Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Steven Slizewski
Steven Joseph Slizewski, 60, of Wausau, Wisconsin, died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, at home with his family by his side, after a brief struggle with cancer.
Steve was born on Dec. 14, 1957, in Phelps, Wisconsin, and grew up in Eagle River, Wisconsin. He moved to Wausau as a young man and lived there the rest of his life, but always had a fondness for Eagle River and the Northwoods.
Steve was employed for many years as a service technician for M & J Marine, and had a gift for working with anything mechanical. He told the story that his mother received a toaster as a gift when he was about 8, and he proceeded to dismantle the toaster so he could see how it worked. As hard as he tried, it didn’t go back together the same way! he then started hiding all her small appliances so she could keep them in one piece! This began a lifetime of taking things apart. Steve always eventually figured out how to put everything back together again. He loved to ‘diddle around’ with many electronics projects, and especially enjoyed working with computers, learning how to build and program them. He could fix and maintain anything with our cars and home, and if he didn’t know how to do something, he came up with a way to make it work.
Steve enjoyed listening to music (classic rock), and especially loved any music that was ‘Earthy Soul with a Funky Stroll’ by Sly Joe. In later years he even started listening to classical music as he was falling asleep. Over the years he enjoyed spending time outdoors – boating, going for walks, riding bike (both the pedal variety and his motorcycle), and taking care of the yard. His favorite time was the cooler weather and beautiful colors of autumn. If he had down time inside, he loved NASCAR races, the Packers, corny comedy movies and classic TV shows like “Star Trek,” “Cheers” and “Gunsmoke.”
He was always up for a new adventure, from climbing up the side of a mountain in Wyoming to skydiving on Father’s Day.
Steve loved spending time with his family, whether it was going to the latest gig, helping with projects around the home or teaching his grandchildren how to build a clock. He was always ready to lend a hand when family, friends or neighbors needed anything.
Steve will be remembered with love by his family: his wife Faith (Faye), of Wausau; son Joseph (Julie) Slyzelia, of Greenville; beautiful grandchildren Vivian, Felix and Beatrix; sisters Barbara (Bob) Moore, Pamela Slizewski, and Cynthia (Ed) Tomlanovich; and his nephews, aunts and uncles, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Slizewski; mother Virginia (Bruce) Slizewski, and sister Dianna Christenson.
Steve’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the wonderful care and compassion they provided to Steve, and to the many family members and friends who provided emotional and spiritual support during this difficult time.
Steve will be deeply missed, but we suspect he is probably tinkering and fixing up the Pearly Gates – until we meet again in the next life for the next adventure!
A celebration of Steve’s life will be held Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, at 3 p.m. at Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams St., Wausau. A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of services.
Daniel Gorski
Daniel Anthony Gorski, 95, of Rothschild passed away on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, at Rennes Rehabilitation Center in Weston.
Dan was born on Oct. 23, 1923, to the late Anton and Regina (Dobeck) Gorski. He married Verna Schave on Aug. 24, 1946, and they raised three children and spent 69 amazing years together before her death in 2015.
Dan was born and raised in Rothschild and lived his entire life there. Until two weeks ago, he lived in the house he had built himself in 1956. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in France and Germany during World War II. Seeing the World War II Monument in Washington, D.C., as part of the Never Forgotten Honor Flight was one of his favorite experiences. He was elected to the Rothschild Village Board, serving as its president for several years. He worked at the paper mill in Rothschild for his entire career, most of it in the research building. He loved to tinker and build and he was able to express that in his work, maintaining and repairing the facility he worked in and building prototypes of new products. He had a workshop in the basement of his home where he fixed TVs, sharpened the neighborhood children’s ice skates, built furniture for his children and wooden toys for grandchildren and once built a custom dog house for Bob Skowronski, a recently deceased Green Bay Packer.
His great-grandchildren were a source of great joy to him in his later years and loved his recognition and warm hugs. At his 90th birthday party he was asked what his dream was when he returned from World War II. He said his dream was to get a good job and raise a family. He was a good man who lived his dream.
