Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Betty Preu
Betty Preu, 94, of Rothschild, Wisconsin, passed away at Aspirus Hospice House on Oct. 7, 2018.
Betty was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 31, 1924, to Paul and Emma (Meister) Kasdorf. Upon graduation from Washington High School in Milwaukee, she performed clerical work at Employers Insurance Co.
She married Henry Preu in Milwaukee on June 19, 1948. Together they lovingly raised two children. She and Henry spent some of their happiest years during retirement living in Elcho, Wisconsin, on Enterprise Lake. There they provided family and friends with many wonderful memories of time spent together. She enjoyed nature, reading, crossword puzzles and traveling.
Betty was a kind and humble woman who preferred not to draw attention to herself. She loved her family and friends unconditionally. Very meaningful in her life was her volunteer work with handicapped children and adults, first at Bethesda Lutheran Home in Watertown and then at the West Allis Handicapped Program. Bethesda opened her eyes and awakened her need to love and help those people who were physically and mentally challenged. In later years, Betty focused on helping aging people at the Friendly Village and Kennedy Park Nursing Homes in Rhinelander and Wausau, respectively.
Betty will be missed dearly by her son Richard (Candy) Preu of Rhinelander, daughter Nancy (Greg) Fabel of Kronenwetter; grandchildren Scott (Amy) Augustine, Chad (Jessica) Augustine, Eric Preu, Emily (Adam) Ably and five great-grandchildren. Betty was predeceased by her husband Henry on March 2, 1993, by her parents, and brothers Paul and Clifford Kasdorf.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Weston. Visitation is at 10 a.m. before the service; interment at Forest Home Cemetery in Rhinelander. The family wishes to extend their thanks to Aspirus Home Hospice Care and Hospice House for the kindness and care of their staff.
Memorials can be made to Mount Olive Church, Bethesda Lutheran Communities or The Salvation Army.
Ilma Hersperger
Ilma Hersperger, daughter of the late Dante and Rose (Di Leva) Parrini, born Jan. 9, 1926, in Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away in Wausau, Wisconsin, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at the age of 92 at Pride TLC under the care of Aspirus Comfort and Hospice Care.
Ilma was a graduate of St. Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1946. She married the love of her life Edward Hersperger in 1948 and has lived in Wausau since 1966. She worked as a registered nurse at Memorial Hospital and when the Wausau hospitals merged, she was the first full-time float nurse between St. Mary’s and Memorial or North and South Hospitals, retiring in 1988 as patient care coordinator in the social services department.
She and Ed enjoyed spending time together both alone and with close friends, hosting dinners, going out to dinner, traveling and laughing a lot. Her first love and commitment was to family. She was the Italian mother who hosted holiday and family gatherings with ease, serving delicious meals, making sure these joyful times were recorded in her many photo albums. During her last years she was happiest when spending time with grandchildren and meeting her new great grandbabies.
Survivors include her loving husband of 70 years, Edward Hersperger, Wausau; three children: Caroll (Terry) Niewolny, Pewaukee, Robert (Sandy) Hersperger, Hudson, Tom (Jill) Hersperger, Wausau; six grandchildren: David (Patti) Niewolny, Austin, Texas, Theresa (Adam) McClurg, Waukesha, Daniel (Anna) Hersperger, Woodbury, Minnesota, Amy (Justin) Schneider, River Falls, Nicholas Hersperger and Elle Hersperger, Wausau; and four great grandchildren: Cole McClurg, Nash Niewolny, Peyton and Sydney Schneider. She also is survived by her sister-in-law Joan Parrini and five nephews.
Besides her parents, Ilma was preceded in death by her sister Olga Adamus and brother Dante Parrini.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at noon on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, at St. Mathews Catholic Church, Wausau. Visitation will be held at the church prior to services beginning at 9 a.m. Interment will be held at Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mathew Catholic Church, Wausau.
Online condolences at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Helen Koschmann
Helen (Helyn) Dorothy Koschmann, Wausau, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018.
Helen was born Feb. 12, 1920, in Marinette, Wisconsin, to the late Anthony and Marie (Anderson) White. She married Donald Koschmann on Feb. 17, 1948; a loving union of 70 plus years.
