Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Ardis McCain
Ardis J. McCain, 93, of Weston died Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, at Care Partners.
Ardis was born on Jan. 23, 1925, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, to the late Frank and Dorothy (Christensen) Koukalek. She married Robert McCain on Dec. 25, 1943, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin; he preceded her in death on April 16, 2016.
She is survived by her children Kitty McCain, Dallas, Texas, Peggy (Dan) Bearss, Wakarusa, Indiana, Sue (Jim) Hahn, Weston, Wisconsin; six grandchildren, Robby (Kelly Peddy) Bearss, Kenny (Carlie) Bearss, Francis Uzorh, Sarah (Jim) Olafson, Erin (Ryan) Jacobson, Cory (Katelyn) Hahn; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister, LaNiece (Bill) Haferman.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Care Partners and Aspirus Hospice and Comfort Care for the wonderful care and treatment of Mom.
R.G. “Turk” Flory
R.G. “Turk” Flory, 86, of Wausau died Friday, Jan. 11, 2019, under the care of Aspirus Hospice Services at North Central Health Care Center.
He was born Feb. 2, 1932 in Wausau to George and Mary (Calahan) Flory.
Turk grew up in “The Hollow” of Rib Mountain with his mother and four brothers. After the death of her husband in a car accident, his mother raised the five boys with the help of neighbors. The neighborhood men were instrumental in mentoring the Flory boys to become the men they were.
Turk graduated from Wausau High School in 1950 and went on to honorably serve his country in the U.S. Army. After returning to Wausau, he went on to excel at baseball and hockey, playing in the Milwaukee Braves organization (Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Evansville, Indiana; and Corpus Christi, Texas). Turk played hockey for several teams in the state, along with brothers Neil, George and Dave, and they had some great teams (chronicled in Wausau Hockey-The Wausau Vets and the Early Days).
Turk and Beth (Tapper) Flory were married on Jan. 4, 1964, at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. They moved into a house on Sixth and Bridge for two years and then built a home in Weston in 1967 where they have resided since, enjoying the woods, flowers, pond and the many birds that came to the feeders.
Turk was employed by Drott Manufacturing/JI Case as a service representative in the eastern part of the United States and Canada. With clients in portions of French-speaking Canadian provinces, he had to learn conversational French to communicate with his customers. It was his dream job. When Drott became JI Case, his office was transferred to Racine. Because Joel and Jill had just lost their brother, he chose not to relocate and completed the rest of his employment working in the factory.
Turk spent much of his time coaching his boys in Little League, umpiring baseball games and was a hockey official. He built an ice rink in the backyard for Jill, Joel and Clark along with the neighborhood children in the years before Clark died. He loved helping Jill and her friend Amy understand math, removing slivers, mending scratched knees and teaching Jill how to use tools.
Turk’s retirement was spent building small furniture for his home and his children’s homes and making gifts for others. A good deal of time was spent in his workshop building model airplanes and flying them with his friends from the Wausau RC Modelers at Sunnyvale Park, and Wednesday’s breakfast with the group.
Away from home he helped build cabinets and furniture with this longtime friend Doug Berres at the “Moreland Avenue Sawdust Factory.” After his grandchildren were born, he enjoyed teaching them how to use tools for building small things, how to fly rubber band airplanes, how to fish, and spent much time drawing with them. He also spent many hours watching “The Nutcracker” and other ballets, as well as hockey games, track meets, cross-country meets and other school/church activities and performances.
Along with Beth, he spent many hours golfing at their home course, Maple Hills in Wittenberg, and traveling south in spring with friends John and Penny for golf vacations. In summer, he could be found at Rib Mountain Golf Course with team members Greg, Lee and Haas.
