Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Michael Bebermeier
Michael “Mikey” Nelson Bebermeier, 72, of Weston died Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, at home with his loving family at his side.
Mike was born on Nov. 29, 1946, in Plymouth, Wisconsin, to the late Arno and Jean (Wannel) Bebermeier. Jean remarried Lee Sasman, who was like a father to him. Mike married Carol Lorenz on May 22, 1992, in Wausau, Wisconsin. She preceded him in death on Dec. 9, 2015.
His children include Nathan Bebermeier, Erin (Marqus) Thorn, Joseph (Wanda) Heinzen, and Marie (Von) Heinzen Eytcheson; grandchildren, Trent, Cailin, and AJ Bebermeier; Miles Thorn; Samantha, Tyler and Travis Heinzen; Dustin and Miranda Eytcheson; three great- grandchildren, Savannah, Ryder, and Brynnlee. He is further survived by his siblings Jill Bebermeier, Ken (Jean) Sasman, Cheri (Mark Rybicki) Sasman, Tom (Pam) Sasman, Julie (John) Dixon, Tami Sasman-Ellis, and his “little brother” Tim Sasman.
Mike had a passion in life for his loving wife, traveling with friends and family, a love for food and cooking, Wisconsin sports, hunting and fishing, and visiting with his children and grandchildren.
Memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, at Brainard Funeral Home-Weston Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court. Visitation will be held at 11:30 a.m. until time of service. Chaplain Mark Lewis will officiate. Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Mosinee, immediately following the service.
Brainard Funeral Home-Weston Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.brainfuneral.com.
Josephine Bergs
Josephine R. Bergs, 100, Edgar, died Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born March 2, 1918, on the family farm in Edgar, daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Meyer) Rauen. On Aug. 17, 1940, she married Paul Bergs at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Poniatowski. He preceded her in death on Dec. 14, 1989.
Josephine kept busy working as a homemaker, farmer and cleaning homes for families in the area. She was a longtime member of Holy Family Catholic Church and a member of the National Catholic Society of Foresters. Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed crocheting, especially angels, and sold her items at many craft shows. For many years, Josephine was the caregiver for her mother-in-law, Margaret and her husband, Paul. After she retired, she enjoyed playing cards and visiting with her many friends. Until this year, she lived independently in the house she and her husband built 78 years ago. Earlier this year, she moved into The Athenian in Athens, where she celebrated her 100th birthday, surrounded by many dear friends and relatives. The family would like to thank all the staff at The Athenian for watching over her so tenderly these past few months.
Survivors include three children, Roger (Jolene) Bergs, Edgar, Mary Jane Chaignot, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Carolyn (Don) Boardman, St. Louis, Missouri; one son-in-law, Gene Vonesh, St. Francis, Minnesota; 10 grandchildren, Rex Bergs, Trinka (Jerry) Bankes, Christopher Vonesh, Paula Vonesh, Jennifer (Jeremy) Lake, Barton (Christi) Chapin, Charles Chapin, Benjamin Boardman, Jonathon (Nina) Boardman and Matthew Boardman; seven great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Madisyn, Sawyer, Logan, Carson, Jordyn and Allison; one sister, Dolores Mauer, Athens; one sister-in-law, Barbara Rauen, Edgar; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and husband, Paul, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathleen Vonesh; two brothers, Elmer and Joseph Rauen; and one sister, Irene Boris.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. Rev. Thomas Huff will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9 a.m. until time of services at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
John “Jack” Gauger
John “Jack” Gauger Jr., 88, Rothschild, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, at Care Partners in Weston.
He was born Oct. 16, 1930, in Wausau, son of the late John Sr. and Erna (Wendorf) Gauger. On May 22, 1954, he married Patricia “Pat” Novitzke at Grace United Church of Christ, Wausau. Every day at lunch, he and Pat, known as the “Cribbage Queen,” loved to play three hands of cribbage, best out of three.
He was a veteran of the United States Army and served in Germany from 1951 until 1953 as a Staff Sgt. in the 317th Signal Corps. He began his working career at Drott Manufacturing in Schofield as a truck driver and advanced into management, working in the hydraulic tube, bending department. He co-founded J & D Tube Benders in Schofield in 1968 with Dane Felch, and together they ran the company for many years until his retirement in 1992.
He was a member and past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Burns Post No 388, Wausau, member of the former Moose Lodge in Schofield and longtime member of Grace United Church of Christ, Wausau. Jack collected hats and porcelain eagles and loved to go elk hunting, getting a 5X5, 6X6 and 6X7 bull elk with his hunting buddy, Ken Kosky. He was also a great whitetail and small game hunter, amassing many trophy bucks, while hunting with family and friends. He loved spending his time at the cabin in the summer, where he enjoyed fishing and hosting many friends and family get-togethers. Among some of his other favorite pastimes, Jack bowled for many years at Coral Lanes and enjoyed shooting pool, snowmobiling, destination ice-fishing and catching bucket loads of perch with Bill McCory, motorcycle rides and boating. In recent years, Jack enjoyed woodworking and going for long walks.