Survivors include his son Jim (Mary Lou Rice) of St. Paul, Minnesota; daughters; Deb Meidl (Jerry) of Rothschild and Renee Boris (Mike) of Marathon; six grandchildren: Jennifer Gorski (Clay Fox) of Woodbury, Minnesota, Michael Gorski (Heather LaPorte) of Des Moines, Iowa, Matt Meidl (Leah) of Kronenwetter, Josh Meidl (Emily) of Weston, Brandon Boris (Megan) of Kronenwetter and Megan Boris (fiance Kyle Holtz) of Wausau; 10 great-grandchildren: Sofie and Isabel Fox, Luke Gorski, Nora and Margaux LaPorte, and Eli, Peter, Simon, Lincoln and Wesley Meidl; one brother, Gordon (Sieglinda) of Wausau and one sister, Virginia Pehowski (Gene) of Rockford, Illinois. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, who think of him fondly.
Beside his parents and wife, Dan was preceded in death by a still-born infant, his sister Grace Aldrich and brother David Gorski.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Clare’s Hospital, Rennes Center and Ascension Hospice for their care of their father and grandfather in the last two weeks of his life.
Funeral services will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 602 Military Road, Rothschild. The Rev. Allan Slowiak will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Interment will take place at Restlawn Cemetery.
Willis “Bill” Seidler
Willis Fredrich “Bill” Seidler, 88, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, formerly of Wausau, Wisconsin, and Montevideo, Minnesota, died peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018.
Bill was born Oct. 14, 1930, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to Fred and Margaret (Borth) Seidler. He was a member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church of Jacksonville, Arkansas. He grew up on a farm in the town of Stettin and went to school on the corner of highways O and U; the little red schoolhouse now resides in Marathon Park.
Bill married Elaine “Peachy” Reetz on Aug. 9, 1952, in Pine City, Minnesota. He worked at Northern Mattress Co. and Able Plumbing and Distributing as a counterman in Wausau, Wisconsin. He was transferred to Montevideo, Minnesota, in 1969 to start a new branch and then to Jacksonville, Arkansas, in 1975 as a warehouse manager and retired in 1992.
Bill and Peach loved to fish and spent summers at their West Norway Lake summer house. He also hunted and had an interest in family history, wrote stories and had two poems published.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife and parents; a son Michael; four brothers LeRoy, Theodore, Fred, Jr., and Gerald.
He is survived by four children Keith (Wanda) Seidler of Spicer, Minnesota, Gail (Dale) Knutson of Ramsey, Minnesota, Rodney Seidler of Jacksonville, Arkansas, and Stephanie (Steve) Barnes of Jacksonville, Arkansas; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, his sister Marlene Krenz and sister-in-law Loretta Seidler.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at 11:30 a.m. at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass at the church. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.
Karen Acker
Karen E. Acker, 60, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, surrounded by the love of her family at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a long battle with lymphoma. Karen was born Oct. 17, 1958, to the late Lawrence and Rosemary (Knippel) Pierschalla in Burlington, Vermont. She married Ralph W. Acker on Feb. 4, 1998, in Wausau.
Going to the Northwoods was a passion of hers, spending many weekends at the cabin with Ralph and the girls. She and Ralph enjoyed early morning trout fishing, exploring fishing spots out on the boat and finding the best places to pick berries together.
Crocheting was one of her favorite pastimes, learned from her mother, Rosemary. She spent hours creating the perfect afghans for family members, most recently baby blankets for Clara and Amelia.
She loved to garden. It was her “get away from everything” therapy, and even when she was feeling terrible, you’d find her outside in the garden getting her hands dirty and loving every second. She nurtured life in the garden, just as she nurtured her family.
Karen was family to everyone. We joke about the “adopted” kids, her daughters’ friends that became so much more. She expected all their close friends to call her Mom, or Madre.
She didn’t let having cancer define her life, how she lived it. In the last few years she went to many live concerts, visited Niagara Falls, and this past summer traveled to Mt. Rushmore and Deadwood with Ralph and Rosemary.
Survivors include her husband, Ralph; three daughters, Tina (Troy) Radtke, Wausau, Emily (MLE) Schultz, Madison, and Rosemary Acker, Wausau; three granddaughters, Rayanne Teige, Clara and Amelia Radtke; one sister, Barbara Pierschalla, Austin, Texas; and two brothers, Steven (Deb) Pierschalla, Granger, Indiana, and David (Lori) Pierschalla, Wausau, and many extended family members.
