Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Matthew Meurette
Matthew J. Meurette, 58, of Weston died on Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018, at his home with his family by his side.
Matthew was born on Dec. 5, 1959, in Wausau to Burleigh and Catherine (Jacobson) Meurette.
Matty graduated from Wausau East High School in 1978 and grew up in the Wausau area. He loved fun trips to the casino with his friends and family members, cheering on the Packers and Brewers and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed playing golf. Matty was especially known for his crafty skills as a trout fisherman.
He is survived by his daughter Michelle (Josh Behr) Meurette; father Burleigh Meurette; brothers Mark (Laura) Meurette, Mitchell (Lori) Meurette, and Michael “Otto” (Tammy) Meurette; sister Marsha (Craig) Meurette-Wieman; numerous aunts and uncles and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Catherine Meurette.
Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, at The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, 330 McClellan St., Wausau. Mother Ezgi Perkins will officiate. Visitation will take place from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at the church on Saturday.
Jerry Rohloff
Jerry Rohloff, 86, Schofield, passed away Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Jerry was born Feb. 13, 1932, to the late William and Arleen (Scheffler) Rohloff. He married “Jane” Marian (Luttrell) Rohloff on July 3, 1954, at First United Methodist Church, Wausau.
Jerry graduated from Wausau High in 1950 and began working on small engines at Zander’s Mobil in Schofield. He joined the U.S. Army National Guard, retiring as a Sgt. Major after having served honorably for 42 years; most notably serving with the 32nd Red Arrow Division during the Berlin Crisis. Jerry’s name is etched into the Wisconsin Army National Guard Hall of Honor in Madison. Jerry and Jane served with local, state and national chapters for organizations like Ducks Unlimited and the Wisconsin National Guard Enlisted Association where they traveled across the country attending conferences into their retirement.
Unlike his wife, Jerry was a simple and meek soul. A dedicated worker and humble person, Jerry was liked by everyone he met. He was very active in raising his children, sharing his love of the outdoors by taking them hunting and fishing up north almost every weekend they could. The Rohloff family would always celebrate Jerry and Jane’s anniversary at their cottage and will continue to do so. Some of Jerry’s interests included teaching hunter’s safety and spending time with his grandchildren. He was an avid bowler.
Survivors include his children Jerri Lynn (Ken) Hoehn, Jeff (Diana) Rohloff, Jeanne Rohloff, Jill (Gary) Myles; brother Bill Rohloff; sister, Jeanette Bresnahan; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 64 years, Jane; sister, Delores Kutil; and grandson Eric Rohloff.
A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, at 7 p.m. at Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston. Visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. until the time of service at the Funeral Home. The American Legion Montgomery-Plant-Dudley Post 10, Wausau, will perform Military Honors following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight or the Man of Honor Society of Marathon County.
We would like to thank the staff at The Renaissance for giving our dad the loving care and wonderful environment to live for his short stay; along with the doctors and nurses at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for a peaceful place for Dad’s final days on his journey home to be with the love of his life, Mom. May God bless you all for the work you do every day.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Nancy Westaby
Nancy Dale Westaby went home into the arms of the Angels on Tuesday, Aug. 14; she was lovingly surrounded by her family and Pastor.
Nancy was born on April 29, 1965, in New Holstein, Wisconsin. She graduated from D.C. Everest in 1983 and enrolled in school to become a travel agent. One of her first jobs took her on many adventures aboard the Carnival Cruise Line. She later came back to Wausau to work for Carlson Wagonlit Travel. She was more recently employed at GPI.
Nancy really loved her pets. In her younger years, besides the usual cat and dog, Nancy also had bunnies and even a pet duck. Nancy enjoyed watching the Packers and Badgers, snowmobiling, camping and cruising around in her pontoon boat on Lake Wausau, where you could hear the music of ABBA playing from the speakers. Nancy had a big heart and joyous spirit. She loved to travel and took her family and friends with her on many exciting trips. She will always be remembered for her jovial laugh, bright smile and quick wit.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Dale and Eve, and her brother Joe. She is survived by her brother Jim (Roshni), brother Dan (Holly), sister Yvonne and brother Tony (Sue), nieces, nephews, and friend Steve Raab.
The family would like to thank the team of doctors and nurses in the ER and ICU at Aspirus. The compassion and tenderness for tending to Nancy will not be forgotten. We would also like to thank Mary Ann Schmidt (Schmitty) for all her kindness and concern for Nancy while she was working at GPI and also afterward when Nancy was unable to work. Thank you to Dr. Reverend Niveen Sarras who was there to see Nancy off on her final journey as Nancy went home to be with her Mom and Dad.
The celebration of life will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Saturday, Sept. 15 with visitation at 11:30 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m.
