Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Michael Deasy
Michael J. Deasy, 76, of Wausau, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2018, while in the rehabilitation unit at Mount View Center.
Michael was born on May 8, 1941, in San Francisco, California, and grew up in Corte Madera, California. During his life he also lived in Sparks, Nevada, before moving to Wausau, Wisconsin, in 1979. After his time in the Navy, Mike attended the University of San Francisco for undergrad work and later graduated from Golden Gate College of Law with a Juris Doctorate degree. While his time in the Navy was enjoyable (1962-1967), his passion was found in Nevada while working for the Washoe tribe in Duckwater, Nevada, and litigating on their behalf. Mike’s love for family drew him away from Duckwater, and he ended up in Wausau where he worked for Wisconsin Judicare, Wausau Insurance, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide, before his eventual full retirement in 2007. During that time, and after, his pleasures in life included family genealogy, cooking, spending times with friends and family, spoiling his grandchildren, traveling (Constant trips to Ireland!), curling and golf.
Mike is survived by his former wife and life-long friend, Karen (Lange) Deasy; his son and daughter in-law, Jared and Laura (Proulx) Deasy; grandchildren Samantha Deasy, Payten Deasy and Jason Deasy. Siblings Bill and Barbara Deasy (CA), Bob and Palma (Yanni) Deasy (Washington, D.C.) and Kathy and Paul Klopfenstein (CA). There are too many cherished extended family both in the U.S. and Ireland; along with all the close friends (Warren Main, Georgie Iozzo, Jon Bohr, Kate Webb, Ed and Pat Aimone, Judy Palmateer, Mic and Judy Pingel and countless others.)
Preceding Mike in death was: Brother Joe, Sister Kay, Friend Robin Kennedy, Friend Father Abe, Friend Bill Belli, Sister-In-Law Arlene Lange & Gene Anderson, Mother-In-Law Lillian Lange, Brother-In-Law Bob Lange and Friend Alice Erickson.
A private memorial will be held in Ireland at a later date. Please join friends and family in a Celebration of Life at Michaels Supper Club, 2901 Rib Mountain Drive, Wausau, June 9, from noon to 4 p,m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Michael’s name may be made to the Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
A special thank you to all of the medical staff, doctors, nurses, Mount View Care Center Staff on Northwinds Unit, neighbors, friends and family that have been there through all the good times, and the bad.
Brainard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Emil Meitzner
Emil Hubert Meitzner, 94, died Sunday, May 20, 2018, at his home, surrounded by family. He was born on October 18, 1923, in Jefferson, Wisconsin, to Emil and Gertrude Meitzner. The oldest of six children, he was predeceased by his parents, sister Lois and brothers Gilbert and Robert.
Beloved husband of Audrey Meitzner for 66 years, Emil was the loving and caring father of eight children; Eric (Ann Andersen) Meitzner – Solon Springs, Wisconsin, Ann (Bob, deceased) Brooks – Wausau, Wisconsin, George Meitzner – Aurora, Colorado, Karl (Louise) Meitzner – Solon Springs, Wisconsin, Leonard Meitzner – Tucson, Arizona, Jane (Brad Kennedy) Dolan – Wausau, Wisconsin, Luther (Jill) Meitzner – Dayton, Ohio and Andrew Meitzner – Wausau, Wisconsin. He was a cherished and esteemed grandfather to Maggie (Scott) Highhouse, Samuel Brooks, Norah (Jason) Brown, Kevin Kennedy, Sunshine Meitzner, Catharine (Brett) Karow, Benjamin (fiancé Chelsea Mayton) Brooks, Jet Meitzner, Katie Kennedy (deceased), Erin (Lauren) Meitzner, Seth (Megan) Meitzner, Erika (fiancé Tony Price) Meitzner, Clara Kennedy, Kjersti Wendlandt and four step-grandchildren. Emil left 12 great-grandchildren to share their memories of him; Carmen Highhouse, Cole Highhouse, Baye Highhouse, Jackson Brown, Julian Brown, Annarose Brown, Owen Highhouse, Bradley Kennedy, Willow Highhouse, Deacon Brown, Myla Kennedy, Phineas Karow, and Baby Brown, soon to be born. His beloved dog, Boris, was Dad’s comfort and companion, especially after Audrey died.
Emil and Audrey lived in Superior, Wisconsin, for the first several years of their marriage. Emil spent many months during those first three years on geographical surveys in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. When Audrey was expecting their third child, she strongly suggested that he come home, and this time, stay home. He wisely agreed, and became a civil engineer for the DOT, working in Superior until his retirement in 1985. They moved in 1967 to a farm in Solon Springs, Wisconsin, where they raised cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, goats, rabbits, horses, dogs, cats, a raccoon and their children for the next 49 years.
Emil fulfilled a long-cherished dream after retirement, riding his motorcycle to Canada and the West Coast, following the Pacific Coast Highway down to visit brother Boots (Robert) in San Francisco, and coming back home several weeks later. In 1986, with their kids grown and out of the home, the couple joined the Peace Corps and spent the next two and a half years in Botswana, Africa, and surrounding areas. This was followed by a six month world tour on their way back to Wisconsin. The farm became their home base as they traveled to visit sons in Spain and Italy, and friends in India, Scotland, Wales, Hong Kong, Denmark, and several of the United States.
In their 70s, Emil and Audrey began accordion lessons, and spent hundreds of hours at the World of Accordions Museum, practicing, playing in recitals and helping in any way needed. Emil built and donated shelving for most of the instruments and other exhibits, became a handyman when things needed fixing, and served 13 years on the Board of Directors.
In 2015, Emil and Audrey moved to Wausau, Wisconsin.