Helen had so many interests and talents. A telephone company employee for years included operating the cord boards as an operator and assisting management. Her love of reading and the public library continued throughout her life. Her flower gardens were some of her biggest joys and inspiration to her daughter. As an avid rock hound, her house and garden were filled with her many treasures. She captured much of what she saw in her garden and nature in her watercolors that adorn her house. Helen and Don traveled the world together and spent many a wonderful winter enjoying the sun and friends in Arizona.
Helen was an active member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, throughout much of her adult life. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and was a member of the Ladies Guild. She willingly volunteered her time as a Girl Scout leader and helped at The Neighbors’ Place.
Helen will be missed by her loving husband, Don; her daughters, Cynthia (Edward Mason) Koschmann, Rebecca (Gary) Vaughn; nieces, nephews and friends.
A funeral service for Helen will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 600 Stevens Drive, Wausau, 54401, on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, at 11 a.m. Pastor Bruce Lamont will officiate. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service; all at the church. Brainard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Helen’s name may be directed to Marathon County Public Library (Wausau), Monk Botanical Garden (Wausau) or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church (Wausau).
Eugene Moyer
Eugene Moyer, 90, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born Feb. 22, 1928, in Merrill to Edward and Agnes (Jehn) Moyer. On Feb. 23, 1963, he married Nancy (Jones) Ulrich at Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau.
After graduating from Valparaiso University in 1950, Eugene worked as a bookkeeper at Consolidated Papers in Wisconsin Rapids and Cox Motors in New Richmond, before finally calling Wausau home in the late 1950s. In 1991, he retired from Hoffer Glass/Marmet Corp as their corporate treasurer.
Eugene volunteered at and was involved with many local nonprofits throughout the years, including Wausau Little League, United Way, Red Cross, Wausau Salvation Army, the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, Good News Project, McDevco, and several others, including acting as an Eagle Scout advisor. He loved playing the piano; he also enjoyed reading, gardening, playing cards, cribbage and any kind of game or puzzle, fishing, golfing, cooking, travelling and learning. He was a proud member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church.
Survivors include his four children, Keith (Deb) Ulrich, Waupaca, Sandra (Marvin) Klang, Sun Prairie, Sue Ellen (Scott) Smythurst, Hager City and Ross Moyer of Keauhou, Hawaii; his eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Edward and his beloved bride of 51 years, Nancy.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018, at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 3200 N. Mountain Road, Wausau. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to any of the nonprofit organizations listed above are appreciated.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.brainardfuneral.com.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff and residents at Applegate Terrace for the joy they brought to Eugene’s life over the past six months that he resided there.
Mary “Peggy” Hintze
Mary “Peggy” Hintze (nee Schield), 76, died very unexpectedly at her home on Monday, Sept. 24, 2018. She was deeply loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Peggy was born Nov. 9, 1941, the youngest child of Dolores and Walter (whom she referred to as Daddy for her entire life) Schield in Schofield, Wisconsin. She attended Schofield School and Saint James School and graduated from Newman High School in 1959, all in the Wausau area. She attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester, Minnesota, with her lifelong friend, Ann Roth, and obtained her nursing degree in 1961. Wanting to do more than bedside nursing, she went on to become a nurse anesthetist, training under Dr. Locker, and training many students herself. The majority of her career was spent at Good Samaritan Hospital (formerly Holy Cross Hospital) in Merrill, where she retired as head of the anesthesia department. Not satisfied with retirement, she returned to working part-time until retiring for a second time to care for her husband.