She was also preceded in death by her brother, Michael.
A Time of Remembrance will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until the time of remembrance at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
A special thank you to the staff of Aspirus Cancer Center, most especially to Dr. Hamied Rezazadeh, without whom her journey wouldn’t have been as long.
Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Janice Klein
Janice R. Klein, 85, died Nov. 25, 2018, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Mount View, Wausau.
She was born Feb. 23, 1933, in Wausau, daughter of the late Edwin and Erna (Butenhoff) Dahm. On June 18, 1955, she married Charles Klein at St. James Catholic Church, Wausau. He preceded her in death on Jan. 24, 2009.
Janice worked as a receptionist at Baird for many years. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, skiing and sewing. Her greatest joy in life was making a home for her husband and her family.
Survivors include her children, Steve (Shelly) Klein, Shoreview, Minnesota, John (Petrece) Byron, Illinois, Lisa Klein, Weston, David (Melissa Langbehn-Klein) Klein, Kronenwetter and Carla (Daniel) Fus, Menasha; grandchildren, Sara (Toby) Batchelder, Daniel (Courtney) Klein, Matthew Klein, Brianna Radenz, Gregory Klein, Kayla Fus, Derek Fus, Justin Klein, Tanner Klein and Kylee Klein; great-grandchildren, Tatum and Carter Batchelder.
Besides her parents and husband, Charles, she was preceded in death by brothers, Denny and Donald Dahm.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau. Rev. Allan L. Slowiak will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be Thursday from 11 a.m. until the time of services all at the Sixth Street funeral home.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Mount View, Lakeview Heights and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the compassionate care given to Janice during her time with them. Also to Dr. Robert Kaupie for all the care given over the years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Dorothy Mais
Dorothy Mais, 94, joined her husband of 72 years Ferdinand (Ferdy) Mais in Heaven on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018.
She was born July 1, 1924, in Athens to the late Fred and Minnie (Bramm) Penno. On June 1, 1946, Dorothy married Feridand Mais at Trinity Lutheran Church of Athens; he passed away Oct. 26, 2018.
Dorothy was an excellent cook and seamstress. She also enjoyed needle crafting and attending to her flower gardens. She loved spending time with Ferdy at their cottage either fishing, bird watching or working in her flower beds. When they were not up north, they were traveling. Prior to her retirement in 1979, Dorothy worked for National Foods.
Survivors include her son Brian (Joan), brother Carl Penno and many other family members and friends.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ferdy, brothers Lawrence and Frederick Penno and step brothers Irvin and Walter Scherz.
We want to thank the staff of the Lake View Heights Unit at North Central Health Care for the excellent care and compassion they gave to both Dorothy and Ferdy during their stay.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau at noon, Pastor Zach Holdorf will officiate. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas. You may sign the family guest book at helke.com.
Linda Wilkes
Clara “Linda” Grogan Wilkes, 78, passed away Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, with her husband, Ed, by her side.
Linda was born on Sept. 3, 1940, to the late Robert and Queenie (Morgan) Grogan in Cedartown, Georgia. On Sept. 16, 1961, she married William Edward Wilkes in Cedartown, Georgia.
For many years, Linda drove a school bus in Cedartown, where she retired from the Polk School District. She cherished having all the kids on the bus and enjoyed taking care of them as her own. In her free time, she took great joy tending to her garden and sewing. Most of all she enjoyed cooking and hosting family get-togethers, and always made sure everyone was well fed. Linda took great comfort in her faith in God and enjoyed going to the Baptist church on Sundays.
She is survived by her husband, Ed of Wausau; daughters, Toni (Nolan) Stoner of Tavares, Florida, and Lisa (Charles) Vasser of Elmwood; grandchildren, Leslie (Ivan) Mitchell of Wausau, Blake (Kara Black) Cain of Locust Grove, Georgia, and Jennifer (Jason Moore) Reece of Cartersville, Georgia; great-grandchildren, Cody and Taylor Bauer of Wausau, and Andrew Kalasz of Montague, Michigan; as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Donald, Max, Terry, Howard, and Lynn Grogan; and sisters, Patricia Collins and Zelah Queen.
