Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Jack Charles Radandt
Jack Radandt, 75, passed away April 19, 2018. He was born August 7, 1942, the son of the late Jack and Lila (Ohlson) Radandt.
You could call Jack a workaholic. He began his career in the family grocery store, bagging potatoes, stocking shelves and delivering groceries.
He also spent time working at Wausau Floral, planting and weeding. After graduation from Madison Business College, he worked in management positions for Woolco in Michigan and Wisconsin. He had a long career with Southern Convenience Company and spent 30 years living in Florida, Alabama, and the Carolinas. He retired in 2005 and returned to Wausau.
The best thing about returning to Wausau was that he could enjoy Sam’s pizza anytime!
During his retirement, he found he had time on his hands, so he took several part-time jobs. When he could no longer work due to health issues, he still enjoyed playing Santa for friends and family. Jack enjoyed watching Packer and Badger football games…and was happy to attend a number of games when he returned to Wisconsin. Casinos called to him occasionally and he enjoyed exercising at the NCHC pool. Jack loved to sing, especially the old hymns he learned in grade school and would join in with the choirs as he watched Mass on television.
Jack is survived by his son, Dale Radandt; step-daughter Tammy Aultman; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Kathy Krueger, nine nieces and nephews; and good friends “Shep” and Joyce Schoepke, who all went the “extra mile” for him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Marge Rajek and Helen Bartelme; and three brother-in-law’s, Harry Rajek, Bob Bartelme, and Roger Krueger.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Matthew Parish, 229 S. 28th Ave, Wausau, on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 11:00 am with visitation starting at 10:00 am. Father Jim Bartelme, Jack’s nephew, will preside with Rev Robert C. Thorn as the co-celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established which will include The Heart of the Nation TV Mass, which Jack enjoyed weekly.
Janet Matthiesen
On Wednesday, April 18, 2018, Janet Matthiesen, great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, sister, wife, aunt passed away at 88 years of age.
Born on September 12, 1929 in Appleton, Wisconsin she was the second child of Edwin and Esther Danke. In 1946 she graduated from New London High School and can still remember watching “her” team at the state basketball tournament.
She moved to Milwaukee where she became a nurse and met her husband, Albert. The couple moved to Arlington, Virginia. She talked about embassy dances that she went to while she lived there. In 1955 they moved to Rothschild, Wisconsin which became their hometown for 61 years. Later in life, Janet always the role model, went back to school and became an accountant. Janet was involved in many activities over the years: quilting, the food pantry, church. She was an avid reader and could always recommend a good book. Word puzzles were like candy to her. She and Al enjoyed traveling. They went from one coast to the other and even to Paris and Germany.
She will be forever remembered by her husband of 66 years and love of her life, Albert. Missing her greatly are her five children: Mary Matthiesen Kahler of Beaver Dam, Laura Matthiesen (Paul Boyd) of St. Paul, Chris Matthiesen (Cheryl) of Suamico, Andrew Matthiesen (Bridget) of Sussex and Suzanne Matthiesen of St. Paul. She is further survived by nine grandchildren: Marne Boyd, Anders Boyd, Micah Boyd, Kyle Kahler, Marisa Kahler, Nolan Matthiesen, Mitchell Matthiesen, Molly Matthiesen, and Sam Matthiesen and four great grandchildren. In addition she is survived by two sisters, Eleanor Uthe and Doris Nobles as well as five brothers, Gordon (Pat) Danke, Richard (Sara) Danke, Lloyd (Judy) Danke, Cliff (Linda) Danke and Loren (Sally) Danke. Janet will also be forever remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. In addition, she will be sorely missed by the squirrels in her neighborhood who thrived on her care and feeding.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Edwin and Alan and her sister, Marion; as well as her son-in-law, Buck Kahler.
The family wishes to thank St. Clare’s Hospital, Copperleaf Assisted Living and Pride TLC for their care of Janet. In addition, they would also like to thank Janet’s neighbor, Don Ericson.
Visitation for Janet will be at St. Andrew’s Church in Wausau, Wisconsin on April 28 from 9:30 to 11:00. A service will be held at 11:00 at the church with a luncheon following.