Peggy was married for 53 years to Richard “Dick” Hintze. He asked her to marry him on their first date and every date after until she said yes; she was the love of his life. They had five children: Rich (Beth Johnson) Hintze, Brooklyn, New York, Meg Hintze, Schofield, Rebecca (Douglas) Konkol, Poynette, Wisconsin, Jennifer (Andreas) Salzman, Creswell, Oregon, Nicky (Curt) Wolfgram, Schofield. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren: Claire Johnson, Jack Hintze, Ben Konkol, Madalen (Ken) Schillo, Madeline Salzman (Ross McIntire), Olivia (Joshua) Coon, Amelia Salzman, Noah (Kelsee Balk-Yaatenen), Isaac, Patrick, Rose and Samuel Wolfgram, as well as two great-granddaughters, Kolette and Liberty Schillo. She is further survived by her sisters, Dora Schield, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Kathy Gess, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and brothers-in-law David (Ed Engebretson) Hintze, Plover, and Tim (Linda) Hintze, Schofield, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Lastly, she is survived by her close friend of more than 50 years, Linda Lockhart.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick, in 2017, parents, in-laws Roy and Ruth Hintze, granddaughter Grace Wolfgram, brothers Paul and Klein Schield, sisters-in-law Vicki Hintze and Ruth Schield, brothers-in-law Al Fistler and Tom Gess, niece Mary Feldhausen and nephew Mark Fistler-Gess.
Peggy loved family and spent most of her life caring for those she loved,including her grandmothers, parents, in-laws, nieces, nephews and later helping with her grandchildren. She was quiet and was often underestimated, but was not afraid to stand her ground and tell you what she thought, even if it wasn’t easy. She was always there to listen, with a smile, a hug, a laugh and a helping hand.
She was a great cook and often entertained both family and friends. A fond memory is of her saying “Take off your hat or I’ll take off your head” when sitting down for a meal. She was known for her chicken dumpling soup and for her orange duck sauce. Favorites of her grandchildren included her BBQ on Halloween, Swiss steak for Valentine’s Day, spaghetti, ribbon Jello and cowboy cake. Christmas and Thanksgiving were not complete without her orange sherbet salad and stuffing. Not a favorite of the grandchildren was the pickled herring she had without fail every New Year’s Eve for good luck. When she hosted holidays and family gatherings, she always used her special table cloths and china because you were special to her. She had a wonderful sense of humor, often laughing until she cried. She loved to play practical jokes and give a good scare.
She loved traveling, and during a recent trip to Branson she went zip lining for the first time and had so much fun. She loved to go to shows at the Grand Theater and on gardening tours with her friend Linda. She had a lifelong passion for reading, which she passed on to her children by reading out loud to them every night when they were younger and later to her grandchildren. There was always a book nearby. She was a fan of movies and loved watching Disney, musicals and old movies with her grandkids. Peggy was also a closet Hallmark Holiday movie junkie with her granddaughter Rose. When her kids and grandkids were younger, she frequently did art projects and puzzles with them. In more recent years, she had started to paint pottery with her grandson Sam.
The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Rothschild, with a luncheon to follow. The Very Rev. Allan Slowiak will officiate. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau, at a later date. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, and again on Saturday at the church from 10: a.m. until the time of services. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Harvey Klumpyan
Surrounded by his loving family and beloved wife “Honey”, Harvey B. Klumpyan, 91, Wausau, died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born Oct. 11, 1926, in Ashford, Wisconsin, son of the late Nickolaus and Rosina (Schill) Klumpyan. On June 16, 1951, he married Henrietta Heier at Holy Name Catholic Church, Wausau. She survives.
Harvey worked for Archway Cookies until his retirement at age 62. After that, he and Henrietta traveled extensively throughout the United States in their motorhome. Finding it hard to leave the workforce, Harvey went back to work as the manager of Townhouse Apartments for several years and then to Island Place where he worked in the maintenance department until this final retirement. Some of his favorite pastimes included traveling, Polka dancing, hunting and fishing.
Survivors include his loving wife, Henrietta “Honey” Klumpyan, Wausau, his children, Jackie (Gary) Pacholke, Athens, Paulette (John) Finke, Wausau, Mark (Lauri) Klumpyan, Birnamwood, and Jim Klumpyan, Lake Havasu, Arizona, one daughter-in-law, Leta Klumpyan, Kronenwetter, and six grandchildren, Josh, Kelsey, Kyra, Colin, Alexis and Andrew, one great grandchild, Emelia and several nieces and nephews.
Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, his son Tom and brother, Ervin Klumpyan.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. The Rev. Thomas Linder will preside. Entombment will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www. petersonkraemer.com.
Harvey’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the staff, nurses and doctors with Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their outstanding care and devotion they shared with him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Church of St. Anne or Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
Donovan “Don” Soppe
Donovan “Don” L. Soppe, 74, Rothschild, formerly of Sauk City, died Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, at his home.
He was born Dec. 14, 1943, in Bennett, Iowa, son of the late Leonard and Nelba (King) Soppe. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served as a radioman while stationed in Greece and Spain.
For many years, Don worked at Wick Buildings in Mazomanie as a salesman, and most recently worked for the Marathon County Health Department as a senior aid. Among his favorite pastimes, Don enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, duck hunting, woodworking and gardening. He was also an avid fan of stock car racing and the Green Bay Packers.
Survivors include two children, Deanna (Bruce) Schertz, Weston, and Drake (Belinda) Soppe, McFarland; five grandchildren, Nicole, Evan, Kyle, Brodey and Aurora; and many other relatives and friends.
Memorial services will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau. Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 3 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Montgomery Plant Dudley Post No. 10, Wausau.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Grace Hall
Grace Delores Hall, 88, Wausau, was born again into eternal life Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at North Central Health Care, Wausau.
Grace was born Oct. 31, 1929, in Wausau to the late William and Martha (Moll) Gumz. Throughout her life, she worked hard to support her family instilling this work ethic in her children.
For Grace, the two most important aspects in her life were family and her faith. She was a very loving mother and grandmother who looked forward to Christmas every year opening presents with family. Highland Community Church was her church home and drew strength from her faith and the relationships with friends at HCC. Grace’s radiant smile and laughter were common during her get-togethers with friends for coffee and cookies. Her friends often referred to her as “Amazing Grace” because God gave her Amazing Grace to go with her feisty nature. In her free time, Grace loved listening to music; especially classic country-western and the Sunday morning polkas on the radio.
Grace is survived by her children, Allen V. Stark of Bay City, Michigan, Donald D. (Sherry) Stark of Sun City, Arizona, and Mary E. (Jon) Kittel of Kronenwetter; granddaughters, Elizabeth (Ron) Gardner of Averill Park, New York, and Rachel (Robert) Coryell of Bad Axe, Michigan; great-grandson, Logan Stark; and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, William Hall; and ex-husbands, Victor Stark, Ray Wesenick and Walter Polly.
The funeral service for Grace will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, at Highland Community Church, Wausau Campus. Pastor Isaiah Demoss will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Helke Funeral Home on Wednesday, Oct. 10; resuming on Thursday at 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The committal will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
Sincere appreciation goes to the nurses and staff of NCHC Lake View Heights and to the pastors and congregation of Highland Community Church for their years of fellowship and faith.
Robert Prahl Jr.
Robert Prahl Jr., 85, Weston, died Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, at home surrounded by loved ones.
Robert was born in October 1932, in Wausau, to the late Robert and Ella Prahl. On June 27, 1959, he married Muriel D. Palesh, in Wausau. They were blessed with four children: Sheila, Lori, Dana and Robb.
For much of his life, Robert was a welder at JI Case and Oshkosh Corp., formally Oshkosh Truck. During his retirement he was employed at NAPA Auto Parts of Schofield, until his illness.
Robert was a veteran of the Korean War. He was a lifelong member of the VFW Burns Post 388. Robert was an avid fan of Nascar, the Brewers and the Packers. He was a dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau and enjoyed assisting his wife in preparing a variety of baked goods and candy treats for Zion’s Fall Strassenfest. He also enjoyed spending time with special friends Christine, Don, Kathlyn and Ted. He loved listening to country classic and polka music.
Survivors besides his beloved wife of 59 years, include daughter, Sheila (Jack) Carmine, Red Wing, Minnesota; daughter, Lori (Daniel) Singer, Kronenwetter, Wisconsin; son, Dana Prahl, Weston, Wisconsin; son, Robb (Nikki) Prahl, Hartford, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Kaila (Nathan), Brittany (Bryan), Jonathan, Avalon, Gabriella, Madelynn, Alexis, and Peyton; step-granddaughter, Katie; great-grandchildren, Madison and Jackson; step-great-grandchildren Ruthie and Echo. He is also survived by his sisters, Florence Blaher and Marge Lippke; and many extended family and friends.
