Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Mildred (Storm) Koenig
Mildred (Storm) Koenig died just weeks before her 98th birthday. She was born at home to Walter and Selma Storm in Merrill on Dec. 5, 1920. After attending a rural, one-room schoolhouse, she attended Marathon Vocational School. She married Orian Koenig on June 21, 1941. Their early years of marriage were spent in Norfolk, Virginia, while Orian served in the Navy during World War II.
Mildred pursued her life’s highest calling, being a homemaker, with devotion, humor, and an open heart. She felt blessed by her profession her whole life, feeling proud to support her husband and her two sons, Rick and Neil. She enjoyed being the neighborhood mom as well, especially when the driveway was full of bikes and her kitchen full of hungry boys. Her homemaking included her excellent cooking and soup making, artistic crafts, like rug weaving, quilt making, doll collecting and embroidery. She gave many of her rugs to family, friends, church and charities, and to Wausau’s Talent Shop. She was an avid sports fan, the Milwaukee Braves and Brewers in particular, and the Olympics, both on TV and attending the Summer Games at the Olympics in Atlanta with her two granddaughters, Amber and Cortney. Outside the home, Mildred served her church, Wesley United Methodist Church of Wausau, all her adult life; served as a volunteer for the Red Cross for 10 years; served as the gravy chef for years at church sponsored community Christmas dinners; and served as a volunteer to comfort shut-ins who spoke her native tongue, Low German. Mildred’s memory of family history went back generations and she passed down many stories. She gave her grandchildren and great grandchildren unconditional love and passed on to them her sense of humor along with sewing, rug weaving and cooking skills.
Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Orian, after a 71-year marriage, and by her two brothers, Myron Storm and Don Storm. She is survived by her two sons, Rick of Wausau, and Neil of Clovis, California, their wives, Carol and Wylene; four grandchildren, Bradley Koenig of Rib Mountain, Amber (Chris) Laska of Fremont, Cortney Worrall of New York City, and Forrest (Ann) Koenig of San Anselmo, California; and six great grandchildren, Brenna and Barrett Laska, Clara and Rose Worrall, and Gunnar and Wyatt Koenig.
Mildred’s family extends its deep appreciation to her brother-in-law, Daniel Reichl of Wausau, who was always eager to help, and who visited Mildred weekly 52 weeks a year, over the past several years when she resided in an assisted living home. The family’s appreciation is also extended to her family physician, Jeffrey Oswald, MD, for years of compassionate expertise.
A Memorial Service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Wausau on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Rev. Ethan Larson will officiate. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park. Gifts of remembrance will be given to the research for cures of diseases of the eye.
Jeanette Stenzel
Jeanette A. Stenzel, 92, died Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born Sept. 13, 1926, in Wausau, daughter of the late Henry and Beatrice (Conrad) Koy. On May 15, 1948, she married Edmund D. Stenzel at St. Mary Catholic Church, Wausau. He preceded her in death May 21, 2009.
Jeanette graduated from Wausau Senior High School in the class of 1945. She retired from Sieg Wausau Co. after 46 years of employment.
Being a woman of great faith, Jeanette involved herself in many of the activities and volunteer efforts of her next-door neighbor, The Church of St. Anne, of which she was a charter member. She was also a charter member of the St. Anne Adult Choir, and a past president/current member of the Fatima Council, the Hospitality Committee, worked for many years for the Famous Fish Fries, was a member of the “Jolly Squares” dancing club and served on numerous parish committees, as well as serving as chairwoman of many Capital Fund Drives.
Her involvements also included past president of the Wausau Deanery Council of Catholic Women and past president of the LaCrosse Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, past secretary of the Board of Governors Marywood, was also a 20-year hospital volunteer, 19-year Volunteer Hospital Teddy Bear Clinic and spent 10 years as a Girl Scout Leader. Currently, Jeanette was a member of St. Anne’s Fatima Council, St. Anne’s Adult Choir, the Wausau Catholic Women’s Club, the VFW Auxiliary and an Aspirus volunteer.