Turk is survived by his wife, Beth (Tapper) Flory, his son Joel (Suzanne) Flory, Rhinelander, his daughter Jill Flory, Rochelle, Illinois; and grandchildren Bridger and Sage, Rhinelander, along with two exchange students from Spain, Chiqui and Benja. He is further survived by his brothers-in-law Elroy (Mary Ann) Tapper, Gordon Tapper, both of Wausau, sisters-in law Esther Tapper, San Diego, California, Lulu Belle Flory, Rothschild, Nancy Flory, Hatley, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Clark David (1965-1978), brothers Philip, George (Delphine), David (Joyce), and Neil; brothers-in law Mike (Ethel) Tapper, Gilbert Tapper, Leslie (Mildred) Tapper, and David (Pat) Tapper.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Rothschild. Pastor Rich Block will officiate. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. at the church. A Celebration of Life for Turk will be held at Sconni’s, 1239 Schofield Ave., Schofield from noon-3 p.m. for anyone who would like to attend.
The family would like to thank Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their amazing help in his last hours. Also thanks to all the caregivers, nurses, meal and housekeeping workers at North Central Health Care/Lakeview Heights for their compassion and care shown to Turk. Special thanks to Jim Hahn, who was an almost weekly visitor lighting up Turk’s eyes when he walked in.
Memorials may be directed to the organization of your choice or the Clark Flory Ministry Fund at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 503 Schmidt Ave., Rothschild, WI 54474.
Brainard Funeral Home-Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Donations may be made to:
Clark Flory Ministry Fund
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 503 Schmidt Ave., Rothschild WI 54474
Tel: 1-715-359-4500
Mary Jane Elsmo
Mary Jane Elsmo passed peacefully in her home on Jan. 13, 2019.
Mary Jane was born to Percy and Otillia Clark on July 21, 1936. She married the love of her life, Todd Elsmo, on Aug. 10, 1957. They raised six beautiful children and filled their years with adventures.
She had a particular interest in her family history and heritage. Those who knew her, knew her for her love of family and watching her “tree” grow.
Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Aaron Elsmo.
She is survived by her adoring husband, Todd; her children, Alan Elsmo, Adam (Jamie) Elsmo, Alisia (Joe) Albright, Annette (Shawn) Elsmo and Angela Elsmo; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
One word free us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love, Mary Jane was love!
Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of services, all at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Warren Drews
Warren Alfred Drews, 87, Wausau, left his earthly home on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
He was born July 16, 1931, in the town of Easton, son of the late Arnold Sr. and Erna (Pagel) Drews. On May 7, 1955, he married Arlyce LeGault at Bethany Lutheran Church, Aniwa. She survives.
Warren was a veteran of the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War.
Warren retired from the Brokaw Paper Mill and had also been a farmer. He enjoyed hunting, farming, always keeping busy and in his younger years played baseball.
Survivors include his wife, Arlyce; his daughter, Cheryl (Bob) Phillips, Virginia; his son, Scott Drews, Wausau; his grandson, Jarod Drews, Wausau; two sisters, Althea Drews and Juliet Drews, Wausau; his sisters-in-law, Irma Elaine Drews, Aniwa, Phyllis (Arlen) Jolin, Schofield and Shirley Nowak, Rib Mountain; and nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Chelsie Marie Drews; and a brother, Arnold Drews Jr.
Funeral services will be at noon Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, at Zion Lutheran Church, 238145 Star Road, Aniwa (town of Easton). Rev. Ryan Fehrmann will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the church and again on Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Caroline Ellenbecker
Caroline D. Ellenbecker, 83, Athens, went home to her heavenly Father on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, with her family by her side at North Central Health Care Facility, Wausau, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
She was born Sept. 5, 1935, on the family farm in the town of Wien, daughter of the late John and Sarah (Steffen) Mueller. She was the youngest of 14 children. On Sept. 23, 1953, she married Raphael Ellenbecker at St. John Catholic Church, Wuerzburg.
Together, Caroline and her husband, Ray, were dedicated farmers in the town of Johnson throughout their lives and raised eight wonderful children. Among her favorite pastimes, she liked to sew, flower garden, crochet, an avid reader, take care of her Boston Terrier “Mandy” and was also the “Family Historian.”