Memorial donations may be made to Marathon County Public Library MCPL.
Doris Doepke
Arrangements are pending with Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel.
Lawrence Krejci Jr.
Lawrence Krejci Jr., 73, Tomahawk, formerly of Wausau, died Wednesday, April 18, 2018.
He was born October 6, 1944 in Wausau, son of the late Lawrence Sr. and Dorothy (Goytowski) Krejci.
Survivors include cousins, other relatives and friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Roger and John.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 30, 2018 at Restlawn Memorial Park Chapel, T4710 N. Troy Street, Wausau. Visitation will be on Monday from 1:00 p.m. until time of services at Restlawn Memorial Park.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Patricia “Pat” Splettzstozer
Patricia “Pat” Splettstozer, 80, Wausau died Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Pat was a supervisor at the former Employers Mutual Insurance Company in Wausau until her retirement.
Survivors include nieces, nephews and her cousins, Tom and Gerald Klosinski, a special friend, Arnold Iwen and his family, Wausau and Pat’s best friend, VerJean Smith, Wausau.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. The Rev. Zach Holdorf will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Friends may call on Friday from Noon until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Carol Goetsch
Carol Goetsch, 84, Largo, FL, formerly of Wausau, died Friday, April 13, 2018 at her home in Florida.
She was born November 5, 1933 in Birnamwood, daughter of the late Anton and Caroline (Ecker) Eckardt. On October 3, 1953, she married Gerald “Jerry” Goetsch at the Church of St. Anne, Wausau. He preceded her in death on May 30, 2017.
Throughout her life, Carol enjoyed her role as a homemaker, was a longtime member of the Church of St. Anne and owned and operated Jerry’s Music for many years with her husband, Jerry.
Survivors include, two children, Kathy Goetsch, Largo, FL and Terry (Sharon) Goetsch, Tomahawk; two grandchildren, Kelly Goetsch, Brookfield and Lauren (Jake) Seever, Mosinee; three great-grandchildren, Helana Gantner and Gavin and Athena Seever; and two brothers, John Eckardt and Robert (Rose) Eckardt, both of Merrill.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two infant brothers, Michael and Joseph; and one sister-in-law, Pat Eckardt.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Noon on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at the Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
George J. Wagner
George J. Wagner, 84, Ringle, died Thursday April 19, 2018 at Mount View Care Center, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born February 22, 1934, in Wausau, son of the late Andrew and Mary (Schotz) Wagner. On June 17, 1961, he married Betty Page at St. Florian Catholic Church, Hatley. She survives.
George served his country proudly with the National Guard from 1950 until 1952, then served in the US Army from 1952 until 1957 in Japan, Korea, Hawaii and last at Fort Bliss Texas. He remained active in the Army Reserves from 1957 until 1965. In 2013, George enjoyed participating in the Honor Flight and spoke of his experience with great enthusiasm.
George began his employment with US Post Office with the Railroad, was one of the original employees of Wausau Tile, worked at Drott and retired from the US Post Office.
Among his many involvements, George served the town of Ringle as treasurer, served as a deputy under Sheriff Louis Gianoli, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council, Schofield and volunteered for 10 years at St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston. Woodworking and crafts were special talents for George. He attended many craft shows where he displayed and sold his creations “Toys by George”.
An active member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Weston, George served as Chairman of the Building Committee which oversaw the construction of the new church and hall, served as Chairman of the summer picnics, and was involved for many years in the missions in Appalachia.
Survivors include his wife, Betty, his children and grandchildren, John (Cheri) Wagner, Rineyville, Kentucky and their daughters, Brittany & Megan; Mary (Jim) Jansen, Wausau and their children, Ashley and Kyle (Shelby) Jansen; Julie (Mark) Thompson, Ringle and their sons, Christopher and Michael; sisters, Dolores Storm, So. Bend, Indiana, Patricia (Buff) Kuehlman, Wausau; sisters-in-law, Carol, Alice and Irene Wagner; many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Wally, Donald (Helen), Clarence and Melvin Wagner and a brother-in-law, Donald Storm, In-laws, John and Katherine Page, sister and brother-in-law, Claire & Edward Rusinek and nephew, Tim Rusinek.