One of Jeanette’s fondest and special memories was having the dubious honor of meeting and having her picture taken with Mother Teresa of Calcutta in 1970.
Survivors include nephew, Jim Majeske, niece, Karen (Geoff) Krause and nephew, Randy (Gay) Stencil, all of Wausau, brother-in-law, Marvin Stencil, Wausau and many other -in-laws, nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law.
Besides her parents and husband, Jeanette was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Katie and Floyd Majeske, sister-in-law, Ruth Stencil, nephew, Dick Majeske, an infant brother, Robert and several close and special relatives.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Thomas Linder will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
The family would like to express their special thanks to the beautifully compassionate care provided by Dr. Rezazadeh, Aspirus Oncology, the Benedictine Living Center and their staff. You helped make Jeanette’s life meaningful and happy the past several months and you will all hold a very special place in our hearts for your wonderful care.
Michael Kramer
Michael Norbert Kramer, 81, died on Nov. 26, 2018, at Aspirus Hospice House after battling an illness for the last several years.
He leaves his devoted wife of 59 years, Judy (Paque) Kramer; daughter Carlene Haff and her husband Doug; daughter Jorgene Hartwig, her husband Jim and their son James; daughter Michelle Kramer, his sister Barbara Pugmire, his sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Paque) Milam, and numerous nieces and nephews. His parents and four brothers preceded him in death.
Born and raised in Marinette, Wisconsin, Mike met his future wife, Judy Kramer, in Menomonee, Michigan, while working for Judy’s father. Once they discovered that they both enjoyed roller skating and bowling, they were inseparable.
After receiving his undergraduate degree in business and economics from Northern Michigan University in 1961, he joined Wausau Insurance Co. as a claims adjuster and moved to Baltimore, Maryland. Mike moved back to Wausau, Wisconsin, in 1974 and lived there for the remainder of his life. While continuing to work for Wausau Insurance, he completed his MBA at UW-Oshkosh. He ultimately worked for several insurance companies during his career, serving in a variety of roles.
Mike had a passion for the Green Bay Packers, and as a long-time season ticket holder, he attended games whenever possible. He also served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Michael’s Parish and Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was a member of the Wausau Lions Club for over 25 years, serving as president from 1986 to 1987. He enjoyed building and flying radio controlled planes, and was a member of the local flying club for many years. He also enjoyed playing golf, cooking and having coffee with his good friend John.
After retiring, he and Judy started a business where they served as court-appointed guardians for members of society who were no longer able to handle their own legal and financial decisions.
Mike will be remembered by his family and friends as a devoted husband and father who always has a smile and a kind work for everyone he met.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. The Very Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will preside. Entombment will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Monday from 9 a.m. until time of services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Michael Catholic Church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Kenneth Scheffler
Kenneth L Scheffler, 85, passed peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Ken was born on March 19,1933, in Wausau to the late Herman and Ella Scheffler. He married the light of his life, Joyce Stuplich on Feb. 7, 1953, and together they celebrated 65 years of marriage. She was his world.
Ken was a devoted family man and loved to work. A true craftsman, he took pride in his fine carpentry skills, but time spent in nature brought him his greatest joy. Stories of walks in the woods, walleye fishing on Bear Lake and exploring shorelines with his grandson Tim were numerous. Ken was a veteran and educator. He taught us so much.
Survivors include his daughter, Candace Schneider, grandson Timothy (Tara) Schneider and great-grandsons, Finley and Boden. He is also survived by one of 10 brothers and sisters, his brother Roger (Doris) Scheffler.
Ken is preceded in death by his wife Joyce, who passed Aug. 20, 2018. Together forever. Life eternal.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at First United Methodist Church, 903 Third St., Wausau. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., with a chapel service at 1:30 p.m. and a coffee social will follow. Rev Jayneann McIntosh will officiate.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Raymond Kurth
Raymond H. “Ray” Kurth, 87, of Wausau died peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, at Mount View Care Center, Wausau. He was under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born Sept. 6, 1931, in Wausau, son of the late George and Martha (Lamz) Kurth. On Oct. 30, 1954, he married Shirley Clintsman at Grace Methodist Church, Greenwood. Imbued with a strong sense of family, nothing pleased him more then to be surrounded by family, and the countless dogs and cats he loved and provided a home for.