Survivors include her husband Ray; eight children, Randy (Debra) Ellenbecker, Texas, Jeff (Louise) Ellenbecker, Athens, Patsy (Bob) Brunke, Athens, Pam (Les) Dickinson, Athens, Lori (Bill) Blake, Athens, Brad (Angela) Ellenbecker, Iowa, Todd (Londa) Ellenbecker, Athens, and Mitchell (Traci) Ellenbecker, Weston; 21 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marie Murphy, Milwaukee; one sister-in-law, Hazel Slauzis, California; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Jeremiah Blake; and 12 siblings.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Rev. George Graham will preside. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, and again on Friday from 9 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at The Athenian Living in Athens, staff at North Central Heath Care and the staff at Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the wonderful care and support given to Caroline during her stay.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Robert “Bob” Egan
Robert (Bob) Reno Egan, 95, Wausau, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully at 4:25 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2019, at Wausau Manor in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Bob was born Nov. 17, 1923, in Durand, Wisconsin, to the late Reno and Viola (nee Aitken) Egan. A graduate of Wausau High School, he loved baseball and skiing, music, hunting and photography. As a young man, and before ski runs were created on Rib Mountain, he regularly hiked to the top to ski down, especially when the powder was just so. He knew the mountain well and assisted the first owners of the Rib Mountain Ski Lodge to lay trails for downhill skiing. He served on the ski patrol, raced, and taught his two daughters to ski at Rib Mountain.
Bob served his country in World War II as an auto mechanic with the 131st Large Ordinance, 4th Armor under General Patton, returning to Wausau thereafter to work at Drott Manufacturing Co. It was in Wausau that he met and married Doyonis (Dodie) June Goetsch in 1948 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau. Following an apprenticeship with a Wausau photography studio, Bob became a skilled portrait photographer. He and his family moved to Merrill, Wisconsin, where they owned and operated Robert’s Studio, providing Merrill residents with photographs for weddings, family gatherings, high school yearbooks, and local events for the newspaper. It was in Merrill that Bob and his wife, Dodie, raised their two daughters. Bob was a member of the Jaycees, served as a city alderman, played baseball on his church team, was a member of a bowling league, percussionist for the Merrill City Band, and created a ski school for local kids.
A member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Merrill, Bob was an active member of the congregation, singing in the choir and serving as the choir’s main soloist. He performed for numerous funerals and weddings, during which he often served as the wedding photographer. In 1980, he and his wife moved to Wausau where he worked for the Department of Motor Vehicles. Bob then drove a medical transport van before fully retiring well into his 70s.
Bob and Dodie loved to travel and upon retirement visited Great Britain, Alaska, retraced his World War II steps in Europe, and visited the Caribbean and Venezuela. Bob was a member of the Wausau Elks Club, American Legion, and the Pommerisches Verrein. He was a lifetime member of the VFW. In 2011, Bob flew with other World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., as a member of the Wausau, September, 2011 Never Forgotten Honor Flight. That experience was a highlight of his life.
He was a man of few words, of many long silences. He was not a man of false smiles or empty words of praise. He taught his children to see with more than their eyes, to hear with more than their ears and to value silence.
Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years, Doyonis, his two children, Kolleen (Gar) Kellom of Saint Cloud, Minnesota; and Rhonda (Paul) Siegman of Germantown, Wisconsin; his grandchildren, Meagan Kellom, Guthrie (Megann) and Tocher (Darina) Kellom, Benjamin, Carolyn and Quinn Siegman, and Sheehan Siegman (Brian) Rammel; his great-grandchildren, Emmerson, Kohen, Makenzie, Keegan and Kamala Kellom. He is further survived by loving nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother William Wayne Egan and his infant daughter Catherine.
A funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Ave., Wausau, with Rev. Zach Holdorf officiating. Family and friends may call at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, on Friday, Jan. 18, beginning at 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again at the church on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service. Military honors provided by V.F.W. Burns Post 388 will follow the service at the church. Private burial will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery, village of Maine.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob’s name may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church Choir, Wausau, or to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight of Wausau, Wisconsin, neverforgottenhonorflight.com.
The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Aspirus Hospital Palliative Care staff for their compassionate and loving care.
Donations may be made to:
Trinity Lutheran Church
501 Stewart Ave., Wausau WI 54401
Tel: 1-715-842-0769
Web: trinityonstewart.org/
Never Forgotten Honor Flight
4404 Rib Mountain Drive, #234, Wausau WI 54401
Web: neverforgottenhonorflight.com/
Chue Muszytowski
Chue Angelo Muszytowski, precious baby boy of Chue Vang and Kashenna Muszytowski, was born into the arms of angels on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born at 1:04 a.m. at 24 weeks. Although Chue Angelo never spent any time with us on earth, he was very loved and touched many lives.
He is survived by his parents Chue and Kashenna; maternal grandparents, Clarence (Holly Joy) Muszytowski and Shanea Steinfeld; maternal great-grandma, Pamela Wilson; two brothers, three sisters; aunt and uncle, Michele and Billy Devall; aunt Shanea Keaton and aunt Sheanna Briggs; one maternal uncle and three maternal aunts; as well as several paternal aunts and uncles. She was preceded in death by an infant brother.
Please visit the family guestbook at helke.com.
Rita Kasten
Rita Kasten, 81, passed away at home on Jan. 12, 2019. Rita, a longtime resident of Weston, lived on the family farm. She was a retired food service manager from Wausau Hospitals. During the 1960s, she worked for Wisconsin Public Service and was seen on TV 7 as WPS’s home economist.
In the 1970s, she co-owned and operated Kasten’s Kustom Kitchens and then owned and operated The Ceramic Corner, both located in Wausau. She served on the Weston Town Board.
She is best known for her service as a D.C. Everest School Board member of 40 years. Her first term began in 1976. She was a major presence at all D.C. Everest events during the past 50 years.
She is preceded in death by her father Harry August; mother Sylvia, Brother Harry Andrew and nice Virginia “De De”. Her surviving relatives include her nephew Harry John and his wife Cynthia Leigh of Naples, Florida, their children Kimberlee Nicole Raczek, Kristofer Andrew Kasten, Nikolaus James Kasten and her grand nieces Maddisyn Nicole and Maddalyn Elizabeth Raczek.
Visitation and service are being held on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, at Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Ave. in Schofield. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m.; memorial services 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, D.C. Everest Area School District has established the Rita Kasten Memorial Scholarship Fund. Donations may be sent to D.C. Everest Area School District, Attention Superintendent’s Office, 6300 Alderson St., Weston, WI 54476.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.HonorOne.com.
Sharon Whellams
Sharon K. Whellams, 62, of Weston passed away on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital.
She was born on Aug. 6, 1956, in Omaha, Nebraska, to the late Louis and Norma (Southwick) Wagman.
Sharon loved to garden and loved kids. She helped with the preschool and children’s ministry at Bethany Baptist Church; and she was very unselfish in her giving to others.
Survivors include her son, Andrew (Andi) Whellams of Wausau; granddaughter, Parker; brothers, Gary (Deb) Wagman and Ric (Liz) Wagman all of Omaha, Nebraska; sisters, Gaylene (Blaine) Davis of Wausau, Terri Wagman and Wendy Wagman both of Omaha; one aunt and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Brian; an infant daughter, Jocelyn Rose; brother, Terry Dean; and infant granddaughter, Joy Amelia.
The memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, at Bethany Baptist Church, 6601 Alderson St. in Schofield, with Pastor Kim Swenson officiating. Visitation will be at the church prior to the service from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family.
