommerfeldt.
He was further preceded in death by a brother, sister, and a son-in-law.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at Our Saviors Evangelical Lutheran Church, 703 Flieth Street, Wausau. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Entombment will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas following funeral service. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com
James Beckman
James Beckman, 83, of Wausau passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at North Central Health Care.
He was born February 2, 1935 in the town of Texas to Ella (Beese) Beckman and Anton Beckman. Jim was a veteran of the Korean War serving as a Sargent in the U.S. Army. On January 13, 1955 he married Beatrice Freadrich in Wausau. While raising their children, Jeffrey and Carrie, Jim worked as manager of the warehouse for Wisconsin Public Service. The family enjoyed camping and fishing together as well as traveling to every state in the nation. Jim was a huge fan of the Packers, Badgers and Brewers. In his younger years, he loved ballroom and line dancing, hunting and golfing. He was always ready to tell stories from his travels all over the world.
Jim will be remembered for his kind heart, caring attitude and warm sense of humor. He was strong in his faith and a long-time member of First English Lutheran Church.
Survivors include his four sisters, Mary Tollar of Wausau, Judy Cortright of Merrill, Ruth (Steve) Matuszak of Wausau and Carol Beckman of Wausau, one brother, Mike (Carla) Beckman of Ringle, nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice, his children, Jeffrey and Carrie Russ, two brothers, Ted and William, one sister, Sandy Becker and his special friend, Louise.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 16, 2018 at First English Lutheran Church, 402 N. 3rd Ave., Wausau. Reverend Erik Olson will officiate. Immediately following the funeral, full military honors will be presented by VFW Burns Post #388. Burial will be in Mechanics Ridge Cemetery, town of Wausau. Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First English Lutheran Church.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of Gardenside Crossings at North Central Health Care for all the care and kindness they gave Jim while he was in their care.
Stacey Lee Kohl, 62, of Wausau, passed away quietly on Wednesday, April 4, after a brief battle with cancer.
Stacey was born in Milwaukee on April 18, 1955 where she grew up and attended school. She finally settled in Arkansas, out in the country, and spent the next 30 years there. She married George Vice, divorced, and raised her only child, Benjamin “southern style”, although she brought him yearly to Wisconsin to remind him of his “Yankee roots”.
Benjamin was her world, along with her faith, that kept her going year after year. When Ben died at age 19, she thought there wasn’t a reason to exist any longer. Stacey’s faith and bright spirit brought her through, which makes her the bravest person I know. (Quote from sister). Stacey moved to Wausau a few years ago, after she had colon cancer, to be closer to her sister and nephew.
She was preceded in death by her son Benjamin Vice and her parents, Donald and Lorraine Kohl.
She is survived by her sister Vicki (Randy) LaFave, niece Amber (Chris) Dubay and their children India and Tommy, her 3 nephews, Jesse Lore, Chad (Renee and Finn) Schulz, and Andrew Schulz. She also leaves behind the Brahmstedt clan and Cousin Donna Geier and her family. Stacey touched many of our lives with her kindness and positive outlook on life. She loved to travel and meet new people and always had a kind word for everyone she met. Stacey will be missed by her friends from Milwaukee, her “southern family and friends” in Arkansas, her new friends in Wausau, but especially by her sister Vicki, family, Chuck Garski, and her dog Zoe.
Thank you to Aspirus Hospice for assisting us in Stacey’s last weeks, I can’t say enough about their compassion and concern for us all.
A private burial will be done at a later date.
Online condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
Howard “Howie” Peacy 85, Wausau left his time on earth on April 5, 2018 from his home surrounded by his family and pets. He was born to the late George and Pauline (Meyer) Peacy on July 24, 1932; he was one of 12 children. He enjoyed collecting decorative plates, loved traveling to Ashland (his birth place), and served in the United States Army for 20 years. After returning from the Army he went to work for Muskegon Piston and Goetz manufacturing for 30 plus years. After retiring he decided to go to work for Straight Shot trucking until his body said enough. He then spent the next five years spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his four sons; David (Cindy) Melke, Kenosha, William (Wendy) Peacy, Wausau, John (Cheryl) Peacy , Wausau and Joseph (Holly) Peacy, Baltimore, MD. One sister Doris Olson and one brother Robert (Bev) Peacy along with nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his son Henry Peacy and 9 siblings.
Family would like to send a special thank you to Ascension Health at Home Hospice and Ministry Living Well for their support and comfort. Because of them Howards wish was fulfilled to be remembered like the monogram on his jacket “a gentleman,” he lived like one and died like one. You will always be missed but never forgotten.
Funeral services will be on April 19, 2018 at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home 948 Grand Ave, Schofield. Visitation will be from 9:00 until time of service at 11:00 with burial to follow at Pine Grove Cemetery with full Military Honors performed by the American Legion Post 10.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time.Online condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
Arlene E. Loss
Arlene E. Loss 90 of Wausau passed away peacefully on April 10, 2018 at Mount View Nursing Home.
She was born to the late Christian and Amelia (Schneck) Holzem on September 4, 1927. She married Jerome Loss on November 13, 1948 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Wausau. Together they had one son Anthony. She was a member of the St. Thomas Circle, PCCW of St. Mary’s church, enjoyed planting, canvas work, needle point, camping, rug hooking, adult coloring and cooking.
She is survived by her son Anthony Loss, siblings; Ann Mae Babicky, Schofield, Alex Holzem, Wausau, Marvin Holzem, Wis. Dells, Cecilia (Robert) Gwidt, Schofield, Christine (Roger) Sefton, Mercedes, TX, Sandra Dorshak, Rothschild and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings Charles Holzem, Kathleen (Gene ) Van Vreede, Gregory (Mary Jane)Holzem, Marcella ( Art) Berndt, Donald (Phyllis) Holzem, Sister-in-laws; Barbara, Margie, and Doris Holzem.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at Church of Resurrection Catholic Church 621 N 2nd St, Wausau with Rev. Mark Pierce officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 until time of Mass at 10:30.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
“Doc” Norman Matzke, 92, of Birnamwood, died on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on September 28, 1925 in Birnamwood, the son of the late Charles and Minnie (Bauch) Matzke.
Doc was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Korean War. He received the Purple Heart and was a member of the American Legion.
Doc drove truck for John Deere as well as the former Adams Coal Co. of Wittenberg. He also worked at Wittenberg Telephone Company for some time. Doc enjoyed listening to Polka’s on Sunday mornings.
Survivors include a sister, Gertrude Matzke of Birnamwood; nephew, John (Phyllis) Carlson of Birnamwood; great-nephews, Jeremy (Kristine) Carlson, Jason (Heather) Carlson and Jordan Carlson all of Birnamwood and great-great-neices and nephews, Cordell, Austin, Jaxson, Carissa, Aidan, Kaitlyn and Ryker.
Doc was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mabel Carlson; brothers, Hilbert and Alvin and nephew, Alfred.
Interment will be in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood at a later date.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