Survivors include his wife, Pat, three children, Tom (Debbie Weichert) Gauger, Kronenwetter, Julie (Mike) Gauger-Burns, Rothschild, and Laura (Dennis) Gauger-Kummerow, Stettin; nine grandchildren, Darren Gauger, Thomas Gauger II, Jolene Fedor, Casey Fedor, Elliot (Teresa) Fedor, Robert Fedor, Jacqulyn Gauger, Brian Bonkoski and Rebecca Bonkoski; 10 great-grandchildren; special friends, Corie and Bob Kettner and Jean Gritzmacher; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Joey; his grandson, John Bonkoski; two brothers, George and Bud; and his nephew, David Wahoske.
Funeral services will be at noon on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau, with full military honors to follow services. Rev. Julie Goranson will officiate. Visitation will be on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. Burial will be on Monday at 10 a.m. at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Melissa Fleming
Melissa A. Prieve Fleming, 45, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at the Center for Hospice.
She was born Nov. 17, 1973, in Wausau to Ken and Sharon (Bedish) Prieve. Melissa was a 1992 graduate of D.C. Everest High School. She was a surgical tech at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and then worked as a pharmacy tech at Shopko. Melissa attended NCTI and graduated from police officer training in 2008. On March 28, 2008, she married Terry Fleming and moved to South Bend. She continued her education, graduating from Southwestern Michigan College with a degree in medical coding. She began working at St. Joseph Medical Center and later became manager of the medical records department for Beacon Health Systems.
Melissa had a bigger than life personality. She was hardworking, devoted and always willing to help others.Her daughters, Emma and Lindsay were her pride and joy. Raising her girls was the center of her universe. Melissa treasured her Wisconsin roots and always looked forward to the maple syrup season.
Survivors include her husband, Terry, two daughters, Emma and Lindsay, all of South Bend, parents, Ken and Sharon Prieve of Wausau, stepdaughter, Ashley (David) Burnley of Phoenix, three step grandchildren, maternal grandparents, Maynard and Lucille Bedish of Eagle River, mother-in-law, Leona Fleming of South Bend, special friend, Jennie (Steve) Bodine of South Bend and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her brother, Andrew, paternal grandmother, Loretta (Prieve) Lodholz, uncle, Patrick Prieve and father-in-law, John Fleming.
Memorial services will be 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 512 McClellan St., Wausau, with lunch to follow. Rev. Jennifer Dahle will officiate. Visitation will be Saturday from noon until the time of services at the church. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
Adeline Kasprowicz
Adeline J. Kasprowicz, 83, of Wausau, formerly of Galloway, passed away on Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, at Asprius Wausau Hospital.
She was born on Feb. 20, 1935, in Chicago, the daughter of the late Felix and Sophie (Byczek) Kasprowicz.
Adeline worked at Oshkosh B’Gosh for many years before returning to Galloway to take care of her parents and their farm. She enjoyed reading and gardening.
Survivors include one son, John (Peggy) Kasprowicz of Galloway; four granddaughters, Leigh-Ann (Matt) Tullberg of Wausau, Elizabeth Kasprowicz of Birnamwood, Melissa Kasprowicz of Galloway, and Kelley Kasprowicz of Wittenberg; five great grandchildren, Josephine, Isabelle, Eleanor, Analeigh, and Madeline.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Felix and Sophie and one brother, Harry Kasprowicz.
Funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Galloway. Fr. Augustine Bentil will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of Mass at the church. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta.
Dolli Big John
Dolli H. Big John “Ahu wajik kere jga” ‘Spreading Wings’, 87, of Wittenberg died on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, at her residence under Ministry Hospice.
She was born on Oct. 2, 1931, in Wittenberg, the daughter of the late Victor Miner and Arvilla Little Bear.
Dolli was united in marriage to Maurice Big John in Chicago. He preceded her in death on April 9, 2009.
Dolli was a 1949 graduate of Wittenberg High School. She then attended Waldorf and Luther colleges and attained a liberal arts degree. She taught physical education and English at many schools. Dolli was an active member of the Native American Church and enjoyed pow-wows, bingo and a trip to the casino.
Survivors include her children, Miriam Johnson of Wittenberg, Marcia Big John of Lac Du Flambeau, Melanie (Corwin) Roth of Wittenberg, and Melissa Big John of Shawano; 13 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and sister-in-law Ora Monegar of Ringle.
Dolli was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice; parents, Victor Miner, Arvilla Little Bear and Leonard and Verna Hopinka; two brothers, Chauncey Hopinka and Jack Monegar; a sister, Vaughn Pettibone; three daughters, Mary, Michelle and Muriel; son Michael; grandchild, Cody and three great-grandchildren, Ayana, Leilyn and Andre.
A commitment service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, at 1 p.m. at the Native American Church, Wittenberg. A luncheon will be served starting at 11 a.m.. Visitation will take place at the Native American Church on Tuesday from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.. Interment will be in the John Stacy Memorial Cemetery.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com and at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