Special thank you to nephew, Rod Rusinek for all his help and to special friends, Richard & Mary Lemmer, Lou & Lou Przesmicki and neighbors, Bob & Beth Doucette and Pat & Darlene Hollander. Thanks also, to Mount View, Northern Reflections and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for all their care and support.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday April 23, 2018 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Weston. Rev. Greg Bohren will preside. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery, where full military honors will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Burns Post No. 388. Vitiation will be on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Delores Wadzinski
Delores C. (Trawicki) Wadzinski, 88, of Wausau, passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Delores was born to the late Joseph and Delphine (Strasser) Trawicki in the Town of Wein at the Strasser Homestead on April 10, 1930. She met, then fell in love with Marvin L. Wadzinski, whom she married at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edgar, WI on August 4, 1951. Delores worked as a bookkeeper for Marathon Electric and Gimbels Department Store, as well as a sales representative for Avon, Tupperware, and Stanley products. She worked until the birth of her first child when she chose to stay home and raise her children, Sandra, Gary, Marcia, Ted, and Wendy.
Delores was very active in both her church and her community. She was a member of the St. Catherine Council, Holy Name of Jesus Parish Council, Eucharistic Minister and volunteered regularly at the Holy Name of Jesus Summer Fun Event. She and her husband founded Holy Name Bingo Night which they organized and operated for over 20 years. Delores was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Alois-Dreikosen Post #469 of Marathon, navigated local neighborhoods as a Census taker, and served as a poll worker during numerous local, state and Presidential elections.
Delores enjoyed reading and loved watching her favorite shows: NCIS, Blue Bloods, Criminal Minds, and Hawaii 5-0. If you needed to talk to her, it was better to have waited until her shows were over. Family was the most important element in her life. Whether she was serving as a Den Mother for her son’s Cub Scout Pack or simply spending time up North with family at the getaway spot on Lake Nokomis, being with family is what truly made her happy. Delores will be missed by all who truly knew and loved her.
Survivors include her children, Sandra Wadzinski of Wausau, Gary (Lisa) Wadzinski of Wausau, Marcia (Rick) Wood of Wausau, Ted (Brenda)Wadzinski of Green Bay and Wendy (Matthew) Hildebrandt of Kronenwetter; eight grandchildren, Matthew (Mariana Arena) Wood of Johnson Creek, Rebecca “Becca” Wood of Denver, CO, Dr. Allison “Allie” (Benjamin) Fisher of Phoenix, AZ, Dr. Tyler (Erin) Wadzinski of Hamden, CT, Jared Wadzinski of Green Bay and Miles, Samuel, and Ella Hildebrandt of Kronenwetter. Delores is further survived by her brother, Donald Trawicki of Tucson, AZ; brothers-in-law, Clemens Wadzinski of King and Kenneth (Janet) Wadzinski of South Bend, IN; sisters-in-law, Janet Trawicki of Edgar, Geraldine Lang of Rothschild and Lou Ann Zemski of Marathon; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Beside her parents, Delores was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin on October 5, 1995; her brother, Anthony Trawicki; sister, Patricia DeLuca; brothers-in-law,
John DeLuca; Harold Lang and Joseph Zemski and her sisters-in-law, Bonnie Trawicki and Arleene “Dottie” Wadzinski.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 26, 2018 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1104 S. 9th Ave., Wausau. Father Peter Kieffer will officiate. Entombment will be in Holy Angels Mausoleum (St Michael’s Cemetery), Wausau. Visitation will be held Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Church of Holy Name of Jesus.
The family would like to thank the Aspirus MSICU nursing staff, Dr. Allen and Dr. Wald for the exceptional heartfelt care given to our mother and grandmother during her stay.
Daniel L. Manning
Daniel L. Manning, 77, of Weston, passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018, with his loving wife of nearly 50 years at his side.
