Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Todd Hieronimus
Todd Michael Hieronimus, 44, Wausau, passed away at home on Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, under the care of his wife, Sarah, and Aspirus Hospice and Comfort Care.
He was born March 5, 1974, to Don and Lyn (Karlen) Heironimus in Wausau, Wisconsin. He graduated in 1992 from Wausau West High School. Todd met his soul mate and love of his life, Sarah Anderson, in 2000 and they married on Oct. 14, 2006.
Todd continued his education at NTC for residential design, leading him to work for Larry Meyer Construction until 2004. During that time, he mastered his craft and then established his own business, TH Builders, building and remodeling beautiful homes across central Wisconsin. He and Sarah enjoyed spending time together renovating and remodeling homes, as well. Todd especially took pride in the recent business partnership with TQMM Hardwood Flooring in 2012.
Todd loved fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, waterskiing, downhill skiing, four wheeling, boating, golfing, yardwork, making firewood, enjoying campfires, feeding wildlife, watching UFC fighting and collecting sap to make maple syrup. He was very adventurous – never afraid to try anything new; especially shooting trap with friends using his Benelli and enjoying time spent in the beauty of Canada with his wife and friends. His outgoing personality lead him to talk shop with plenty of colleagues and clients.
Todd will be remembered for being selfless. His patience and desire to watch others succeed made him a great teacher – with adults and kids alike. His blue eyes and contagious smile will never be forgotten
He believed he could overcome anything – he would be determined to make the best of any situation that came his way.
Survived by his wife Sarah J. (Anderson) Hieronimus; children Lauren, Casie, Zach; grandson, Clayton; parents Don and Lyn; brother Mark (Lisa); sister-in-laws, Christine (Todd) Heise, Jennifer (Tony) Heuer; brother-in-laws, Francis and Lucas Niewolny; father-in-law Perry Anderson; mother-in-law Marcia (Mike) Niewolny; many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. He especially loved his companions, Dexter and Spencer.
A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 426 Washington St, Wausau, Wisconsin. Rev. Philip C. Schneider will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Interment will be private.
Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Todd will be greatly missed by all the lives he has touched.
Walter “Wally” Scheidemann
Walter “Wally” Scheidemann, 89, Wausau, passed away Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.
Wally served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He worked for 65 years in Lutheran elementary education, music ministry and visitation ministry for hospital patients, homebound and inmates. Much of his time was volunteered.
He was born in Milwaukee to Walter C. and Olga Scheidemann on Nov. 28, 1929. His parents started him with violin lessons at age 4. They also enrolled him in a Lutheran grade school and Lutheran high school. While in high school, he met the love of his life, Phyllis Haug. His education continued at Concordia Teacher’s College in River Forest, Illinois.
Wally and Phyllis married on Dec. 31, 1950. He was called to Wausau where he began his professional work for the church. They were married for 58 years before she passed.
Also passing before him were his parents, sister Edith Ulbricht, and son Peter.
Surviving him are his children, Mark (Sally) Scheidemann, Viki Andringa, Eric (Shelley) Scheidemann and Kurt Scheidemann. He is further survived by 20 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and seven nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Ave., Wausau. Rev. Zach Holdorf will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Thursday, and again from 4 – 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2018, at Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel, 522 Adams St., Wausau. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
We would also like to thank Troy, Sandie, Austin and Taylor Pagel for their Christ-like witness and compassion.
Donations may be made to:
Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services
333 Pine Ridge Blvd., Wausau WI 54401
Telephone: 1-715-847-2424
Charles “Chuck” Knetter
Charles “Chuck” H. Knetter, 61, Edgar, died unexpectedly on Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital ER. Chuck was born July 26, 1957, to the late Robert and Bernice (Hall) Knetter in Wausau. He married Julie Ledin on March 17, 2014, in Wausau.
In life, Chuck enjoyed camping, watching the Packers and making lame “dad jokes.” More than anything though, he loved spending time with his family and took any opportunity he could to get everyone together.
Survivors include his wife, Julie; seven children, Nathan Knetter, Jill (Isaiah Olson) Knetter, Ryan Knetter, Kellan Knetter, Alex (Alli) Riehle, Emily Riehle and Will Raatz; two grandchildren, Avery and Arlette; and six siblings, Bob (Shirley) Knetter, Ron (Jacci) Knetter, Joyce (Michael) Huebsch, Jan (Dan Kamenick) Lepak, Ken (Amber) Knetter and Jack (Julie Anderson) Knetter.
A Memorial Mass was celebrated at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at St. John Catholic Church, 103 N. Fourth Ave., Edgar. Rev. Thomas Huff presided. Friends could call from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a donation to a charity of their choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Ryan Kenton
The world changed forever on Dec. 28, 2018, when we lost Ryan T. Kenton, 41, to a tragic automobile accident.
