Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Duaine Pieper
Duaine May Pieper passed away July 15, 2018, at the Garden Apartments in Wausau, Wisconsin, after a lengthy struggle with melanoma.
Duaine was born May 3, 1929, to Norman and Ester (Peterson) Buntrock. She lived her entire life in Wausau, graduating from Wausau High School in 1947. She worked for Employer’s Insurance Company for a brief time after graduating. On May 21, 1949, she married her high school sweetheart, Carroll Pieper, enjoying 68 years of marriage together. Duaine was a homemaker who raised three children. Duaine and Carroll made nearly monthly trips to Rochester, Minnesota, to visit their two grandchildren, Conner and Allison.
Some of the many hobbies she enjoyed included macrame, quilling, sewing, knitting and quilting. In her later years, she spent countless hours knitting infant hats for Aspirus Hospital. As her husband’s health failed, she turned much of her attention to his loving care.
The final years of her life were spent in her home at the Garden Apartments.
Duaine is survived by her sons Scott (Kathie) Pieper of Merrill, Mark Pieper of Wausau, daughter Jane (Jim) Garrett of Rochester, Minnesota, and grandchildren Conner and Allison Garrett of Menomonie. She was preceded in death by her parents Ester and Norman, brother Tom, and husband Carroll.
A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, July 18, at the First United Methodist Church, 903 Third St., Wausau, Wisconsin. Visitation will be at 4:30 p.m., with a chapel service at 6 p.m.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Henry Ritchie
Henry M. Ritchie, 93, passed away on Saturday, July 14, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born Aug. 21, 1924, to the late Michael and Frances (Stanczyk) Wrycha in Wausau. Henry married Dolores M. Ronek on Sept. 27, 1952, at St. James Catholic Church in Wausau.
Henry worked in construction for Bolt and Hoffman Construction. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and gardening. He also enjoyed being with family and grandchildren.
Survivors include his two daughters, Mary (Darrell) Bradfish, Weston and Shirley (Pete) Richter, West Allis; two sons, Lynn Ritchie, Weston and Thomas (Amie) Ritchie, Portland, Oregon; six grandchildren, Jason (Amy) Richter, Traci (Justin D’Amore) Richter, Sam Ritchie, Lucas (Nikki) Ritchie, Cassidy Bradfish, and Cooper Bradfish; one great-grandchild, Claire Richter. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 55 years, Dolores; and his siblings, August, Ed, Frank, Stella, Hellen and Jean.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 23, 2018, at St. Therese Catholic Parish. The Rev. Louis Britto will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
The family would thank Linda Fochs for her compassionate care for Henry over the last year.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Patricia “Pat” Mortenson
After a lengthy battle with cancer our mom, grandmother and friend rejoined her husband, Perry, (who she dearly missed) in heaven after being separated from him for one year and two months to the day. My hope is that their reunion was as exciting as their wedding night.
Her last three weeks on earth were kind of rough. The Bible says “There are many rooms in my Father’s house.” It must have taken a bit to get hers just right. When you’re preparing a room for a saint, everything has to be perfect. Saintly defines Pat. It’s how she lived her life. I know she’s enjoying her newly remodeled room in the penthouse of heaven.
Pat loved life and all the people who were fortunate enough to be part of it. She could literally sit next to a stranger and in five minutes time, know who they were, where they were from, how many kids and grandkids they had and their favorite hobbies. The lady was gifted. Her generosity, her compassion and sense of humor were unmatched. With that said though, when it came to her family all those attributes increased exponentially. Her kids and grandchildren were truly her center. There really are no words.
In winter you’d find her on a snowmobile. She and her husband logged thousands of miles on the trail. She was always up front with the boys. She loved going fast. In the summertime, she’d be on the pontoon. No matter what season, she’d always be surrounded and entertaining friends and family. It was no secret a number of Windsors may have been enjoyed as well.
She was a worry wort. She was consummate house keeper. She had the warmest smile and laugh. She would do absolutely anything to help you out. She truly was the greatest mom, grandmother and friend.
Pat is survived by her children, Jay Mortenson his wife Leslie (Stebbins); Amy Cywinski (Mortenson) and her husband William Cywinski; four grandchildren, Makayla Cywinski, Melissa Mortenson, Tanner Cywinski and Jared Mortenson; her sister Joyce Strasser and her husband Ken. Perry Mortenson, her husband, preceded her in death May 14, 2017.
A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, July 19, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson St., Weston. Rev. Raymond Connor will officiate. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 18, 2018, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service – all at the church.
