Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Joe Metz
Joe Samuel Metz, 73, of Wausau passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, at Mount View Care Center, Evergreen Place, under the care of Interim HealthCare Hospice and the wonderful Evergreen staff.
Joe was born on June 23, 1945, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, son of the late Louis and Nora (Rediske) Metz. He married Linda Luedtke on Jan. 3, 1973, at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau.
Joe graduated from Wausau Senior High School and entered the Wisconsin National Guard in 1965. Upon completion of his military service, he continued in his father’s footsteps as owner of Metz Roofing, Inc. (established 1936) until his retirement in 1995. Joe enjoyed many hours of part-time employment at Sears, Wausau, during his retirement. As a member of First Presbyterian Church, he served as dlder and doorkeeper. He was an avid reader of military history, enjoyed birdwatching and regular visits to the Woodson YMCA, spending time with family and friends, and loved his many travels throughout Wisconsin.
Survivors include his wife, Linda; son, Stephen (Ivy Tindoc) Metz, Mason City, Iowa; daughter, Stephanie (Mike) Limani, West Des Moines, Iowa, and one granddaughter, Eliza Limani. In addition, Joe is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law Jacalyn and William Thompson, Omaha, Nebraska; and Mitchell and Julie Luedtke, Wheaton, Illinois. Joe felt blessed to have connected in recent years with his birth brother, Robert (Judy) Siirila, Hong Kong. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.
A funeral service will be held for Joe at 12:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, at First Presbyterian Church, 406 Grant St., Wausau. The Reverend Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the church. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, LeRoy and Lorraine Luedtke.
Gifts of remembrance may be given to the family for designation to First Presbyterian Church, Wausau.
James “Jim” Gassner
James L. Gassner died Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was 91.
Jim was born Dec. 4, 1926, in Wausau, son of the late Richard and Marie (Sauter) Gassner.
He graduated from Marathon High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in Guam in the Pacific theater of World War II. Through the G.I. Bill, Jim attained his bachelor’s degree in business from St. John’s University in Minnesota in 1950.
Jim’s first accounting job was with Lloyd L. Felker Co., in Marshfield, through which, on Sept. 15, 1950, a coworker introduced him to Rita Kraemer. Exactly one year later, Jim and Rita married, launching 67 years of companionship and adventures. They moved to Eau Claire, where Jim worked two years at Bill Bauman Accounting and then to Wausau, where he was an accountant at Land O’Lakes Bakers and then Hoffer Glass Co./Marmet Corp.
In 1966, Jim opened his own CPA office, Gassner Company, SC, from which he retired in January 1998.
Jim enjoyed archery, hunting, bowling and golf. He was an avid gardener who especially liked picking berries and tending to his apple trees and raspberry patch. He was passionate about veterans and was proud to have taken part in the Honor Flight.
Over the years, Jim and Rita took many trips to Europe and various islands. They purchased a condo on Marco Island, Florida, more than 20 winters ago. One of Jim’s greatest pleasures was the time he spent outdoors with Rita and his family at the cabin he built in 1954 near Minocqua.
Jim had a head for numbers and a heart for people, with remarkable recall of relationships, stories and details. He studied history, particularly the war that shaped him and his generation. He knew every speck of his land up north and all its fauna and flora. He was a faithful Catholic, a devoted husband and a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He plastered his golf cart in Florida with decals from the colleges his grandchildren attended.