He was born in Wausau on August 18, 1940 to the late Daniel and Wilhelmina (Blattert) Manning. On May 4, 1968, he married Shirley Seehafer at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau.
After graduating from Wausau High School in 1958, Dan drove school bus, delivered lime to farmers, and worked for Eugene Detjens and Ray Wolfe. He joined the United States Army on August 26, 1963 and served honorably until his discharge as an SP5 E-5 on August 25, 1969. Daniel received both his SHARPSHOOTER with a Rifle M-14 accommodation as well as EXPERT in both the 155 MM and 120 MM RR accommodation. He also completed the Davy Crockett course at FT CARSON and was a member of the Davy Crockett Platoon, 2d Brigade 2d Infantry Division from October 7, 1964 until July 15, 1965. Always humble, he did not think he did anything special; he just did his job serving his country.
After the Army, Dan began his truck driving career with Beaver Transport before joining Schneider Transport of Green Bay. As an over the road truck driver and very proud Teamster, he logged thousands of hours and miles over the 30 plus years he was behind the wheel. When he retired in 1997 from Schneider, he had achieved over 2 million accident free miles.
Following his retirement, Dan did not drive anymore than was absolutely necessary. He became an avid recycler, particularly enjoying recycling various metals and meticulously sorting them. He simply hated waste. Dan was not materialistic, but he did love his John Deere lawn tractors. He never lost anything and believed everything had a place and when something was used, it should be put back right where it was originally found.
Dan was a devoted husband, selfless provider, proud father and adoring Grandpa. Prior to his health failing, PePaw, as he was called by his grandkids, loved going to the their baseball and softball games, dance recitals, and school programs. He was a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church for over 45 years.
Daniel is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Shirley; his children, Beth Manning, Brenda Manning (Ron Witucki) and Allan (Jennifer) Manning; his grandchildren, Sydney and Abigail Kurszewski, Zachary Wix and Lilyan Manning, and Nicholas Witucki; brothers, Wesley (Judy) Manning and Perry Manning; and brother-in-law, LeRoy Moseng. He is further survived by Shirley’s brothers and sisters, LeRoy (Jean) Seehafer, Eugene (Judy) Seehafer, Sheila (Paul) Burgus and Sara (Brian Jarocki) Goetsch.
Beside his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his sister, Wendy Moseng and his mother and father-in-law, Wilbert and Myra Seehafer.
Funeral services with full military honors will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson Street, Weston. Pastor Ray Connor will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of services at the church. Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park at a later date. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
The family would like to thank Dr. Robert C. Kaupie of Aspirus Family Physicians for overseeing and coordinating Dad’s medical care for many years, as well as Dr. Adam Clements of Aspirus Wausau Hospital who helped us gain the last 2 weeks with dad, and the Everest Metro Police Department and EMS, especially Officers Brenda Pollowski and Scott Marten for their exceptional assistance and compassion to the family.
Daddy/PePaw, please know you no longer have to worry about us. We promise to take good care of Mom/MeMaw. You taught us well whether you thought so or not. We miss you terribly, but we are comforted knowing you are no longer in pain and are finally comfortable and at peace.
George Edward Cline 83, Wisconsin Rapids, WI. passed away on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at Aspirus Riverview Hospital. He was born to the late David and Viola (Duchow) Cline on July 3, 1934 in Chili, Wisconsin.
He attended Rudolph High School graduating in 1953. He with his first wife Joyce who he married in 1955 had four children together. George was employed at Consolidated Papers, Northern Propane and Preway. He then started his own business, Cline Insulation and continued in that business for 20 years and was proud of his accomplishment. He retired in 1997. He married Mary (Jake) Cline and together they celebrated 37 years together.
George loved hunting rabbit, deer, partridge, small game and fishing with his kids. He also enjoyed owning and raising horses with his children Debra and Mitchell. He also enjoyed sharing time with family, friends, and sharing his passion of cooking with everyone. He liked to give away his bird houses and tinkering and fixing anything to make it work. He was a goofy, kind loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The good Lord turned the page and took him home.