The family will bring her ashes home to Cedartown, Georgia, where burial will be at Polk Memory Gardens.
You may sign the family guestbook at helke.com.
Barbara Preisig
On Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, Barbara Jane Preisig fell asleep here and then woke up in Heaven. Born July 17, 1932, to the late Clarence and Mary Jane (Theisen) Haupt in Wausau, Barbara graduated from Wausau High School in 1950 and began a career as a legal secretary at the Crooks Law Firm. She was married on June 5, 1954, to Clifford Preisig, the love of her life. Having met in the church choir, they shared a life of incredible love and harmony until his death, May 16, 1971.
Barbara and Cliff had three children, two of whom survive them, and two grandchildren: a daughter, Patricia of Wausa; and a son, Rev. James (MaryAnn) of Raymore, Missouri; grandchildren, Stephen of Denver, Colorado, and Anneli also of Denver. A daughter, Penny, died at birth. Barbara is also survived by her uncle, Floyd Haupt; sisters-in-law, Margaret Preisig and Doris Preisig; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Barbara’s faith was the focal part of her life, providing her great strength and comfort throughout the challenges of life, and giving her great hope and confidence in eternal life. She was an active member at Wesley United Methodist Church, served as a Sunday school teacher and superintendent, sang in the church choir, chaired the United Methodist Women, was a member of Dorcas Circle, the Prayer Chain, served on the Administrative Council, and actively participated in the adult Sunday school class.
Barbara took great delight in music, roses and service in the community, but those who knew her best will remember her incredible way in the kitchen, cooking and baking so as to share love and bring joy. She created so many wonderful family treats and delights, always offering her very best.
The service celebrating Barbara’s life will be Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 1101 Elm St., Wausau, with the Rev. Ethan Larson and Rev. James Preisig officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service, beginning at 9:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will immediately follow the service at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Wausau. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Wesley United Methodist Church, Preisig Family Endowment.
The family is eager to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of Gardenside Crossing for their compassion, kindness, love and extraordinary care shown to our mother each and every day! You are truly “God’s Angels” and we will forever remember and be grateful for your support throughout mom’s struggle with Alzheimer’s. Your gifts of love were such a blessing.
The family also wishes to thank John Buettgen and staff of the John J. Buettgen Funeral Home for their kindness, help and assistance in all of the arrangements.
Rest in peace, dearest loved one, you are in God’s presence!
James Cappel
James Walter “Jim” Cappel, 76, of Rib Mountain passed away Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018, peacefully under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services in his home. Born to the late Walter and Frances (Gabert) Cappel on March 10, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jim was deeply loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Jim married Kathryn Meixner on March 13, 1965, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a surprise party put on by family and friends in 2015. Jim’s talents were numerous. Following in his father’s footsteps, he designed and built a beautiful home on Park Road leading up to Rib Mountain State Park, completed in 1988 with his son David’s help. He gave the term “man cave” a new meaning by including a five-car garage and additional free-standing two-car garage.
Jim’s love for cars began as a teen as he and his brother owned and operated Cappel’s Standard Service Station at 92nd & Lincoln in West Allis, Wisconsin. He restored and/or rebuilt hundreds of cars and trucks over the years with his most prized vehicle being his 1983 Jeep CJ7, which won him many trophies at area car shows – truly a work of art.
Also a talented woodworker, Jim’s beautifully crafted pieces of furniture adorn the family home as well as his children’s homes. Jim could be found in his workshop from sun up to sundown, always tinkering, he could fix anything in need of repair with his attention to detail and quality of work which has become a lost art.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Kathi; their two children, David (Gail) Cappel of Weston, Wisconsin, and Christine (Tom) Reber of Manitou Springs, Colorado; and four grandchildren, Alex Cappel; Dakota Reber, Tiga Reber, and Iris Reber.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother Tom Cappel.