Shyra Martyn
Shyra R. Martyn, 27, Edgar, died Monday, Aug. 20, 2018, under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice at the House of Dove, Marshfield, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born Jan. 31, 1991, in Wilmar, Minnesota, daughter of Roxanne (Lorentz) Schackman and the late Daniel Steffensen. On July 23, 2011, she married Dylan Martyn in Edgar. He survives.
Shyra was born in Minnesota and moved to Shelby, Montana, then to Edgar where she met her husband, Dylan. She loved her children above all else and always put them first. She was an inspiration to many because of her strong will and positive attitude. She was attending nursing school and was willing to help anyone she could.
Survivors include her husband, Dylan Martyn; children, Whyatt, Brynnan and Chevylle Martyn; parents, Terry and Roxanne Schackman; siblings, Mitch (Ashley) Lorentz, Zach and Gary Steffensen and Riley Schackman; grandparents, Kathy Dempsey, George Lorentz, Mike Dempsey, Gary Steffensen and Roger Winter; great-grandmother, Rita O.K. and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Besides her father, Daniel, she was preceded in death by grandmothers, Carol Steffensen and Sharon Schackman-Winter.
A celebration of life will be from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at the town of Frankfort Town Hall, F2295 County Road N, Colby.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a cancer charity of your choice.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Phyllis Kainz
Phyllis Kainz, 83, of Wausau passed away at her home surrounded by her daughters on Monday, Aug. 20, 2018.
She was born July 28, 1935, in Wausau to the late Emil and Ruth (Laffin) Krueger. Phyllis grew up in Wausau and graduated from Wausau High School. In her earlier years, she worked at Employer’s Mutual and Larson Cleaners. After attending classes at Northcentral Technical College, Phyllis began her 17-year career at the Marathon County Courthouse working in traffic court and the small claims department until retiring in 1990.
She was a member of First English Lutheran Church and for years she used to visit with home bound parishioners. Phyllis will be remembered for her warm smile and just plain fun to be around. She loved listening and dancing to country Western music and always looked forward to her yearly trips to Hodag. Whether it was flower gardening or feeding the birds, Phyllis enjoyed being outdoors. She was also an avid Brewers and Packers fan.
She is survived by her three daughters, Gail and Cynthia of Wausau, Pamela (Ken) Gierszewski of Weston, her brother, Mark (Marcia) Krueger of Tomahawk, two brothers-in-law, Wilbur Hoppe of Eau Claire, Lloyd Kosbab of New Brighton, Minnesota, many nieces and nephews and her special friend, Scott Casanova of Appleton. Phyllis was preceded in death by her two sisters, Carol Hoppe and Sharon Kosbab.
Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau. Chaplain Mark Lewis will officiate. Entombment will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. ou may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
We would like to thank the staff at Ascension Ministry Hospice and Dr. Jeffrey Oswald, Dr. Pablo Abrego and Dr. Adedayo Onitilo for all their care and kindness they gave Mom and our family.
Ian Turner
Ian Anthony Turner, 55, Rib Mountain, passed away Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018.
On May 3, 1963, Ian was born in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, Scotland to Rebecca “Ruby” (Adams) and the late Patrick Turner. In the mid 1960s, the family immigrated to Canada settling in Ontario when Ian was 2 years old. He grew up and completed his education with certifications as an automotive technician. Ian moved to the United Sates and became a resident in 2001, while retaining his dual citizenship with the United Kingdom and Canada. Ian then met Karen Moser in 2006, fell in love and married her on Jan. 7, 2011, at Christ Community Church in Schofield. He quickly took on the role as mentor, protector and farmer, and was loved and respected by Karen and her children.
Ian had a big heart and loved to laugh. His corny jokes never failed to brighten Karen’s day and liven up a family dinner. Ian had a very inquisitive mind. He loved working out problems; often spending time staring at a task, working out the issues, and planning an attack long before getting to work. His skills at problem-solving led him to become an accomplished handyman. His carpentry work has been used to enhance the family home and to give Ethan and Lexie a beautiful wedding arch. Ian was an experimental chef, motorcycle enthusiast and outdoorsman, often spending time walking his dogs and kayaking with Karen.
Ian is survived by his beloved wife Karen and her children, Ethan (Lexie) Tomlin Dodd of Stevens Point, Alex Dodd and Haley Dodd both of Wausau; mother, Ruby Turner of Ontario, Canada; brother, Paul Turner of Ontario, Canada; father and mother-in-law, Louis and Beverly Moser of Wausau; extended family and friends; and his faithful canines, Rusty, Zak and Pirate. He is preceded in death by his father Patrick Turner and former wife, Rita Turner.