Cancer is an awful awful disease. It ravages the body. You helplessly witness your loved one wither away. It removes hope. I pray for medical advances. I pray for those searching for a cure. Euthanasia needs to be choice. Humanity treats their pets more humanely. I understand it’s God’s plan, but he is a merciful God and I’m sure he’d understand. No matter what side of the argument you may be on after you see and experience this disease first hand it will open your eyes. Follow the bouncing dollar. If the billions of dollars gained by the health industry and care facilities are in any way obstructing advancements – shame on you. If euthanasia is being shelved because of greed – shame on you. My mother had an incredible soul. She now sips coffee with Jesus, but she had a lot more to contribute down here on earth. She will be greatly missed.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Richard Jones
Richard D. Jones, 69, lost his courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, July 11, 2018.
Rick was born in River Falls, Wisconsin, on Dec. 19, 1948, to Herbert and Dorothy (Dowd) Jones. He graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1967. He received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Marquette University in 1972.
Rick married Kathy (Wuebben) on Dec. 27, 1969, at Faith Lutheran in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.
Rick was man of few words, but the pride he took in his sons and love he had for his family was apparent. He was an avid outdoorsman, sharing his love of fishing and hunting with his boys in the Northwoods. Rick also loved downhill skiing at Granite Peak and going out West with his children and grandchildren. Kathy and Rick enjoyed many years of traveling in their RV, including several trips with their grandchildren. In recent years, he discovered a passion for biking and became a member of the Wausau Wheelers.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathy; two children Derek (Ann) Jones, and Ryan (Sarah) Jones; four grandchildren, Olivia, Grace, Layla and Tozer; and his sister, Diane (Rand) Foss. He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, Wallace and Dolores Wuebben; and brother-in-law, Gerald Wuebben.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson St., Weston. Pastor Lance Hoelscher will preside. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the church. To support Rick’s love of Christian music, the family requests donations be made in his memory to 89Q FM, 3500 Stewart Ave., Wausau, Wisconsin, 54401.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.
David Keranen
Dave J. Keranen, 66, of Kronenwetter, Wisconsin, unexpectedly passed away on July 10, 2018, at his home.
Dave was born to Wilbert and Delores (Anttila) Keranen on Jan. 20, 1952, in Michigan, where he grew up. He married Connie Maatta on Sept. 1, 1979, and worked at SNE. Dave was always happy and willing to help others and loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Connie; children Jason, Steve and Jenna (Chris Corbeil); grandchildren Aiden, Michael and Benjamin; mother Delores; brothers Richard, Robert, Joel; sisters Carol and Edith; and many nieces, nephews and in laws. He is preceded in death by his father and brothers Chuck, Paul and John.
A funeral and visitation was held Sunday, July 15, at Christ Community Church in Schofield, Wisconsin. Dr. Robin Wilde officiated.
Wayne Lang
Wayne J. Lang, 78, of Marathon died Saturday, July 14, 2018, under the care of Ministry Hospice at his home and surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Feb. 26, 1940, in Laona, son of the late William and Dorothy (Lepak) Lang. On Sept. 25, 1965, he married Janice Hanke in Stettin, Wisconsin. She survives.
For more than 42 years, Wayne worked at the former Hammer Blow Corp. as a welder and a fork lift operator. Wayne was also a volunteer fireman at the Marathon Fire Department for 10 years. Some of his favorite pastimes included restoring old tractors, hunting, taking long walks, taking care of his cars and satisfying his craving for chicken. He really enjoyed sharing stories from his past with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife Janice Lang, Marathon, his children, Connie (Bill) Kaiser, Mosinee and Amy (Bryan) Weiler, Athens, six grandchildren, Tyler and Marcus Stieber, Destiny and Brittany Ange, Brooke and Karson Mueller and one great grandson, Kaiden Horst, his siblings, Vivian (Howard) Jeske, Marathon, Pat Nowak, Marathon and Jeannie (Dale) Sauter, Edgar, two sisters-in-law, Shirley Lang and Sandy Lang, both of Marathon and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings, Sylvia Payne, Herbert, Laverne, Gary, David and Bobby Lang.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. The Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Wayne’s name. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
His family would also like to extend a heart-felt thank you to Ministry Home Care for all their help and support, also to Father Joseph Diermeier.
Harvey Zubke
Harvey E. Zubke, 89, passed peacefully to his eternal home on Friday, July 13, 2018, at Athenian Living, Athens, under the care of staff and Ministry Hospice.
He was born Oct. 31, 1928, in the town of Johnson to the late Herman and Dora (Ewan) Zubke. As a young man, he fell in love with Marjean Halverson, Medford, who he married on Aug. 6, 1955, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, town of Holway.
