Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Ruth Gaunt
Ruth M. Gaunt, 76, of Wausau passed away at her home on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, under the care of her family with assistance from Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford Chapel, with Pastor David Clements officiating. Burial will follow in the Perkinstown Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday morning at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Ruth was born on Sept. 9, 1941, in Patterson, New Jersey, to the late Lester and Marian Kusant.
Ruth worked as a registered X-ray technician. In 1987, she started Ruth’s Cleaning Service, which specialized in cleaning residential homes and commercial businesses. She enjoyed puzzles, gardening, reading, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, drinking Alabama slammers and being the owner of potentially the world’s largest Christmas village! She also collected antiques, especially Bessie Pease Baby Art.
Ruth is survived by her children, Lester (Julie) Gaunt of Pardeeville, Jodi (Joe) Spangberg and Brian Gaunt, all of Wausau, Barbara (Kevin Krueger) of Washington Island; grandchildren, James (Trina) Gaunt, Amber (Tony) Navone, Justin (Stephanie) Gaunt, Zachary and Isaac (Laura) Comfort and Ellie, Bennett and Mason Isaacson; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Olivia, Dominic, Donovan, Viola and one on the way; and brother, Thomas (Merry) Kusant of Bemidji, Minnesota.
In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by an infant son, Bruce Wayne; and sister, Barbara (John) Zester Jr.
Memorial donations in honor of Ruth can be given to her family for designation at a later date. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.
Rebecca Sjoman
Rebecca Sjoman, a dearly loved wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully July 29.
Rebecca, who hailed from Illinois, was a long-time Wausau resident. She was best known for her fantastic wit, big heart and strong will. She lived a happy life pursuing her passions, surrounded by people who loved her. She was a knowledgeable and gifted gardener whose flower beds were the envy of the neighborhood. She was an avid reader who also loved decorating, crafts and exploring the Great Lakes region. Rebecca enjoyed the connections she made in Wausau whether working with children at the YMCA and area churches or, most recently, spending time with friends at Island Place Apartments.
Rebecca is survived by her daughter Tammy (Wes) Sapp of Quincy, Florida; and siblings Steven Horn, Damaris Horn, Sarah Davis and Nancy Hick of Galesburg, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Brian Sjoman.
The family would like to express sincere appreciation to the Aspirus Hospice House staff who cared for Rebecca during her transition.
In accordance with Rebecca’s wishes, a private family service was held to remember the special way she touched our lives. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Franklin Radke
Franklin W. Radke, 94, of the town of Wausau passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on June 10, 1924, to the late Frank and Martha (Treibel) Radke in Wausau. He was united in marriage to the former Loretta Krueger on May 8, 1948, at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, town of Wausau, and this year they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
Franklin farmed for many years on the family dairy farm. He also drove snow plow and served as town of Wausau chairman for 24 years. Franklin was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, town of Wausau, serving as elder and president for many years. He enjoyed spending his time fishing, hunting or at his cottage up North in Woodruff.
Survivors include his wife, Loretta; children, Franette of Wausau, Dean (Kate) of Wausau, and James (Terri) of Mosinee; grandchildren, LuAnn Radke, Gregory Radke (Katie Suchomski), Kevin (Taylor) Radke, and Jennifer (Matt) Holmes; brother-in-law, Don Urban; sisters-in-law, Carol Krueger of Iowa and Helen Tress of Milwaukee; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by sisters, Florence (Elmer) Schubring, Sally (Lawrence) Grade, Adeline (Alvin) Schrieber, and Lorraine Urban.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 6, 2018, at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7505 North 33rd St., Wausau, with Rev. Scott Holoubek officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas.
Roman Klemens
Roman C. Klemens, 92, of Schofield passed away on Aug. 1, 2018. He was born to William & Pearl (Karolewicz) Klemens on Feb. 25, 1926. He is survived by his sisters, Florence Holewinski, Sally Poddock, and many nieces and nephews.
He served on the USS Poseidon (ARL12) from 1943 – 1945. After the war, he was a photographer in Springfield, Illinois. He was an active member of St. Therese Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was assigned as the ambassador for the IGA in Schofield, now Trig’s.
Services will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018, with visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven with full military honors.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences can be expressed at www.HonorOne.com.
Sharon Szemborski
Sharon Lee Szemborski passed away at Ministry Home Care House of the Dove on July 31, 2018. She was born to the late Vernon and Isabelle Schreiber on June 28, 1944. Sharon married the love of her life, David Szemborski, on Sept. 16, 1961. Together they celebrated almost 57 years of marriage.
She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved attending Polka dances and festivals with her husband. She was an exceptional baker and cook, kept a spotless house, and was extremely organized. She loved crocheting, tending to her beautiful flower gardens daily, exercising and spending quality time with her family. She was sassy, funny, witty and loved to laugh. One of her favorite pastimes was watching her hummingbirds eat from her feeders. She also collected many hummingbird figurines throughout the years.
She is survived by her husband, David Szemborski, son Michael (Michele), daughter Christy, grandson Jordan and great grandson Dawson.
She is preceded in death by her sister Barbara and an infant brother.
A Christian burial will be held on Monday, Aug. 6 at 10:30 a.m. with Father David Bruener officiating at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Mosinee, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The House of the Dove at 1000 West 11th St., Marshfield, WI 54449. A luncheon will be provided immediately following the ceremony at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 900 Old Highway 51, Mosinee, WI 54455.
Joyce Schmidt
Joyce R. Schmidt, 93, of Wittenberg died on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, at the Homme Home of Wittenberg.
She was born on Nov. 7, 1924, in the town of Almon, Shawano County, the daughter of the late William and Ruth (Norton) Timm.
Joyce graduated from Wittenberg High School in 1942. She married Marvin Hoffman in September of 1943. He died serving his country during World War II in February of 1944. Joyce then was united in marriage to Armin Schmidt on June 14, 1947, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Wittenberg. He preceded her in death on May 31, 2012.
Joyce was a homemaker and a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Wittenberg, and its LWML. Joyce started Vacation Bible School in the district and was a Sunday School teacher. She also served a Christian Growth chairman and secretary of the circuit LWML. She also was the Christian Growth chairman of the local society. Joyce was active in the community on the planning committee for additions to the Bowler School District. She enjoyed gardening and canning, as well as making maple syrup and cutting Christmas boughs.
Survivors include three children, Roger (Patricia) Hoffman of Appleton, Robert (Sue) Schmidt of Nekoosa and Susan (David) Stockinger of Wittenberg; nine grandchildren, Deborah (Steve Wehrle) Wehrle Hoffman, Rochelle Duciaume, Andrew Schmidt, Eric (Heidi) Schmidt, Greg (Amanda) Schmidt, Elizabeth (Adam) Schmitz, JoAnna (Rob) Wyman, Matthew (Gen) Stockinger and Bryan Stockinger and 17 great-grandchildren.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husbands, parents, brothers, Gary and Howard and a sister, Peggy Krueger.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Rev. Matthew Christians will officiate. Interment will be in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Wittenberg. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
