Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Virginia Prindiville-Johns
Virginia Mae Prindiville-Johns, formerly Virginia Mergen, 84, of Wausau died on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, at Azura Memory Care with her loving family by her side.
Virginia was born in Madison on Dec. 1, 1934, to the late Raymond and Lorraine (Stensrud) Prindiville. She married James Mergen and together they raised four beautiful children. Virginia later remarried Bernard Johns.
After high school, Ginni entered St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Madison where she later met her future husband James Mergen at Vilas Park. They went on to have four children who they raised together in Madison.
Ginni’s career consisted of secretarial work at Zerlith Printing and CROP; both in Madison. The family relocated to Wausau in 1971 where Ginni continued her career at Horace Mann Middle School and Wausau East High School.
In 1982, Ginni’s new adventure began with the birth of her first grandchild. Five more grandkids came over the next 14 years. Ginni helped to care for all six of her grandkids. This was her true passion in life. She filled their lives with many special memories of trips to Kreager Bakery, the library, Taco Johns, city bus rides, Dairy Queen and A&W. They will hold these memories and many more in their hearts forever. Grandma Scoots was the best.
After her grandkids were all in school, she devoted her life to being a caregiver to two close friends who had Alzheimer’s disease. She loved and cared for the ladies as though they were family. She genuinely loved and cared for them without ever asking for anything in return.
Little did she know that the very disease which affected her two friends would eventually become her very own battle.
For 19 months, Ginni was lovingly cared for by the amazing staff at Azura Memory Care. The staff became part of Ginni’s family because they treated her with such love and dignity. She was cared for with such gentleness and grace until the end of her journey here on earth.
She is survived by her children David Michael Mergen (Wanda McDade) of Tuscon, Arizona, Steven James Mergen of Madison, Lisa Ann (Keith) Pagel of Minocqua, and Lori Kay (Kevin) Becker of Kronenwetter; grandchildren Nicholas (Annabelle) Schilling, Jessica Pagel (Ryan Lubbe), Jennifer Pagel (Steven Brandsma), Adam (Brandie) Becker, Jordan (Sandy) Becker, and Zackary Becker; and great grandchildren Edward and Josie Becker, Wesley, Bostynn, Kane, and Sawyer Schilling
Virginia is preceded in death by her first husband James Mergen, husband Bernie Johns, her Aunt Gracie, and her parents Raymond and Lorraine Prindiville.
A private family service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Azura Memory Care, 3704 Hummingbird Road, Wausau.
Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Azura Memory Care as well as Interim Hospice. Our lives have been blessed and enriched by the loving staff of Azura. We can’t thank you enough for all that you did for our mom.
Nancy Christine Drew, 68, daughter of Doris and Lyle Drew, passed away peacefully in the care of her daughter on Dec. 6, 2018. She left behind a family she loved; sister Pamela (Ted) Drew Wilde; brother Christopher Drew; son Casey (Crystal) Drew; and daughters Jennifer and Crystal Kuroski; as well as her beloved grandchildren Leland, Deacon, Stella and Luna; and step grandchildren, Kaylie, Alexis and Steven.
Her hobbies included crossword puzzles and reading; especially Lee Child books. Nancy loved her cats. She enjoyed spending time fishing and the beautiful lake views, as well as the Northwoods and traveling there.
In the past, she was a cosmetologist for work and her favorite client was Ed Gein at Mendota Mental Hospital. She lived a simple and sometimes hard life but was always very compassionate and giving to all others. She loved to have a fun life. She will genuinely never be forgotten for all she has done for everybody.
Adeline Hanke
Adeline W. Hanke went to heaven Thursday, Dec. 7, 2018, at Wellington Place in Rib Mountain. Adeline was born Oct. 17, 1921, in Rib Falls, the daughter of the late Walter Wilde and Amanda (Steidinger) Wilde. On Aug. 28, 1945, she married the late Harold Hanke at St. John’s Lutheran Church in the town of Rib Falls.