Harvey was a devoted husband who loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A quiet and gentle man, he continued to work on the family farm for over 30 years. He was also a skilled carpenter, founding Athens Builders with his cousin Jack and working there until his retirement. Harvey was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church and school, holding various church and school board positions. He was a member of the church choir and especially enjoyed playing the saxophone as part of the Old Timers Band, Trinity’s Polka Band and “The Relatives” Band, which was made up of various family members. He also enjoyed bowling, playing cards, hunting, fishing and, along with his wife, Marjean, was an avid Packers, Badgers and Brewers fan. In the past few months, you could often find him snoozing in his recliner while a Brewers game aired on TV.
Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Marjean Zubke; children, Kevin (Karen) Zubke, Cheryl (Ken) Zettler, both of Athens, and Beth (Jim) Franson, Pittseville; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one brother, Lester (Bonnie) Zubke of Wausau.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, with Rev. Mark Schwalenberg officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of services, all at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. Burial will be in the Athens Lutheran Cemetery.
Harvey’s big smile brightened the day of everyone he met and showed us that “it can take a moment to meet someone, an hour to like them, a day to love them and a lifetime to forget them.” The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff of Athenian Living for their excellent care and support this past year, as well as Ministry Hospice for their care these last few weeks.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to the Trinity Lutheran Choir and Altar Guild.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on … ” ~ Irving Berlin
Orville Verpoorten
Orville Allen Verpoorten passed away on July 11, 2018, in his home with his wife at his side.
Orville was born on Jan. 21, 1945, to the late James and Violet Verpoorten. He grew to have an avid love for the outdoors and Gale Rae Kramm, whom he married on Oct. 24, 1964, a notably beautiful autumn day. He spent a fruitful 53 years together with her and raised a lovely family, who he loved very much.
Orville is survived by his wife, Gale, his children, Michelle, Michael, Yvette, Jason and Terri, his grandchildren, Jennifer, Kaitlyn, Mikala, Heidi, Dillion, Jeza, Job, Esther, Isaac, Miriam, Levi, Alec and Emmy, along with one great grandson Greyson. Orville’s memory will forever be held in the hearts of his family, while he is finally reunited in eternity with Jesus Christ.
A service will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 12625 Ninth Lane, town of Hamburg, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a service to follow at 11 a.m. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Henry Tilloson
Henry Tilloson, 94, Wausau, died July 8, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born Feb. 13, 1924, in Clegg, Texas, son of the late Cyrus and Mattie Bell (Farek) Tilloson. On May 19, 1973, he married Mary Beth Erdman at Immanuel Baptist Church, Wausau. She survives.
Henry served his country in the United States Airforce during World War II and worked as a research chemist for Rothschild Paper Mill. He was a member of Gideons International since 1975 and enjoyed fishing, traveling and photography.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Beth, Wausau; sister-in-law, Joan Erdman, Wausau; brother-in-law, Jay (Janet) Erdman, Milwaukee and nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters and brothers.
Funeral services and visitation were held Thursday, July 12, 2018, at Immanuel Baptist Church, Wausau. Pastor Rob Love offciated. Burial was in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Grace Wiederhoeft
Grace Ruth Wiederhoeft, 89, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2018, at Noel Manor Memory Care in Verona, Wisconsin. She was born Sept. 1, 1928, in the town of Stettin to the late Paul and Bertha (Goetsch) Radke. Grace grew up on the family farm, attended a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade, and graduated from Wausau High School.
She married DeHart Wiederhoeft on June 5, 1948, and they celebrated their 70th anniversary with family in June of this year. They made their home in Wausau until moving to Verona, Wisconsin, in 2017 to be closer to their son and daughter.
Grace cared for their family and home, was a foster parent to nine babies, provided in-home daycare, and later worked for the Wausau School District, first as a teacher’s aide and then as a library aide, a job she greatly enjoyed. She was passionate about reading and books, and took great pleasure in reading to children and helping them learn to read. A long-time member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, she participated in many activities, but especially enjoyed the many years she sang with the choir.
Grace was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers: Oscar (Mickey) Radke, Harold (Addie) Radke, and Albert (Elaine) Radke; one sister, Doris (Wilbert) Ziebell; and a son, Michael.