Gardening was a passion of Ray’s, he loved and worked to expand his flower gardens, creating an oasis of beauty and color. Anyone who met Ray in his later years was sure to get an invitation to visit his gardens, sit by the fish pond, watch the birds and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Growing up in the shadows of Athletic Park fueled a love of baseball, first watching minor league games as a kid, and then following the Milwaukee Braves/Brewers. But, the Packers were his favorite; the games were a weekly staple in the fall. Later in life, he had the opportunity to work in Green Bay where he met many of those football heroes.
He was active in his church, serving as a scout leader, a softball manager, and playing on the church league dartball team.
Work was important to Ray. He started out in sales, managed restaurants, and finally owned restaurants. In his later years, he worked for Permar as a Security Guard at Aspirus and Marshfield Clinic until the age of 80.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley Kurth, Wausau, his children, Robin (Laurie) Kurth, Wausau, Timothy (Kathy) Kurth, Chaska, Minnesota, and Peggy Kurth, Wausau, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one sister-in-law, Ann Kurth, Richfield, and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, three sisters, and a great-grandson, Sean Gates.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. Friends may call at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the services. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Joyce Gilbertson
Joyce Ardis Gilbertson, 85, Wausau, passed away Nov. 24, 2018, surrounded by her family on her 85 birthday. She was born on Nov. 24, 1933, in Blanchardville to the late Teddie and Mabel (Everson) Thompson. On April 2, 1950, she married Sanford Percival Gilbertson in Monroe.
Joyce worked for Wausau Insurance in the claims department until her retirement. In her free time, she enjoyed to cross stich and needle point. She also liked working in her flower garden spending the summer days tending her gardens. Cooking and hosting family get-togethers was her true passion, always making sure everyone was well cared for. Joyce was known to enjoy the occasional trip to the casino.
Survivors include her husband Sanford, Wausau; children Sandra (Michael) Gravitter, Crandon; Gene (Miriam) Gilbertson, Weston; Allen (Dawn) Gilbertson, Weston; Steve (Jamie) Gilbertson, Weston; 12 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; sisters Lois Sweeney, Juda; Lela Sweeney, Sparta; several nieces and nephews; and special family friend Deb Fochs, Schofield.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Merlin Thompson, sisters Helen Anderson, and Doreen Judd.
There will be a Memorial Gathering at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Friends may sign the family guest book at helke.com.
Brian Laffin
Brian D. Laffin, 87, of Wausau passed away Nov. 21, 2018, at Tender Reflections, under the care of Aspirus Hospice. He was born on June 13, 1931, in Wausau to the late Norman and Adela (Trantow) Laffin. He married Katherine Jeanette Johnson on Nov. 3, 1951, in Aniwa.
Brian worked for the City of Wausau with the street department as supervisor until his retirement. An avid outdoorsman, he never missed a chance to go hunting and fishing and enjoyed spending time in the woods and on the water.
He is survived by his children, Tom Laffin, Rhinelander; Susan (Dale) Kole, Birnanwood; Candy (Mark) Radandt, Rhinelander; seven grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; brothers Kurt (Nancy) Laffin, Aniwa; Gerald (Tootie) Laffin, Aniwa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Katherine and a grandson Chad Laffin.
Burial of cremains will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in the town of Easton.
Friends may sign the family guest book at helke.com.
Reuben Naef
Reuben Edward Naef, 97, Wausau, went home to be with his Lord on Nov. 20, 2018, at Our House Assisted Living under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
Reuben was born Nov. 20, 1921, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to the late Jacob and Minnie (Kittle) Naef. Reuben grew up in Wausau, Wisconsin. He married Lois Adler on Oct. 4, 1945, at the old courthouse in Marathon County. They were blessed with three sons; Richard, Timothy and Jack. Lois and Reuben worked on their dairy farm for a number of years together before selling it. He later worked for Marathon Electric retiring in 1985.