He is survived by his wife Mary, children, daughter Debra (Randall) Kumm, Saratoga, and sons, Mitchell (Shawn) Cline, Saratoga, Tim (Lisa) Cline, Nekoosa, and Michael (Paula) Cline, Green Bay. One brother Robert (Ruth) Cline, Vesper, grandchildren, Jeremiah Kumm, Lucas Kumm, Brandon Kuentjes (KC), Jessica (Aaron) Steuck, Kyle Cline, Caleb (Paula) Cline, Katie Mae (Brendan) Auten, Maria Michelle Steuck, Dan and Krysta Steinke. Great grandchildren; Colton Kumm. He is also survived by one sister-in-law Elaine Cline, Fall Creek and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents David and Viola, sister Doris Finup, Brother Miles Cline, infant sister and brother-in-law Gordon Finup.
A memorial will be held at a later date.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family at this time. Online condolence can be made at www.HonorOne.com
William A Yenter
William Andrew Yenter, of Elderon, found his way home to the Lord on April 17, 2018 at St. Faustina Home in Rosholt, Wisconsin, under the care of Ministry Home Care. He was born February 18, 1942 in the Town of Reid, son of the late Andrew and Pearl (Koziczkowski) Yenter.
Bill was a United States Marine Veteran, enlisting in January 1961 shortly after graduating high school. After taking basic training in San Diego, CA he was stationed in El Toro, CA, and then served overseas in Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam until his discharge in 1963. On May 6, 1967, he married Karen Knitter, divorcing in 1977. Together they had their only daughter, Nicole. In a later relationship with Gretchen Vergin, he had his youngest daughter, Elizabeth. Bill spent many years on the road as a truck driver; owner/operator of his own rigs and later driving for various trucking companies throughout the years.
Bill was best known for his music. He was a member of the Countrymen in the 60’s, followed by Country Gold and Blue Ribbon Gamblers. He was always appreciative of the many people who came to support his musical career. He was an incredibly talented guitar player and a gifted singer. He could touch a life with a song and inspired many young would-be musicians in his lifetime including his nieces and nephews. He left an unmistakable legacy of music behind.
Bill is survived by one daughter, Nicole Hale; three grandchildren, Aisha Seamans, Clayson Hale, and Aurora Vergin; three sisters, Rita Shalewski, Galloway; Char Kranski, Chandler, AZ; and Patricia (John) Vander Koy, Eland; four brothers, Robert, Saukville; Daniel (Linda), Elderon, Frederick (Karen), Galloway; and James, Hatley, one sister-in-law, Helen Yenter, West Bend, one brother-in-law, Daniel Wanta (Bevent), and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Pearl; daughter, Elizabeth Vergin; eight brothers, David, Hubert, Chester, Conrad, Andrew, Jr., Jerome, Joseph, and Roger; two sisters, Ramona (Bauer), and Theresa (Wanta); two nieces, Sara Vander Koy and Bonnie Kuepper, and one nephew, Kyle Kranski.
To honor Bill’s wishes, a private service will be held to celebrate his life. Military honors will be provided by the Elderon VFW Post #8068.
Deepest gratitude to the staff at Ministry Home Care, Aspirus Comfort Care, St. Faustina Home, and to those who helped out, especially Diane, for the patience and care they provided to our dear Brother Bill during the last months of his life.
For online condolences, please visit www.honorone.com
For cards of condolence please mail to Jim Yenter, 1588 Forty Lane, Hatley, WI 54440.
Cynthia M Bednarski
Cynthia M. Bednarski 62, Wausau, WI passed away on Monday, April 16, 2018 at Tender Reflections in Weston. She was born to the late Laurence and Victoria (Schilling) Bednarski on March 30, 1956.
Following graduation from Wausau East High School, Cindy attended cosmetology college and was a hair stylist since graduation, eventually owning her own business “C-HAIR It-Is.” She helped people dealing with cancer through the Look Good Feel Better program, an affiliate of the American Cancer Society. She was an extreme cat lover and rescuer. She volunteered at the Humane Society, was a member and judge of the cat club, taught religious education at St. Mary Catholic Church, was an active member of St. Therese Catholic Church (volunteering with the youth group, in the library and various other capacities), and was an active member of Catholic Order of Foresters. She had many hobbies that included gardening, antique shopping, taking walks, going to farmers markets, attending and participating in craft fairs, and enjoying many local festivals with family and friends.