Robert is preceded in death by three brothers, Lawrence, Wilbert and Buddy; along with a step-granddaughter, Jennifer Swett.
Over the last 17 years Robert was known as beloved “Papa” to Austin, Ava, Sara, David, Kelsey, Mara, Ethan M., Carson, Hannah, Megan, Lily, Brock, Ethan J., Eva, and Jackson. He also had a special bond with his beloved grandcat, Mr. Peepers.
The funeral service for Robert will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8, 2018, at Zion Lutheran Church, 709 Sixth St., Wausau. Rev. Christopher Johnson, assisted by Vicar Joseph Pinzl, will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at church. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
Robert’s family would like to give special thanks to the Ascension Home Care and Home Hospice support staff, friends, family, Pastor Gjerde, Pastor Johnson, niece Judy Anklam and close friend Christine Worgull, for their comfort and assistance. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.
Melissa Young
Melissa J. Young, 56, of Wausau passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018, in Wausau.
She was born in Menomonee Falls on Dec. 2, 1961, to the late John and Janet Graebner.
Melissa married Grant Young and together they had two children, Samuel and Katherine.
Melissa had an eye for design and beauty. She was a seamstress and was very passionate about quilting. She loved everyone she met and had a special place in her heart for her cats; Tom, Jerry, Calico and Chambray. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.
Melissa is survived by her children, Katherine and Samuel; the father of her children, Grant Young; sister, Selene (Greg) Lofquist and her two nieces, Becky and Olivia.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at St. John Lutheran Church, 5304 North 44th Ave., Wausau. Pastor Dan Sire will officiate.
Please sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Betty Brown
Betty Lou Ladd Brown of Marathon entered eternal rest on Oct. 7, 2018, at the age of 98. Betty was born Sept. 1, 1920, to the late Lou Denson and Francenia Wilcox Ladd in Fort Worth, Texas.
Beloved wife for 53 years to Lloyd Byron Brown, who preceded her in death in 1996.They married in Fort Worth on Dec. 27, 1943.
Betty attended Texas State College for Women in Denton, Texas. During World War II, she worked for the Civil Aeronautics as a radio engineering draftsman.
After raising two boys, she went back to work at H C Prange’s. She and Lloyd owned and operated Brownwood Kennels in Marathon. She also volunteered at the Talent Shop in Wausau for several years.
She is survived by two sons, Richard Lloyd (Jacquelyn) Brown of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, and William Byron (Karen) Brown of Mandeville, Louisiana; three grandchildren, Brent R.(Nicole) Brown of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, Andrew H. (Emilye) Brown of Boyce, Louisiana, and Hannah K. Brown of Thornton, Colorado; two great grandsons, Kylar H. Brown and Trisan Brown of Boyce, Louisiana; two nieces Catherine Barrett Markland of Santa Fe, New Mexicao, Nan Markland of Burkett, Texas, and a nephew Jerry (Judy) LeMoine of Wausau.
Betty was preceded in death by her sister Catherine Ladd Markland, her brother-in-law Robert Markland, a nephew Robert Ladd Markland and a granddaughter Rebecca L. Brown.
Betty is a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Wausau. Internment will held at a later date in the Mausoleum at Restlawn Cemetary in Wausau.
Carl Przychocki
Carl N. Przychocki, 81, of Mosinee quietly slipped into the presence of his Lord on Oct. 4, 2018, at his home under the care of Aspirus Hospice Services.
Carl was born Jan. 24, 1937, in his family home at 10th and Lapham, Milwaukee, in the Polish Historical District on the city’s south side. His parents were Carl Alex and Sophie Ann (Bureta) Przychocki, both born in Wisconsin.