Grace is survived by her husband, DeHart, sister, Violet (Norton) Hackbart; two brothers, John (Arlene) Radke and Paul (JoAnne) Radke; two sons, Robert (Mary) and James (Phyllis) Wiederhoeft; and daughter, Kay (Greg) Simmons. She also is survived by her grandchildren, Eric (Alyssa) Wiederhoeft, Rachel (Elann) Wiederhoeft, Laura Wiederhoeft, Phillip Cleven, and Grant Simmons; step-grandchildren, Rachel (Dimitris Katsaginis) Simmons, Luke, Leah and Sam Simmons; great-granddaughter, Ava Wiederhoeft; step-great-grandchildren, Peyton and Emma LaFever; and many nieces, nephews and other family.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 2, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church. Pastor Jennifer Dahle will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Thursday. The committal will be at Restlawn Memorial Park. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
Memorials can be made to: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 512 McClellan St., Wausau, WI 54403, or Wausau School Foundation, 415 Seymour St., Wausau, WI 54403.
The family wishes to thank the Noel Manor Memory Care and Agrace Hospice staff for their kind and loving care of Grace.
Joseph Bever
Joseph W. Bever, 82, passed away peacefully holding the hand of his loving wife at North Central Health Care on Sunday, July 15, 2018. He was born to the late Joseph and Lucille (Barkley) Bever on June 18, 1936. Joe married his Mary (Schmeiser) on Nov. 7, 1959, in Medford, Wisconsin.
He had a long career at the Wausau Daily Herald for 36 years; he retired on April 30, 1992. Joe was a kind, loving and devoted husband, dad and grandpa. He was very involved with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren when they were growing up, whether it was doing Scouts, Little League games, fishing, camping, playing dart ball or going to dance recitals. He also loved spending time stamp collecting, gardening and reading a lot about the military activities.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, of 59 years, children; Michael (Linda) Bever, Mark (Rose) Bever, and Marty (Sara) Bever; siblings Harriet Huber and Yvonne Devine; nine grandchildren’ thirteen great grandchildren’ and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, one son, Mitchell, three siblings, Margie Fesler, Arnie Bever and Carol Robinson, one grandchild, Eric, and one great grandson, Dredon.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 19, 2018, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 700 W. Bridge St., Wausau. Fr. Tom Linder will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with an 11 a.m. Mass.
Family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Mt. View Garden Side for all the wonderful care they gave Joe during his time there.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences can be addressed at www.HonorOne.com.
Delphine Gorski
Delphine B. Gorski, 89, of Schofield passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 13, 2018, at Benedictine Living Community of Wausau. She was born to the late Julius and Bridget (Kleman) Gorski on Dec. 13, 1928.
She is survived by her sons; Dennis Gorski, Schofield, and Gary Gorski, Eau Claire. Siblings; Grace Buzinski, Judy (Ambrose) Jazdzewski, Arnold (Clara) Gorski and Harry (Genie) Gorski, along with grandchildren.
Service will be held on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 113 W. Kort St., Rothschild. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of mass at 11 a.m., with Fr. Louis Britto officiating.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences can be expressed at www.HonorOne.com.
Dolores “Dee” Markstrum
Dee Markstrum passed away on July 13, 2018, under the care of her guardian angels from Interim Hospice and Acorn Hill Senior Living in Mosinee. Dee was born April 30, 1930, to the late John H. and Sophie (Ligman) Lietz of Mosinee. Dee graduated from Mosinee High School and attended University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Dee married William “Bill” Markstrum, Jr. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Mosinee in November 1952.
They have three children – Theresa, Keith and Karen. Dee loved to cook, sew, garden, read mystery romances and play cards. She was very creative and enjoyed her collections. She loved to travel with Bill and visited most of the United States, including Hawaii, and numerous foreign countries – Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland, Germany, Holland, France and Austria.
Survivors include husband, Bill, daughter, Terry Delavan, and son, Keith (Pat) Markstrum, Wausau, and special daughter, Karen Markstrum, Hunterdon, New Jersey. She is further survived by four grandchildren – Shannon (John) Todd, Patrick (Andrea) Delavan, Eric (Molly) Markstrum, Kevin (Katie) Markstrum, and eight great-grandchildren – Sean Dyer, Mitchell Todd, Sydney, Avery and Hadley Delavan, and River, Everly and Hudson Markstrum.
Dee was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings and spouses Edwin (Rose) Lietz, Eleanor (Gerald) Czarnezki, and Lucille Lietz.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 23, at 11 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection, Wausau; preceded by visitation in Francis Hall from 9:30 a.m. to the time of the funeral at the church.
John Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family with arrangements.
The family would like to thank the amazing caregivers of Interim Hospice and Acorn Hill Senior Living for their loving care of Dee. Memorials can be directed to JoJo’s Jungle (JoJosJungle.org), a playground for special needs children, in honor of daughter, Karen.