Adeline was a homemaker and helped operate the family farm in the town of Cassel with her husband until 1971 when she and her husband moved to Marathon. She then worked for the Marathon Cheese Corp. until retirement. Adeline enjoyed fishing with her husband at their cottage near Tomahawk, often out fishing him. (She still owns the family record for the largest walleye.) In addition, she loved to host family gatherings, garden and was a great cook. Her Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve meals were legendary in quality, quantity and variety. She toured Europe with her husband and the Jerry Goetsch Orchestra many times. She was an accomplished seamstress, sewing Amish style quilts for her children and grandchildren and crocheting angel and bell Christmas tree ornaments for them and others. She was a long-time member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Marathon, and waited on tables at Rib River Ballroom for many years on behalf of the church.
Survivors include two sons, Allen (Margie) Hanke, Rib Falls. Roger (Sharon) Hanke, Wausau, five grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, two sisters, Alladine Thurs and Jeanetta Mathwich, and one brother Duaine Wilde. Besides her husband and parents, she was proceeded in death by a daughter, Faye (Robert) Biesel, two sisters, Edna Bargander and Dorethe Wilde, and one brother Harvey Wilde.
Funeral Service will be at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mathew’s Lutheran Church in Marathon, Wisconsin, on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, with Pastor Jon W. Halder officiating. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
The family would like to thank the staff of Wellington for four years of kind and compassionate care, the ladies of St. Matthew’s for visiting her at Wellington, and especially thank her physician, Dr. Vicki Baker, for all she did to make Adeline more comfortable.
Robert Seidler
Robert E Seidler Sr., 80, Wausau, passed away at his home on Dec. 4, 2018, with his loving wife, Susie at his side.
Bob was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on March 3, 1938, to the late Edward and Norma (Wilson) Seidler.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents; his maternal and paternal grandparents; two brothers-in-law, David (Janice aka “Chic” Seidler) Ohms and Jerry ( Linda Seidler) Zurek; mother and father-in-law, Marion “Pete” Mildred (Schwanke) Carter; and grandma, Lily Schwanke.
Bob graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School class of 1957. Bob had many great friendships while growing up in Eau Claire, ie “The seven Rs” a group of young men who chummed together.
Bob married Sharon Ginder. They had three children, Robert E. Jr., Lori and Kurt Seidler.
Bob worked for Montgomery Ward. It was a job transfer to the Fond du Lac Montgomery Ward Store that began the love story of Bob Seidler and Susan Carter. The two met at the Blue Room tavern, which was owned and operated by Susan’s mother, the late Millie Carter. Alas, the Montgomery Ward closed down. Bob looked for new employment. He found work at M&J Sports in Wausau, Wisconsin. After securing his position and apartment, Bob returned to Fond du Lac, and moved Susie into their new life together. Bob worked at M&J until he retired in 2004.
On Nov. 19, 1982, Bob and Sue married. On April 2, 1986, the couple was blessed with the birth of their son, Chad Robert Seidler Sr. On May 13, 2008, came the greatest blessing, grandson Chad Robert Seidler Jr. (aka “C.J.”), who was born to Chad Sr. and Kelly McKenna. Back in Eau Claire, Bob and Sharon’s adult children were giving us blessings as well. Lori blessed us with two granddaughters, Nikki and Abby; Bob Jr. (Barb) blessed us with four granddaughters, Kelsey, Rachael, Ashely and Kristi; and Kurt blessed us with grandson, Bret. We are blessed with great-grandchildren, plus one little great-granddaughter who is on her way.
Bob is also survived by seven sisters, Arlene (Jerry) Paulson, Janice (Dave) Ohms, Linda ( Jerry) Zurek, Patricia “Pat” (Robert) Steinmetz, Jeanne (” Buzz” Bernard) Watkins , Teri (Wayne) Schultz, and Shannon (Greg) Hicks; and two sisters-in-law, Bonnie (Jerry) Ziegler, and Patricia ” Patty” (Patrick “Pat”) Vogds.