Emil was, above all else, a poet and philosopher. He read voraciously and was always eager to discuss anything and everything, from politics and religion to literature and philosophy. Emil read to his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids – classical poetry, essays, historical works, and if asked, even a children’s book now and then. He was interested in technology, and owned desktop and laptop computers, an iPad, tablet, Nook and smart phone. He was brilliant, endlessly fascinating to talk with, a truly gentle soul.
We will miss you so very much, Dad.
Ronald Buchacek
Ronald Buchacek, 79, of Mosinee, passed away from complications with prostate cancer and heart failure at Aspirus Wausau Hospital on May 30, 2018.
He was born on a dairy farm in Rocky Ridge Mosinee to Frank and Anna (Vesely) Buchacek on March 6, 1939. He married Margaret (Condon) Buchacek on August 12, 1961, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mosinee.
Ron was a musician nearly all his life and played the piano accordion with many other local musicians including his father Frank and brother Robert. He formed a band called “Ron’s Polka Meister’s” and played weddings and anniversaries. As a member of the Polka Productions Band called “Soggy Bottom Boys,” he played tailgate parties for the tour group prior to Green Bay Packers Games at various away destinations in New York, Miami, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Nashville. His love of playing polka music took him and Margaret to overseas destinations in England, Australia, Germany, and Czech Republic where he was able to speak Czech, which was his first language. More recently, he played at the Mosinee Log Jam with Al Erikson, Tom Mielke, and Scott Heppner for over 10 years. Playing and singing with his cousins at the Vesely land on the Eau Plaine, Hammer Down Bar, & Schooner Dave’s Bar at Marathon Fun Days are cherished memories reflective of his appreciation for family and friends. He was the life of the party.
Ronnie worked at the Mosinee Paper Mill as an electrician and instrumentation mechanic for 40 years, retiring in 2000. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, UNITED STEELWORKERS Union, and Musicians Union. While raising a large family he also worked on the family farm and raised ginseng from 1971-2000. He was an avid sports fan and especially loved the Chicago Cubs. He relished in their 2016 World Series Victory and wore his baseball cap to spark conversations with total strangers. He followed the sports activities of his children and then grandchildren cheering encouragement from the stands. He often relived his trip to watch the 1967 Ice Bowl game that he attended with his brother Robert and enjoyed the many beautiful sunsets from the ocean front condo at Panama City Beach. Many bonding weekends were spent with his sons Frank and Brian and grandsons Alex and Brice deer hunting for the trophy buck. He thoroughly loved fishing and laughing with his fish cleaning buddy Reggie at Pickerel.
Survivors include his wife Margaret, and children Lynn (Ken) Duberstein, Kronenwetter, Beth (Mark) Knetter, Wausau, Frank (Julie) Buchacek, Green Bay, Sally (Pat) Medvecz, Wausau, Brian (Tracy) Buchacek, Rothschild, Molly (Jeff) Breitenbach, Kronenwetter, Lea (Glen) Loppnow, Mosinee; 19 grandchildren and six great grandchildren; three sister-in-laws Anne Buchacek, Memphis, Judith Condon, Mosinee, & Faith Condon, Tomahawk.
He was preceeded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law Jeremiah and Elizabeth Condon, two brothers Richard (infant), Robert Buchacek, and two brother-in-laws Tom and Jerry Condon.
The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to Dr. Christopher Peterson, Lori Erdman, NP, Dr. Matthew Clancy, Dr. Timothy Grady, & Dr. Seth Maliske, CNAs: Syrina, Rita, Christine, MTs: Kathy & Joyce, Reception: Chris, Lynn, Nancy & Nicole, CRA: Erin, RNs: Sara, Juli, Brianna, Allison, Megan, Mary, Anna, Kelly, Renee, Anne, Bethany, Cheryl, Jody, Stacey, and Britta at Aspirus and the entire Mosinee Marshfield Clinic for your incredible attention to his care. He looked forward to putting a smile on their face.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at St. Paul Catholic Church 404 High St., Mosinee, with Fr. Don Przybylski officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com.
Garen “Gary” Reich
Garen “Gary” Reich 79, passed on to meet his Lord Jesus Christ on May 29, 2018.
Gary was born Dec. 28, 1938, in Wausau to Cli?ord and Margie (Jaecks) Reich. Gary loved polka music, enjoyed playing his trumpet, singing and entertaining the crowds that came to see him. Gary played in the Concertina & Brass Club, Polish Friends and led the Harmony Aces. The band recorded and released a 45 single containing the songs “Little Wally Twirl” and “Lost My Doll Waltz.”
Gary was an active member of the National Guards Infantry Division from 1961 through 1968. He was employed by Bob Ryan TV in Mosinee and later owned and operated Reich Television & Appliance in Rothschild.
Later in his life, Gary was an active volunteer for the Crandon Brush Run and entertained people in his Just For Fun Karaoke act.
Gary is survived by his loving helpmate and partner Lucy Hollar and their two children; son Kevin Hollar, Minocqua; daughter Kim Troy, Reno, Nevada. He is also survived by two sons, Jay (Peggy) Reich, Eau Claire; Ross (Michael Leah) Reich, Merrill; two daughters, Patti (Reid) Hoerter; Shellie (Joe) Normand both of Wausau. Fourteen grandchildren and ?ve great grandchildren, one brother Richard (Lynn) Reich, Mosinee, one sister Sharry (Bob) Wells, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, sister-in-law, Ann Reich, Weston, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Ronald (Butch) Reich and nephews Mark Reich, Peter and Paul Bloczynski.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, June, at Arbutus Church, Highway 55, Pearson, Wisconsin. Visitation will start at 10 a.m. until the time of the service at noon.
