Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Joyce Strasser
Joyce C. Strasser, 87, of Wausau passed away at her home on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born March 10, 1931, to the late George and Olga (Liskow) Spanbauer in Aniwa, Wisconsin. She married Kenneth Strasser in Aniwa on June 30, 1951.
Joyce and Ken owned and operated Norde Memorials in Wausau from 1985 until 2014. Joyce was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wausau, where she served on the altar guild and taught Sunday School. She most especially loved her family; spending time cooking and getting together with them was very important to her.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Ken; children Douglas Strasser and Denise (Michael) Watts; seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her brother-in-law, Mel Sandquist. She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings Patricia (Perry) Mortenson, Delores Sandquist, and Russell “Buddy” (Nona) Spanbauer. She was also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Beverly Strasser.
Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 630 Adams St., Wausau. Rev. Dr. Niveeen Sarras will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Interment to follow at Aniwa Union Cemetery.
Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.
The family would like to specially thank the nursing staff of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, especially Haley, for taking special care of Joyce.
Marjean Zubke
Marjean Ruth Zubke, 85, passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, with her children by her side.
She is once again with her husband, Harvey, who 6 months ago went ahead to prepare their new home.
Marjean was born on Feb. 5, 1933, to Morris and Ruth Halverson, in the town of Holway. After graduation, she worked as a secretary in Medford, until meeting a tall, gentle man, who would be by her side for the next 63 years. They were married Aug. 6, 1955, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Holway. After moving to Athens, they raised three wonderful children, worked hard and simply enjoyed life.
Marjean was a loving wife and mother, who enjoyed gardening, baking, cross stitch, watching the Packers and playing cards or fishing with family and friends. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Ladies Aide and the Town of Johnson Homemakers and was known for making kugen at Christmas and lemon meringue pies for the fair.
For the past 18 months, she resided at Athenian Living, where she always had plenty of cookies, candy and hugs for her great grandchildren, who adored her. The biggest smiles were when she held them or as they helped her to lunch and back. Marjean was a kind, warm and funny person, who displayed undeniable strength and grace in her final years. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her children Kevin (Karen) Zubke and Cheryl (Kenny) Zettler, both of Athens and Beth (Jim) Franson, Pittesville, 10 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, one sister Carol (Dave) Bovee of Florida, two brothers, Harvey and the late Gerry Halverson and Richard Halverson, both of Medford, and her brother and sister in law, Lester and Bonnie Zubke of Wausau.
Visitation will be Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, beginning at 9 a.m. with services at 11 a.m., with Rev. Mark Schwalenberg officiating. Burial will be in the Athens Lutheran Cemetery.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
James “Jim” Krause
James “Jim” L. Krause, 73, died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018.
He was born May 15, 1945, in Wausau, son of the late Anton and Elizabeth (Sekorski) Krause. On Sept. 23, 1967, he married Patricia Baumann at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Halder. She survives.
Jim not only worked as a dedicated farmer, but had a true passion for it. He was proud to be the third-generation farmer on the Krause family farm and witness it being passed on to his son, the fourth generation, to make it a Century Farm. Even after his retirement, you could find him driving the tractor to assist his son in the daily operations.
Throughout his farming career, he served on the St. John Catholic School Board, Edgar Co-op Board, Pine Valley Co-op Board, Tri County Co-op Board and was a member of the Edgar FFA Alumni and American Legion Post 192. He served his country in the United States Army Reserves.
In his younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball for the Marathon County Baseball League, as well as other various leagues. After retirement in 2011, he enjoyed many trips with his wife. His favorite pastimes consisted of attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events, and competitive games of bean bags or horseshoes. Jim also loved fishing any chance he could, especially with his brother and best friend, Bob. Jim always had a positive outlook on life, enjoyed the simple things of life and made a new friend everywhere he went.
Survivors include his wife, Pat Krause, Edgar; children, Paul (Jodi) Krause, Edgar, Barb (Mark) Krautkramer, Marathon, Janet (Chad) Johnson, Cindy (Corey) Braunel both of Walla Walla, Washington, and Keith (Katie) Krause, Cortez, Colorado; grandchildren, Andrea (Mason) Reinhardt, Katelyn and Natalie Krause, Spencer, Preston and Hope Krautkramer, Chase, Sam and Noah Braunel; his first great-grandchild expected this spring; siblings, Roseann (Ernie) Soczka, Bob (Kay) Krause, Linda (LaVern) Franke and Bill (Kathy) Krause, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. Rev. Thomas Huff and Rev. Robert Streveler will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar, and again on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in Jim’s name.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Joyce Zastrow
Joyce Sandra Zastrow, passed away on Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, at home surrounded by her family. Joyce was born on Jan. 28, 1959, in Wausau to the late Leo and Bernice (Ruenger) Habeck. On June 25, 1983, she married Albert Zastrow at First Presbyterian Church, Wausau.
In her free time, Joyce enjoyed spending time outdoors and enjoyed fishing with the family. Her greatest joy were her grandchildren, who she loved to spoil.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Albert; daughters Felicia (Adam) Matsche; Carrie Zastrow; grandchildren Abel and Jolene Novitzke.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Memorial Service will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 21, 2018, at First Presbyterian Church, 406 Grant St., Wausau. Pastor Joy Nelson – Jeffers will officiate. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Please sign the family guestbook at Helke.com.
Natalie Breske
Natalie M. Breske, 90, formerly of Hatley, died on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018, at Mount View Care Center, Wausau.
She was born on April 9, 1928, in Bevent, the daughter of the late Leo and Regina (Woyak) Dallman.
On Nov. 27, 1948, Natalie was united in marriage to Paul Breske at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent.
He preceded her in death on April 19, 2004.
Natalie was a faithful member of St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley, and it’s Rosary Society. She enjoyed weekly trips to the casino, Sunday drives and polkas, especially Molly B. Natalie. She also enjoyed spending time with her family.
Survivors include four children, Roger (Chris) Breske of Wittenberg, Darlene (Robert) Jaeck of Weston, Mary (Harlen) Christiansen of Weston and Jean (Tom) Weaver of Schofield; 15 grandchildren, Scott, Amy, Jennifer, Eric, Andrea, Stephanie, Heather, Tracy, Tammy, Jason, Ashley, Tony, Ann, Becky and Bonnie; 26 great-grandchildren and siblings, Ernest Dallman, Damon (Shirley) Dallman and Jack (Pat) Dallman, all of Hatley, JoAnn (Kleo) Landowski of Antigo and Diane (Alfred) King of Hatley.
Natalie was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; parents; a son Ralph; a grandson Josh and a sister, Dolores Budnik.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, at St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley. Fr. Greg Bohren will officiate. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. A Rosary will be recited at 9 a.m.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