Memorial services will be at noon on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau. Rev. Peter Kieffer will officiate. Visitation will be on Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. God’s blessings on all of you.
Love to J.B.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Joan Weisenberger
Joan Weisenberger, 84, formerly of Marathon died Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, under the care of Wausau Manor, Wausau.
She was born July 2, 1934, in Marathon, daughter of the late John and Mayme (Hall) Jagodinski. Joan married Kenneth Weisenberger Sr. on May 17, 1958, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon.
Joan enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Some of her hobbies included crocheting, playing bingo, attending Mass, praying the rosary, puzzles and enjoying ice cream.
She especially had a great love for her husband, Ken and their six children, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Survivors include their six children, Ken (Ruth) Weisenberger Jr., Kronenwetter, Mary (Michael) Starzinski, ViAnn (Daryl) Schmitt, both of Marathon, Michael (Linda) Weisenberger, Aurora, IL, Barbara (DaWayne) Schreiber, Abbotsford and Andrew Weisenberger, Wisconsin Rapids; 11 grandchildren, Matthew, Rachel, Amy, David, Steven, Thomas, Katie, Kristen, Jeffrey, Kelsie and Zachary; three great grandchildren, Ella, Everett and Kaylor; one brother, Ervin Jagodinski, Marathon and one sister Carol (Edmund) Gesicki, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin; and brother-in-law William Weisenberger Jr., Wausau and sister-in-law, Helen Strasser, Rib Mountain; Joan’s special friend Arnie Eberhardy and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Ken and her sister, Anna Mae Volhard.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 11 a.m. until the time of services, all at the church.
The family wishes to thank all who were involved with Joan’s care. Thank you to Rev. Msgr. Joe. Thank you to the entire team at Wausau Manor and at Oak Heights Assisted Living who have all helped care for Joan over the past years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Mildred Hart
Mildred Marie Hart, 97, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 6, 2018, at Copperleaf Assisted Living of Marathon.
She was born Oct. 19, 1921, in the town of Rietbrock to Maurice and Bertha (Degenhardt) Eisenhut. She was a graduate of St. Anthony Catholic School and Athens High School. On June 22, 1946, she married Joseph Hart at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Athens. He preceded her in death on Dec. 7, 2003.
Mildred was a lifelong resident of the Athens area. Along with raising their five children, she worked for 30 years at Hartman’s Variety Store. Mildred enjoyed reading, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, crocheting and sewing.
She is survived by four children Bob, Madison, Don, Surprise, Arizona, Norb (Mary), Rothschild, Kathy (Dave) Kulas, Athens, and daughter-in-law Jacci (Rich) Gamble, Kimberling City, Missouri; eight grandchildren Brian (Dana) Hart, Nicole Hausner, Justin Hart, Lori (Chris) Schneider, Kristi Kulas, Wendi (Andy) Ludwig, Joey Hart, and Jeremy (Kat Hamilton) Hart; eight great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Sophie Braun and Rose (Jerry) Edwards; brother-in-law Ray (Kathy) Hart; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband and parents, Mildred was preceded in death by a son, Jim, siblings Joe, Viola and Wiggy; sisters-in-law Hazel Eisenhut, Eldora Eisenhut, Sister Mary Bertilia Hart, Anne Kwiecinski, Agnes Hoth, Frances Albrecht, Adeline Hart, Leona Hart, and Pat Hart; brothers-in-law Pat Corriere, John Hart, Matt Kwiecinski, Doug Albaugh, George Hoth, Adrian Albrecht, Ed Hart, Greg Hart, and Floyd Braun.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 417 Caroline St., Athens. The Mass will be presided by Rev. George Graham, Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier and Rev. Charles Hiebl. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass at church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of the arrangements.
The family wishes to thank Heather and the staff at Copperleaf Assisted Living for their wonderful care over the past four years.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Dawn Narron
Dawn R. Narron, 92, of Wausau died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born Nov. 3, 1926, in Wausau, daughter of the late Cecil and Mildred (Coulthurst) Narron.