He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Jan. 22, 1977, to Roger and Karen (Dougherty) Kenton. Ryan met the love of his life, Becky Laine, in May 2014. They have shared their lives together with their three dogs and countless rescue dogs that they have fostered throughout the year.
Ryan was a 1995 graduate of Marathon High School. After graduation, Ryan honorably served in the United States Army. For the past 15 years he was employed at Norlen Inc., where he spent the past six years working in quality control.
Ryan was an avid sports fan. He spent many hours cheering on Duke’s Basketball, the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. Spending time fishing out on the Big Eau Pleine Reservoir was where Ryan could be found whenever he had some free time, or camping out at Melon Fest or Jack Pine. He and Becky had just purchased their first camper, and were looking forward to weekend camping trips with friends and family. Most important to Ryan were his friends and his family. He loved the life that he and Becky were building together and looked forward to spending time with his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
Anyone who had the honor of knowing Ryan, knew his smile. He had an infectious smile that could cheer you up even on your the worst day. His smile and sense of humor will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ryan is survived by his parents, Roger and Karen; his true love and best friend, Becky Laine; siblings, Robin Kenton and her children, Gunner and Kayleigh, Jessica Kenton and her children Venessa and Isabella, Nick (Teresa) Kenton and their children, Teresa, Dominic, Tevin, Gabriel and Theodore, and Mark (Angela) Kenton their daughter Hartley. He is further survived by his paternal grandma, Lu Lu Kenton; as well as many cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Robert and Genevieve Dougherty and his paternal grandpa, Leroy Kenton.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 2018, at Memories Ballroom, Marathon. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of services all at Memories Ballroom. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Timothy Farrell
Timothy H. Farrell, 69, of Wausau passed away on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at his home, with his family at his side.
Tim was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to the late Albert and Dorothy (Howe) Farrell. He proudly served in the United States Army Reserves until retirement and worked as a senior buyer for Kolbe and Kolbe. He married Carolyn Heise on Aug. 24, 2007.
Throughout his childhood, Tim lived in many places. He had opportunities to be the fan of just about any team, but his loyalty was with the Minnesota Vikings. Tim was a gun enthusiast, enjoyed playing pool and loved anything outdoors; whether he was going to the cabin with Carolyn, hunting, fishing, or playing golf, being outside made him happy. Most important to Tim was his family. Spending time with Carolyn, the kids and grandkids and the memories they created were what were important to him.
Tim is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his children, Shawn Farrell (Sara), Erin Pipgras (Justin); his step-children, Philip Krolow (Amy), Rachel Helgerson (Tim), Gwendolyn Salzwedel (Kris); and grandchildren, Chase, Teagan, Elin, Eric, Jacob, Morgan, Mallory, Jackson, Xander, and Porter. He is further survived by his siblings, Rick Farrell (Dianne), Robin Bulthuis (Jerry), and Val Akerson; as well as his former wife Kathleen Farrell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Dorothy (Howe) Farrell, and birth mother, Shirley Tryggeseth.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St. Visitation will take place from 1 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Military honors will be provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Burns Post #388.
Please go to helke.com to sign the family guestbook.
Lilas Brandt
Lilas Albert Brandt, 92, died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at Ripon Medical Center with his family by his side.
Lilas was born Nov. 18, 1926, in the town of Rib Falls to the late Bernard and Emma (Huehnerfuss) Brandt. He met Eileen Utecht at a friend’s birthday party and the two were united in marriage on Sept. 13, 1952, at Saint Paul’s United Church of Christ, Wausau. The couple worked together on the family farm, raising their 10 children and teaching them a strong work ethic and many life lessons. Lilas also worked at Silcrest and Schuette’s Warehouse.
Lilas and Eileen lived on the family farm at North 88th Avenue for 35 years and then moved into the city of Wausau. The couple celebrated 58 wonderful and loving years of marriage on their last anniversary before Eileen’s passing.
Lilas enjoyed doing woodworking projects for the Talent Shop, helping family and friends with butchering, and cooking maple syrup with his sons and grandchildren. He was an avid Brewers and Packers fan and enjoyed fishing. Lilas was a wonderful father and grandfather. He enjoyed family celebrations and visiting with family and friends.