Survivors include Rita, the love of his life, and their seven children, 21 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren:
Paul (Deborah) Gassner of Hazelhurst and Naples, Fla., and their children, Andrew (Denise) and children, Finn and Greta; Judson (Megan) and children, Lola and Ira; and Elisa (Mark) Mosher
Kevin (Victoria) Gassner of Sheboygan and their children, Kyle (Jamie) and children, William, Lucas and Leo; Taylor (Robert) Gudates and son, Logan; Matthew; and Jennifer (Brock) Polnaszek
Stephen (Mary Jo) Gassner of Wausau and their children, Nicole (Chad) Giles and daughter, Amelia; Alexander (Kayla) and son, Phillip; Erin; and Madeline
John (Tammy) Gassner of Greenleaf and their sons, Jack and Joseph
Mary (Joel) Dresang of Shorewood and their daughters, Haley, Hannah and Grace
Karen (Steven) Krahn of Wausau and their children, Annaliese, Elizabeth and Thomas
Mark (Jo) Gassner of Kohler and their children, Bennet and Brontë
Jim is further survived by his sister, Joan (the late John) Seubert of Marathon and his brother, Frank (Myrna) Gassner of Marathon, by his brother-in-law, Thomas (Marilyn) Kraemer, and sisters-in-law, Flora (the late John) Christner, and Rosemary (the late Ronald) Adler, as well as nieces and nephews.
He was further preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Anton and Emma (Altmann) Kraemer, brothers-in-law, Paul John Kraemer and Richard Kraemer and sister-in-law Arline Stangl.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau. The Very Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will preside. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Wausau. Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 3, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Jim’s name to the Church of the Resurrection, 621 Second St., Wausau, WI 54403.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com.
David Blake
A common thread was shared among friends of David Blake in recent days: “I’m better for having known him.”
David passed away on Nov. 27, but he will carry on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched through his love, generosity, compassion, loyalty, exuberance, contagious sense of humor and infectious laugh.
David Michael Blake was born to Ina and Robert Blake on Oct. 27, 1969, in Berlin, Wisconsin. He displayed his artistic talents at a young age, winning numerous awards for his work. He also received recognition for raising market animals during his youth as an active 4-H member.
Following graduation from UW-Stout in 1992, Dave began his career as a graphic artist at Eastbay Inc. in Wausau. While his accomplishments were many at Eastbay, nothing matched meeting Karrie. They were married on June 16, 2001.
Dave had a wide range of interests and passions. In addition to art, he loved sports, especially the Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers. He was a dog lover who provided many laughs through the tales he wrote about the misadventures of his own dogs. He was an old soul when it came to music; always proud to display his fandom for the likes of Neil Diamond and Bob Seger.
One interest that was not high on Dave’s list was travel. He didn’t feel the need to experience any far away destinations. He found the love of his life in Karrie and the joys of his life in their children, Ian, Shilo and Kennedy. He was an amazing husband and father who saw life through the eyes of an artist, enjoying the beauty and finding fulfillment in simple things. We can all learn from his example.
David continually strived to expand his craft as an artist. His talents in drawing, graphics, painting and sculpting are displayed in his many works. He also became an accomplished woodworker, built the family’s dining room table, remodeled their home and built an addition. Whether it was on the job at TD Fischer Group in Wausau, doing a home improvement project or tackling an art piece, Dave took pride in his work.
The legendary artist Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” No problem for Dave. He never lost his youthful spirit. Keep him in your hearts and remember his laughter.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ina Blake, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ivan and Sandra Thurs.
He is survived by his wife, Karrie; their children, Ian, Shilo and Kennedy; his brother Jonathan (Nancy) Blake; sisters-in-law, Michelle (James) Korducki, Jen (Matthew) Seliger, Katie (Michael) Dymora, and Jamie (Steve) Dalton; nieces and nephews, Alexander (Michelle), Anna and Amy Blake, Jeremiah and Amanda Steidinger, Tom and Laura Seliger, and Melony and Morgan Bolling; extended family; and a long list of dear friends.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, Dec. 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1101 Elm St. in Wausau. The service will begin at 4 p.m. followed by fellowship. Burial will follow on Monday, Dec. 3.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in David’s name.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Mario Antonetti II
Mario James Antonetti II of Austin, Texas, died Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in his parents arms. He was 8 months old, and fought valiantly against a congenital heart defect which ultimately brought him to God. Known as “Mio” to his friends, he was born March 22, 2018, in Houston, Texas. He was baptized and confirmed the very same day. His father is Mario James Antonetti and his mother is Maria Jean Antonetti née Marchel.