In 1948, Dawn started her teaching career at the age of 22. In 1992, she retired as a professor of education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Dawn enjoyed working with the HUD Program that touched many Native American people throughout the United States. She also enjoyed drawing, traveling, history and, most especially, time spent with her immediate and church family.
Survivors include two sisters, Muriel Petri, Wausau, and W. Gene Thompson, East Troy, and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents she was preceded in death by one sister, Claire Munderloh.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, at Immanuel Baptist Church, Rib Mountain. Pastor Mike Fischer will officiate. Private burial will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Friends may call on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of services, all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Everett Heslip
Everett L. Heslip passed away on the early morning of Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018. He was born to the late James and Beverly (Peterson) Heslip on Sept. 17, 1965, in Texas.
He was a loving, courageous and kind father, and a genuinely good-willed man. He was a hard-working man with a heart of gold and would do absolutely anything for the people he loved.
Everett was always an adventurer, and now he is free to see the world and all the mysteries it has to uncover.
He is survived by his three children, Joseph J. Heslip, James W. Heslip, and Molly M. Heslip, and two amazing grandsons, who he loved with all his heart.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother William and sister June Heslip.
Waldemar Gast
Waldemar W. Gast, 97, of Birnamwood died on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, at Autumn Lane, Birnamwood, under the care of LeRoyer Hospice.
He was born on Oct. 6, 1921, in the town of Birnamwood, the son of the late Gustave and Ida (Heiman) Gast.
On June 3, 1950, Wally was united in marriage to Margaret Klinner in Aniwa. She preceded him in death on Feb. 10, 1994.
Wally farmed in the town of Birnamwood until his retirement. He also worked at Lakeside Plywood, Wausau, and sold seed and liquid fertilizer for some time. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Birnamwood, and served on the church council. Wally enjoyed traveling, especially to view the mountains. He enjoyed time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include three children, David (Karen) Gast of Omaha, Nebraska, Marlene (Edward) Borysiak of Wausau and Dennis (Cynthia) Gast of Birnamwood; four grandchildren, Kristin (Andrew) Lenander, Kjerste Gast, Jacki (Steve) LaCerte and Kevin Borysiak; five great-grandchildren, Malin and Oskar Lenander, Jaden Rutkowski, Ryan LaCerte and Jovin Borysiak and one sister, Linda Gilray of Schofield. Waldemar was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, parents, Gustave and Ida, one sister, Norma Krull and brothers, Harold, Harvey, Arnold, Marvin and Harmon.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Birnamwood. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood. Visitation will be on Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
Benjamin Benishek Sr.
Benjamin G. Benishek, 91 of Wausau, formerly of Birnamwood, died on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, at Mount View Care Center, Wausau.
He was born on May 27, 1927, in Antigo, the son of the late Benjamin and Jara (Vosmek) Benishek.
Ben was a U.S. Air Force Veteran serving during World War II. He was a member of the John Owen Memorial Post #287 of Mattoon. On May 6, 1952, Ben was united in marriage to Delores Behn at St. John Lutheran Church, Birnamwood. She preceded him in death on Sept. 12, 2017.
Ben was custodian for the Antigo School District in Mattoon for many years until his retirement. He taught snowmobile safety classes for over 25 years and coached basketball and football. He enjoyed fly fishing and deer hunting.
Ben is survived by two sons, Tom (Marilyn) Benishek of Schofield and Benjamin (Phyllis) Benishek of Antigo; seven grandchildren, Mary (Jon) Lewis, Kathy (Keith) Imlach, Mike Benishek, Kristin Benishek, Melissa (Andy) Waters, Jeremy Benishek and Nicole (Jeremy) Borchardt; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and one brother, Robert (Marilyn) Benishek of Antigo.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Delores; one great-grandchild, Shad Brennecke and one brother, Gerald Benishek.
A private graveside service will be held at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Birnamwood. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com and at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