Lilas is survived by his sisters, Sylvaline Pickruhn, Athens and Pearl Sekorski, Wausau; sister-in-law Elaine Utecht, Green Bay; and children, Mark and Jane Gust, Dan and Lori Pagel, Keith and Laura Smith, Debra Raether, Thomas and Richelle Chaignot, Jane and Matt Lueptow, Donna Goeden, Amy and Rich Metzner, and Scott and Gloria Gutknecht. He is also survived by 28 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren whom he loved very much; and many extended family and dear friends. Lilas was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen; his daughter, Ruth and son-in-law Gary Hemmrich; his brothers and their wives, Lewellyn (Mabel) Brandt, Lawrence (Anita) Brandt, Levi (Ethel) Brandt, Marvin Brandt, Milton (Arlene) Brandt, Ervin (Helen) Brandt, and Walter (Marion) Brandt; his sister and her husband Clarice (Harold) Kopplin; his brother-in-laws Harley Pickruhn and John Sekorski; as well as his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harold and June Utecht; and his brother-in-law Donald Utecht.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1008 N. 120th Ave., town of Stettin. Reverend Phil Bogen will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, and Thursday at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will be in the Stettin Christian Cemetery. Please sign the family guestbook at helke.com.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt word of thanks to the staff and residents at Maplecrest Assisted Living for their care and friendship to Lilas during his time there.
Stuart “Buck” Bowman
Stuart “Buck” W. Bowman, 80, of Wittenberg passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, at the Homme Home of Wittenberg.
He was born on Nov. 4, 1938, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, the son of the late Harris and Edna (Schmidt) Bowman. On June 11, 1966, he married Gloria Maney in Elcho, Wisconsin. Stuart attended Michigan Tech and later UW-Oshkosh, where he obtained his degree in teaching. He taught math for 31 years at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, retiring in 1997. He continued to do substitute teaching for another 10 years.
Stuart enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also active in his fitness, jogging and riding his bicycle for miles. He will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor.
Survivors include his wife, Gloria; four children, Deborah (John) Bergson of Haugen, David (Stephanie) Bowman of Manitowoc, Mary (Michael) Schley of Forestville, and Michael (Larissa) Bowman of Menomonie Falls; 11 grandchildren, Michael and Taji Bergson, Alessandra (Eli) Mathia, Jacob, Anna and Cayden Bergson, Kylie, Mara, Katelyn and Nathan Bowman, and Hannah Schley; one sister, Anne (Jack) Gannett of Mason City, IA; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wittenberg. Rev. Matthew Christians will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories and condolences may be given at schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta.
Rita Shalewski
Rita P. Shalewski, 81, of Galloway passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018, at her home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, Wausau, and surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on Sept. 26, 1937, in the town of Reid, the daughter of the late Andrew and Pearl (Koziczkowski) Yenter.
On May 11, 1957, Rita was united in marriage to Henry A. Evje in South Milwaukee. The marriage ended in 1975. On July 16, 1977, she was united in marriage to Roger R. Shalewski at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Galloway. Roger passed away on Dec. 4, 2007.
Rita was an active member of St. Joseph’s and their Rosary Society. She worked at Basic American Foods and Donaldson Co. for a number of years. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, traveling, attending church picnics and shopping. Rita was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and loved volunteering at the Homme Home of Wittenberg. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include one son, Kurt (Linda) Evje of Wittenberg; one daughter, Cindy Evje Bushman of Weston; grandchildren, Kaylin (Adam) Karcz, Kody Evje, Jordan Bushman, Mallory (John) Schwalbach, Briana (Dustin) Hirsch and Ryan Bushman; great-grandchildren, Mason, Micah, Mila and Malayna Schwalbach and Natalie and Nolan Hirsch; two sisters, Charlotte Kranski of Larsen and Patricia (John) VanderKoy of Eland; four brothers, Robert Yenter of Saukville, Donnie (Linda) Yenter of Elderon, Frederick (Karen) Yenter of Wittenberg and James Yenter of Hatley; many nieces,nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; one brother-in-law Daniel Wanta and one sister-in-law, Helen Yenter.
Rita was preceded in death by her husbands, Henry Evje and Roger Shalewski, parents, Andrew and Pearl Yenter; two sisters, Ramona Bauer and Theresa Wanta; nine brothers, David, Hubert, Chester, Conrad, Bill, Andrew Jr., Roger, Joseph and Jerome; two brothers-in-law, Smokey Bauer and Jeff Peterson; two sisters-in-law, Terry Yenter and Marian Yenter; one nephew, Kyle Kranski; and three nieces, Sara VanderKoy, Bonnie Kuepper and Elizabeth Vergin.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Dec. 29, 2018, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Galloway. Fr. Rex Zimmerman officiated. Interment was in the parish cemetery. A visitation was held on Saturday at the church. A rosary also was recited.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg assisted the family with funeral arrangements.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