Join us for a Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Jim, Saturday, Dec. 8, visitation beginning at 10 a.m., service beginning at 11 a.m., Highland Community Church, 1005 N. 28th Ave., Wausau.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the loving care he received from Melissa Wendell, The Heart Failure Clinic staff, Pastor Dave Mahler and friends at Highland Community Church and the team with Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. ~ Isaiah 40:31
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. You may express condolences on our web site at www.HonorOne.com.
Everett Weller
Everett Edwin Weller, 80, of Bowler passed away on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, at ThedaCare Hospital, Appleton.
He was born on Feb. 28, 1938, in Elderon, the eldest child born to the late Edwin and Lorna (Hartwig) Weller. On April 24, 1965, he married Mary Bernarde at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bowler. She survives.
Everett’s first job was working for American Motors building cars. He then worked for Outagamie County as a grader operator. When his father-in-law retired, he took on his business, Wisconsin Farm Service out of Antigo, providing lime and fertilizer for many area farms. He was a snowplow operator for the town of Almon, and most recently worked for Hoffman Wood Fibers in Tilleda as a mechanic and welder. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, country music festivals, western movies and going to the casino.
Survivors include his wife, Mary of Bowler; one son, Chad Everett (Patricia) Weller of Bowler, two grandchildren, Tyler of Madison and Ashley of Hatley; two step-grandchildren, Jessica (Keith) Ristow of Marathon and Jackie Gardner of Rosholt; three step-great-grandchildren, Kason and Ryan Ristow and Vincent Stanecke; his siblings, Jerome (Gloria) Weller of Neenah, Evaleen (Harvey) Johnson of Eland, Audrey (Roger) Flaherty of Conover, Sherry (Roger) Liesch , and Janice Stephens all of Appleton; sister-in-law, Betty Rickert of Birnamwood; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Lorna, his step-grandson, Jeffrey Jones, and sister-in-law, Florence Trinko.
Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bowler. Rev. Michael Schram will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, town of Almon. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, and on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Memories and condolences may be given online at schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home.
Kenneth Bricko
Kenneth W. “Kenny” Bricko of Mattoon, formerly of Wittenberg died on Monday, Nov. 19 at Rose Mary Manor under the care of LeRoyer Hospice Services, Antigo.
Ken was born March 18, 1929, in the town of Elderon, Marthon County, son of the late Lee and Josephine (Guyette) Bricko. Ken was a U.S. Army Veteran serving in the Airborne Paratroopers during World War II, serving in the occupation of Japan. After an honorable discharge, on June 18, 1948, Ken married Margaret Gorski who preceedeced him in death after a long illness. After moving to West Allis, Ken worked for many years as a machinist for Kearney and Trecker, Milwaukee, as well as Briggs and Straton prior to making his way back to his his roots. Ken owned and operated Up Country Manufacturing, Wittenberg, home of the “Go Fast” band saw, which he designed and where he loved spending time working and getting to know his costumers and friends. “He did it his way.”
Ken is survived by his children Tom (Carol) Bricko, Northfield, Minnesota, Kathy (Mike) Meinert, Loveland, Colorado, Bernadette (Jay) Kottwitz, Lake Mills, Judy (Jay) Freiberg, Hatley and Bradley (Karen) Bricko, Antigo. One brother, Vern, two sisters Eleanor and Diane. Many nieces, nephews, grandchildren (special granddaughter Ashley who he called his “Angel” who took such great care of her grandpa during his stay at Rose Mary Manor), great-granchildren, and one great great grandchild. He is further survived by his companion Barbara Pagryzinski, Mattoon, and Barbara’s children, Wanye (Susan) Pagryzinski, Wausau. and Kay (Matthew) Skonieczny, Kiowa, Colorado.
Ken was preceeded in death by his parents, his wife Margaret, a son Andrew, one brother Lee, sisters AnnaMae, Josephine, Florence, Audrey and June, and Barbara’s daughter and husband Deb and Terry Baumann.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 at Holy Family- St. William Catholic Church, Wittenberg. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
A second Memorial Service will be held at a later date so his many out of state/town family members and friends can make arrangements to attend. After this memorial service, a graveside service at St. Francis Cemetery, town of Norrie will be held with military rites followed by a celebration of his life at the home of his daughter and son in law Judy and Jay.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be given at schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home.