Cindy is survived by her brothers Michael Bednarski, Wausau, and Jon (Sherry) Bednarski, Madison, and five nephews: Brent, Jason, Mason, Justin and Cadin.
She is preceded in death by her parents Laurence and Victoria Bednarski.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at St. Therese Catholic Church, 113 W. Kort St., Rothschild with Fr. Louis Britto officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m.
Expressions of sympathy other than flowers may be expressed as memorials that will be given to Cindy’s favorite charities.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences can be made at www. Honorone.com
James Schreier
James “Jump & Jimmy” Schreier 74 passed away on Monday, April 16, 2018 at Atrium Post-Acute Care of Weston. He was born on January 4, 1944 in Marathon to the late George and Edna (Rajek) Schreier.
James married Linda Wendt and together they had two children.
He is survived by his children, Lori Ullenbrauck, Ringle, Rodney Schreier, Marathon. Grandchildren Allison and Emily Ullenbrauck, Ringle, and one great grandson Gavin Lee Kunze, Wittenberg along with siblings, Joseph (Maureen), Richard, Clifford, Robert, David, John, Mary Ellen Volm, Darlene (Kenneth) Nowitzke, Ruth (Kenneth) Wendt, and Edna Jane Schreier.
Besides his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers Gerald, Kenneth, Gary, and sisters Joan and Elizabeth.
In keeping with Jims wishes there will be no funeral services but a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family at this time.
Gothards Alberts Krumins
Gothards Alberts Krumins, aged 99, died October 26, 2017 at ProHealth Care AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.
He was born on August 25, 1918 in Riga, Latvia, the son of Gothards and Emma Krumins (Lange).
Gothards, known as “Puka” or Albert, will be sorely missed by his daughter Anita Krumins (George Swede), his son Albert Krumins (Lila Sprogis), his daughter Marga Krumins, his grandson Juris Krumins (Heather Horne), his grandson Andris Krumins (Annette Hofstetter), his grandson, Alexander Krumins, his granddaughter Laura Krumins. He will also be missed by his great-grandchildren, Juris and Heather’s son Markus and daughter, Laura, as well as his nieces and nephews.
He married Ida Krumins (Kampe) in the summer of 1943, three years after they met on her parents’ farm where his parents would go to buy milk while at their summer home in the country. Within months, he and his wife, Ida, began what was to become a journey of displaced persons during WWII. While he initially remained in Latvia in order to keep his job, his wife, their son, Andrejs, and her family fled the family farm where they had all been living. The farm was no longer safe, since the Germans had set up headquarters at it.
After over a year, around Easter, he was able to take a two-week vacation and made his way to where his wife and son were staying. During that visit, little Andrejs got a very high fever. It was diphtheria. In his own words, “Unfortunately my stay was fast over and I had to say goodbye to my little son – forever.” In May of 1945, after the war ended, he and his wife began seeking each other.
They were finally re-united in Flensburg, Germany. On September 3, 1945 he saw his wife standing there – alone – and so realized his little son had died.
Eventually, Ida’s parents joined them and in 1946, they had another child.In 1948, they heard of a Baptist minister who arranged sponsors in America. Gothards, his wife, her parents, and their young daughter crossed the ocean on the USS Hersey, and took a train to their destination: Jonesboro, Georgia. The four adults worked on a cotton plantation for $25.00 per week and from this they were supposed to repay their sponsor for their passage before they could leave. Many DPs ended up with massive debts in these situations and had to stay in what were miserable working and living conditions for years.
In 1949 he and his wife moved to Chicago. Together, they finally made enough money to repay the sponsor and were joined in Chicago by her parents and their daughter.