The memorial service for Ian will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, at Christ Community Church, 8100 Alderson St., Schofield, Wisconsin 54476, officiated by Dr. Robin Wilde. The visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the church. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign the family guestbook at helke.com.
Memorials may be directed to the family for future charitable donations in Ian’s memory.
Special appreciation goes out to the emergency crews, volunteers and friends who dedicated time from their lives to help find Ian and bring him home to his family. You will never know how much his family appreciates the overwhelming love and support that you have given them.
Delaine Viergutz
Delaine “Dee” Joyce Viergutz, 83, of Wausau passed away on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, at Benedictine Living Community, Wausau. Delaine was born Aug. 12, 1935, in Wausau, the daughter of the late Arnold and Bertha (Borchardt) Viergutz.
Dee graduated from Wausau High and went on to work at Wausau Floral, then for a local dentist, followed by working at Manson Insurance. Dee continued at Manson till age 72 when health issues brought her career to an end.
In her younger years, Dee loved to roller skate, take trips with family, photography and filming family movies. She continued to enjoy embroidery, reading and gardening. The loves of her life were her many dogs, most recently Penny and Gumdrop. Dee was also an active and loyal parishioner at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau.
Dee is survived by her sister Betty (Bud Machel) Plaza, and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers; Owen (Francis), Allen (Marietta) and Norman.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, at Zion Lutheran Church, 709 Sixth St., Wausau. Pastor Steven Gjerde will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. The family would like to give a special thank you to Keary Ryan and Sharon the visiting angel for their exceptional care and compassion. You may sign the family guestbook at helke.com.
James “Jimbo” Gardner
James “Jimbo” Gardner was born in Cambridge, England, on March 9, 1954, to James and Donna Gardner and crossed the river on Aug. 10, 2018, to reside in my Heavenly Father’s Kingdom.
In my younger years, I traveled around the country as my father was in the United States Air Force. In 1966, I moved to Appleton, Wisconsin, as my dad was retiring from the Air Force after 27.5 years of military service. At the age of 12, this was the first time I ever lived anywhere were I was not on or near an Air Force base.
I went to junior high at Roosevelt Junior High and high school at Appleton East, graduating in 1972. I played varsity basketball and football and made many, many great friends at Appleton East which were also great friend at Roosevelt.
I entered the military in 1973 and was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. I was a Vietnam-era veteran but was never sent in country and though I was never in country or fought in the Vietnam War, my heart and everlasting love for my veteran brothers will never fade. In 1975, I changed my MOS from infantry to medicine.
I graduated basic medic training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in 1975 and later graduated from clinic specialist ward master school at Fort Bragg in August of 1976. I was discharged in August of 1976 with a medical under honorable condition discharge due to a knee injury that occurred during a parachute jump. My level of training entitled me to take LPN boards in my home state, which I did and passed in 1976. I spent 30 some odd years as an LPN working with geriatric, cancer, orthopedic, developmentally disabled, autistic, and special needs patients.
I took a break from nursing in 1980 and went to Florida and worked as a mate on a lobster boat and also worked as a glazer’s helper learning how to cut and install glass and mirrors. My interests were coaching youth football and helping my brother military veterans. Health conditions in later years forced me to retire from nursing and the VA made me a 100 percent service connected disabled vet in 2004.
I leave behind many great friends from all the gang at The Office Bar to old acquaintances in Appleton and Wausau, Wisconsin, and the tremendous caregivers who have taken care of me at Northwinds Vent Unit of Mount View Care Center. Preceding me in crossing the river were my parents and all of my aunts and uncles. Also preceding me in crossing the river was my beloved dog Walter. I am survived by my friend from Appleton and Wausau and the caregiver at Mount View.
In closing, my proudest accomplishments were coaching youth football, being involved with Crossroads K-9 Animal Rescue and Rehab, which Heather Zynda and Sean Dumias run, and most importantly being a member of Patriots for Warriors. This is a riding club consisting of veterans and concerned individuals who share the dedicated involvement in helping veterans of all stature who have been denied the help they so rightfully deserve by the VA and other blind, deaf and dumb government agencies. I will carry loving memories of all of you in my soul’s spirit.
Friends of Jimbo invite you to gather on Sept. 3 at 2 p.m. at the main entrance area of Mount View Care Center, 2400 Marshall St. Wausau. After a short memorial for residents and staff, Patriots for Warriors will lead the group in procession to Rib Mountain State Park for a time of prayer, remembrance and military honors.
A time of celebration and fellowship is planned following the service. In lieu of flowers, please make cash contributions to Crossroads K-9 Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation in Kronenwetter, Wisconsin, (address available on the website).
See you on the other side …
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences can be expressed at www.HonorOne.com.