With the zeal of a young Tom Sawyer and his friends, Carl enjoyed his Milwaukee boyhood. Summer days were spent on neighborhood playgrounds practicing softball. Carl was a lifelong Cubs fan. Ernie Banks was his favorite player. His most prized possession as a child was a Louisville Slugger baseball bat engraved by Banks. On warm evenings, they played back street basketball under the lights. That street is presently I-94.
After winter snowfalls, Carl and friends walked to the high Mitchell Park hill with pieces of cardboard from a neighborhood furniture store, for lack of sleds. Years later, the Mitchell Park Domes were built where they had enjoyed sliding. Carl once wrote about his childhood, “I tried to enjoy each and every day, and I did it in so many different ways.”
After graduating from St. Stanislaus Grade School, he was enrolled at nearby Boys Tech High School to explore training as a machinist like his father. He became skilled as a mechanic instead, eventually owning a Texaco gas station.
At 18, he joined the Marines, but after three months at Camp Pendleton, was given a general discharge due to the discovery of a heart murmur. Sadly, untreated, it led to many critical heart problems later in life.
In 1959, at age 22, Carl started a family, marrying Shirley Erickson Jordan, a young widow with three small children. Together, Shirley and Carl had three more children.
For years, he enjoyed music and dancing at the Blue Canary. At 25, he started a polka band that performed at wedding dances and other functions. Carl played his accordion and sang with his drummer and banjo player. He was a good bowler, once scoring 300; a good golfer, usually scoring low 40s; and a lifelong fisherman. He treasured the fun of being part of a large extended family that played together and loved each other. Over his lifetime, he used his organizational strengths to plan many gatherings for his family and for church events, especially the games. He was skillful and competitive at game-playing and strictly enforced the rules.
For Carl, at 46, the fun in life came to an extended halt when a judge issued a divorce decree for the couple in 1983, after 24 years of marriage.
At Carl’s lowest point emotionally, the Lord began to work in his life to draw him close, into a new kind of relationship. God worked through the person of Carl’s nephew, Jim Morgenroth, who was a strong believer in Jesus Christ.
Jim invited Carl to a Valentine’s Day event, where many couples shared their stories of becoming changed people. They told how they received God’s gift of eternal life by simply believing what Jesus Christ did on the cross for them.
Carl took several leaflets home to read more about what he had heard. Weeks later, on Feb. 25, 1990, he prayed to ask Christ to come into his life and thanked him for his love in dying for him. He was later baptized in Lake Michigan by his new pastor, Marc Erickson.
Carl’s life began to change immediately. He was highly motivated to learn all he could about living life in Christ. He couldn’t contain his happiness, so he began to share the way to receive salvation with all around him. He attended several weekly Bible studies at church and in homes, began to memorize scripture, and started a prayer life. After seeing his prayers answered as years went by, he began to pray that the Lord would guide him to a wife. The name Pat came into his mind while praying, but Carl didn’t know a Pat, so he dismissed it.
At the urging of his children, he moved to Mosinee in 2000 to live closer to four of them. At Charlie’s Hardware, he asked a stranger standing in line with him if she could recommend a church to attend in town. “Good News,” she said.
A few weeks later at that church, a woman introduced herself to Carl as the administrative assistant, who was trying to meet all newcomers. “My name is Pat,” she said. They married on Jan. 5, 2003, and have served together in many ministries since.
Carl was employed at North Central Health Care for 14 years as a medivan driver, courier and school bus driver. He reported to work at 6 a.m. daily, but he arose at 3 a.m. daily to spend two hours in Bible study and prayer to start each day. The Lord has truly blessed his faithfulness.
He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Patricia Herschberger. In addition, he is survived by the three children of his first wife, Shirley: Douglas (Carey) Jordan, Debra Jordan Garay and Margaret Jordan. He is also survived by the three children born to Carl and Shirley: Linda (Bill) Carey, Phillip (Kimberlisa) Przychocki and Jane (Jim) Gannigan. He is further survived by the two children of his second wife Pat: Marie (Heath) Martens and Daniel (Emily) Herschberger. Finally, survived by 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 15 nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his three sisters: Evelyn (Ervin) Galten, Felice (Al Morgenroth) (Frank) Klapka, and Maxine (Al) Piechowski, nephew Mark Piechowski, and nieces Suzie Longoria and Jill Klapka.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Bethany Baptist Church, 6601 Alderson St., Schofield. Pastor Kim Swenson will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church from noon until the service at 1 p.m.
Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HonorOne.com.
Linda Schaefer
Linda L. Schaefer was welcomed to heaven by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Oct. 4, 2018. Linda was born on Jan. 12, 1945, in Toronto, Canada, to Theresa and the late Dalton McMaster. She moved to the United States in 1955. After moving throughout the U.S., the McMasters settled in Riverside, California, where she met the love of her life, Brent Schaefer. They were married on June 20, 1964.
Linda took great pride in her 31 years of service as the crossing guard at Stettin School. She hated the cold winters, but loved looking out for the children. She was always happy to run into one of her charges around Wausau, whether it had been 10 years or 10 days since she last crossed them safely to school.
In her free time, Linda enjoyed putting together puzzles and listening to a vast array of music from Neil Diamond to Bon Jovi to George Strait. She also had a great love for her cats and all of God’s creatures. Her friends and family will miss her great sense of humor, her loving heart and her selfless ways.
Those who will miss her deeply include her husband, Brent, and their three children, Pam Becker, Jeff Schaefer and Karen Schaefer; her grandchildren, Andrew Klein, Stephanie, Erika and Christopher Schmudlach and Eli Fecarotta; and her great-grandchildren, Carter Roiger, Axel and Zayden Klein and Skyla and Arie Schmudlach. She will also be missed by her mother, Theresa; and her siblings, Carol Sharp, Jane Scott and John McMaster.
The family would like to thank those at Wausau Cancer Center for their kind care of Linda as she fought her last battle with cancer. Dr. Peterson and his team always gave us all a reason to smile in spite of the difficult circumstances. They are also grateful for Aspirus Hospice and Comfort Care for keeping her comfortable in her last weeks.
In honor of Linda, you may make a donation to Marathon County Humane Society, Wausau Cancer Center or the Good News Project. Thank you.
Brent and the kids will be hosting Linda’s family and friends at Pizza Ranch, 2715 Schofield Ave., Weston, on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please join us for a fun celebration of Linda’s life and a time to share our stories of her.
The Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Marie Rzentkowski
Marie J. Rzentkowski, 85 of Wittenberg died on Monday, Oct. 8, 2018, at the Homme Home of Wittenberg CBRF.
She was born on Dec. 6, 1932, in Ingersol, the daughter of the late Gilbert “Jim” and Cecelia (Verkuilen) Ploeger.
On Oct. 24, 1953, Marie was united in marriage to Edmund Rzentkowski in Wittenberg. He preceded her in death on June 21, 1993.
Marie was employed at Marathon Electric for many years until her retirement. She also worked for the former Gus and Ann’s Restaurant, Wittenberg, and several other local restaurants. Faith was a very important part of her life and Marie was an active member of Holy Family-St. William Catholic Church, Wittenberg, and its Christian Mothers. Marie was a good cook and enjoyed polka music and playing cards. Most important to Marie was the time spent with her family and friends.
Survivors include Richard (Julie) Rzentkowski of Hatley, Luann Prahl of Wausau, Darlene (Steve) Block of Wittenberg, Gary Rzentkowski of Elderon and Chris (Sheri) Rzentkowski of Shepley; nine grandchildren, Jade (Rey) Ado, Tara (Brad) Modjewski, Amber (Brad) Mroczenski, Ashley (Jason) Engman, Nikki (Jeff) Fraaza, Derrick (Mary) Block, Justin Rzentkowski, Lindsey Rzentkowski and Tanner Rzentkowski; nine great-grandchildren and two sisters, Irene Wanta of Clintonville and Ann Cayo of Neenah.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one son David; one granddaughter, Jessica Rzentkowski and three brothers, James, Donald and Jerry.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, at Holy Family-St. William Catholic Parish, Wittenberg. Rev. Matthew Settle will officiate. Interment will be in Holy Family Catholic Cemetery, Wittenberg. Visitation will be on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church.
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.