Reuben was a good husband and father and also a loving and caring grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a wonderful craftsman in woodwork; making rocking horses for each of his grandchildren, special clocks and miniature animals which he was very happy to give to others. He enjoyed traveling and fishing with Lois following retirement.
Reuben is survived by his sons, Richard (Dori) of Waldo, Timothy (Kathleen) of Wausau and Jack (Connie) of Franktown, Colorado; grandchildren, Lauri (Nathan) Meinhardt, Daniel (Alice) Naef, Mandy (Matthew) Taylor, Becky (Daniel) Hageman, Kristy (Justin) Johnson, Ryan (Sharalyn) Naef and Kendall (Hillary) Naef; great-grandchildren, Tannen, McKenna, Taylen, McKaea, Brandan, Brittney, Reyna, Adam, Ocean, Senna, Glade, Aspen, Nora, Coen, Nico, Dexter, Kaitlyn, and many extended family and friends. Reuben is survived by his brother, Norman (Audrey) Naef and a sister, Edna Yokum. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, three brothers and six sisters.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home on Saturday. private entombment will take place at a later date at Restlawn Mausoleum, town of Texas. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
A heartfelt word of thanks goes to the doctors, nurses and staff of Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Aspirus Hospice Care Comfort Care and Hospice Services and the staff at Our House Assisted Living for their tender care of Reuben.
Dorothea Gisselman
A life-long reader, Dorothea Gisselman, 91, has put down her final novel. Mom was born in 1927 to Francis and Irene Tranetzki and shared the same birthday as her mother, making that day even more exceptional. Mom enjoyed her journey through life as an expert baker, knitter, reader, and crochet artist. And this was in addition to 91 eventful years as a sister, wife, mother, and grandmother.
Mom passed away on Thanksgiving at Evergreen Place at Mount View Care Center surrounded by her family and caregivers. Mom will be truly missed. The mittens, hats, and afghans she knitted us will serve as a reminder of her love for her friends and family. In her final chapter, mom enjoyed participating in the numerous community events at Evergreen Place.
She also looked forward to reading and discussing novels she borrowed from the Marathon County Public Library. In passing, mom leaves us all with a bit of a mystery as to what she actually thought about the last book she was reading: “Banana Cream Pie Murder.”
She is survived by her children Michael (Claire) Gisselman, Debra (Paul) Lewandowski, grandchildren, Sam, Anna, and Jordan. Sisters Carol Michlig, Peggy (Glenn) Richmond, Kathleen O’Connor. Brothers Robert Tranetzki, Timothy Tranetzki. Many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her husband Robert Gisselman, parents, siblings Georgiana Bychinski, James Tranetzki, and David Tranetzke. Our heartfelt thanks to the loving care and support from the people at Evergreen Place at Mount View Care Center; Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services; her loving guardian, Suzie; and her primary care physician Dr. Oswald.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Ave., Schofield, Wisconsin.
Richard Jablonski
Richard R. Jablonski, 71, of Weston passed away on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, at the Marshfield Medical Center.
He is a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the United States and Germany. Richard has been retired for the last one and a half years after working 40 years in the trucking industry, mostly as an owner/operator.
He enjoyed camping and pontooning in Eagle River, hunting and playing cards and board games; also, traveling with his wife in their RV.
He is survived by his parents, John and Mildred; wife, Sally; sons, Brian (Diana Steinbach) and Rod (Mary Welker); grandchildren, Joshua and Jacob; siblings, Mike, Russell (Debbie) and Nancy (David) Voigt; several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his brother, David; and sister-in-law, Bonnie.
The family thanks the CCU staff at Marshfield Medical Center for their excellent care of Richard.
Richard will be sadly missed by friends and family. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family.