Mio inspired many people with his courageous struggle. As they followed his journey daily, he taught many people the value of daily prayer and the importance of appreciating your family. He is survived by a loving family of his parents, grandparents, Gary and Alice Antonetti, and Greg and Jean Marchel, great grandparents, James and Betty Sue Antonetti, Raymond and Kathleen Sommers and aunts and uncles, Nick and Nicole Rice, Austin and Corinne Hunt, Teresita Marchel and Christina Marchel.
Mio was a joyful and social boy and was never aware of his health problems. He enjoyed holding soft objects, looking at his mobile, and playing with a noisy electric toy piano. He was fond of being outside and watching trees sway in the wind. He was always happy to strike up a conversation with cheerful babble. He greeted everyone he met with a smile.
A Mass of the Angels will be held to celebrate his life and thank God for blessing us all with his presence. Canon Aaron Huberfeld will say the funeral Mass at Saint Mary’s Oratory in Wausau on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at 11 a.m.. Visitation will be held on Friday from 8:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church.
Please keep his family in your prayers. Many thanks to the doctors and nurses at Texas Children’s Hospital and Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital for doing everything in their power to save Mio’s life. Ultimately, God wanted him in heaven.
James Yannazzno
James A. Yannazzno, 71, Weston, (Aka; “Big Koo Koo) passed away on Nov. 21, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, on Aug. 11, 1947, to James and Mary (Ivoli). He resided there for 50 years before moving to Wisconsin.
James was a lifelong baker for 40 years. He enjoyed fishing, watching old westerns, watching the Yankees and smoking.
He is survived by his three children; James A. Yannazzno, Jr., Dawn Marie Louise, Connie Groelly, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren all from New Jersey and one sister Mary Ann Zazzara.
Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family at this time.
Garth Reissmann
Garth Harvey Reissmann, 76, of Antigo, formerly of Mattoon, passed away on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Antigo, under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice, Antigo.
He was born on April 24, 1942, in West Bend, son of the late Harvey and Rosella (Cook) Reissmann. He served his country in the U.S. Navy.
Garth enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and going to Bakers and Moose Lakes. He loved to spend time with his children.
Survivors include his four children, Brenda Lee Reissmann (James Spinnato) of Shawano, Paula (Charlie) Jackson of Land O’ Lakes, Gary (Rena) Reissmann of Gleason, and Michele “Shelly” (fiancée Bill Bailey) Reissmann of Antigo; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren two sisters, Judith Zarda of Embarrass, and Robin Rathsack of Shawano; and caretaker, Shannon Zarda of Mattoon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Rosella, and one brother, Richard.
Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at the Church of the Nazarene, Mattoon. Rev. Robert Hess will officiate. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, and on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Memories and condolences may be given at schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home.
James Miller
James Allen Miller, 72, of Hatley passed away suddenly at his home, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. He was born Dec. 26, 1945, in Wausau, the son of the late Leonard and Mildred (Kundo) Miller. On May 7, 1966, he was united in marriage to Therese M. Blarek at St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley. She survives.
Jim was a valued employee of 3M for over 30 years, where he made many close friendships, including his adopted son, Tommy Levandowski. He was an icon at the company picnics, as the King of BBQ, grilling everything to burnt perfection with his godson, Mark and later with his grandson, Cole.
Jim was a loving husband, caring father, doting grandfather, fond brother, and a good friend to many. He especially loved his breakfast club buddies who frequented Lisa’s Lakeside in Pike Lake and the Wittenberg Family Restaurant. After breakfast, his best friend, Reggie Konkol, would take him for many Fleet Farm adventures.
Left behind to cherish his memory is his devoted wife of 52 years, Terri; two children, Richard (Robin) Miller and Rebecca Wilson; four grandchildren, Samantha, Cody, Cole and Brodie; three siblings, Noreen (Herbie) Fandrey, Bonnie (Henry Jr.) Blarek and Gary (Joyce) Miller and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Lyle.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at St. Florian’s Catholic Church, 500 Church Lane, Hatley, Wisconsin, 54440. Rev. Greg Bohren will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials would be greatly appreciated to his family.