By 1951, Ida’s parents longed to leave the city and retire in the country. They found a small (80-acre) farm for sale in northern Wisconsin, a landscape which reminded them of Latvia and was perfect for their purposes. The house required a lot of renovation, but eventually Ida’s parents moved in. They had a vegetable garden, one Guernsey cow and some chickens and ducks. In 1954, Gothards and Ida had another son who spent much of his early years on the farm with his grandparents. The little boy’s parents and sister would visit practically every weekend, summer and winter.
The three of them were returning to Chicago on a day when the snowbanks were high on County Road C and it was virtually reduced to one lane. They were hit head-on by a car driven by a young man who had been drinking. Ida, who was in the passenger seat, was severely injured. She was in the hospital in traction for six weeks, during which time her parents took care of both her children. She had a lengthy recovery period after leaving the hospital which precluded her return to her job in Chicago.
Eventually, Gothards found work in Wausau, and he too left Chicago for the farm and this is where they built the rest of their lives together. In 1959, they were blessed with another daughter.
So began decades of Gothards working in Wausau, at Marathon Electric, then returning at the end of the day to his work on what became one of the finest dairy farms in the heart of what was then America’s Dairyland. His being employed in town allowed the family to expand and modernize their dairy enterprise. When many of his co-workers called it a day, he began an evening of farm work. His vacations were largely taken to coincide with haying.
A Saturday that could be carved out to spend on the Plover river fishing for Northern Pike was a hard-earned respite.His and Ida’s efforts created an environment in which two sets of grandchildren, as well as other extended family were able to experience farm life, while participating in the daily chores involved. All of their children were instilled with a strong work ethic, effective problem-solving skills and the expectation that they would pursue higher education, which they all did.
After his retirement in 1984, selling the herd and rebuilt versions of it, he and Ida retired to a life of traveling throughout the country and abroad. In between their travels, he tended his gardens, chickens, ducks, fish he had stocked in the pond in the back forty, and even a couple of geese that would follow him around the farm. Much of his later years were spent wintering either with his family in Las Vegas or in southeastern Wisconsin – and, of course, pursuing what had always been his passions, fishing and hunting, but especially, fishing.
A graveside service and burial of cremated remains in handmade urn, will be held at Concordia Lutheran Cemetery in Rosholt on Saturday, April 28th at 1:00 PM.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting hte family with funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Milwaukee Evangelical Holy Trinity Church, Faith Lutheran Church or the Homme Home of Wittenberg.
Sandra Kay Ostrowski, 63, of the town of Elderon, died on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at her home under the loving care of her family and Ascension Ministry Hospice.
She was born on November 10, 1954, in Wausau, the daughter of the late Leo and Evelyn (Etter) Walters. On July 13, 1974, Sandra was united in marriage to Greg Ostrowski at the former St. James Catholic Parish, Wausau. He Survives.
The couple are partial owners of Ostrowski Farms Inc., of the town of Elderon, where Sandra was the bookkeeper. Sandra was a current member of St. Florian’s Catholic Parish, Hatley and was a former member of Holy Family-St. William Catholic Parish, Wittenberg where she served on the parish finance committee and Christian Mothers. Family was very important to Sandra and she spent much of her time with her granddaughters, watching them and taking them to school every day. She also enjoyed vacations with her family, sewing, walks in the woods and especially walks with her daughter. Sandra was a beautician and enjoyed sharing her talents with family and friends.
Sandra is survived by her husband, Greg; three children, Craig (Jessica) Ostrowski, Scott (Nicole) Ostrowski, and Kimberly Ostrowski, all of the town of Elderon; three granddaughters, Jadyn, Kylie, and Addison; two sisters, Sharon (Harry) Welhouse of Two Rivers and Janice (friend, Tom Wyne) Schairer of Birnamwood; two brothers, Wayne (Joelyn) Walters and Dale Walters, all of Wausau; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents and mother and father-in-law, Eugene & Shirley Ostrowski.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00am on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at St. Florian’s Parish, Hatley. Reverend Gregory Bohren will officiate. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday at the parish from 4:00pm until 7:00pm with a parish Rosary recited at 7:00pm.
Visitation will continue on Tuesday from 9:30 am until the time of mass.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
