Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Sharon Whellams
Sharon Kay 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 did the preschool childrens’ ministry at Bethany Baptist Church for 21 years; she was very selfless and had a generous giving spirit.
Survivors include her son, Andrew (Andi) Whellams; granddaughter, Parker of Wausau; 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. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Julianne Noak Trump
Julianne E. Noak Trump, 69, of Weston passed away on Friday, Jan. 4, in the comfort of her own home.
Julie was born in Marion, Wisconsin, to Ceylon and Rowena (Krueger) Welch, where she graduated in 1967 and took great pride of being in the school’s marching band. She went on to attend UW-Oshkosh, where she received her degree in nursing.
Julie enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends. She was an avid reader, animal lover, and passionate about music/playing instruments.
She is survived and deeply missed by her son, Steven Noak; daughters, Stacy Noak and Stefanie Holland; granddaughter, Destiny Holland; and grandson, Jesse Luce. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother; William Welch.
The Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Merritt Gleason
Merritt J. Gleason, 77, of Ringle died unexpectedly at his home on Jan. 17, 2019.
Merritt was born in Ringle, Wisconsin, to John Gleason, and lived there most of his life. He graduated from D.C. Everest High School in 1959 marrying his high school sweetheart, Shirley (Prieve) in 1961. They would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary Jan. 28.
Merritt was a very hard-working man; he worked as a spinner at Greenheck for 13 years before following his love for farming full-time in 1974. Merritt and Shirley received the American Young Farmer award. Merritt enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, playing cards, shooting pool, bowling and watching his children play softball. He loved to make people laugh by telling a good story while enjoying a cold can of pop or a big bowl of ice cream. Once retired, Merritt continued his love of the outdoors by riding around the farm in the “Green Machine.” Merritt served as Ringle Town chairman for 12 years, as well as supervisor on the Marathon County Board for 12 years. As town chairman, Merritt was an integral part of the growth in Ringle, including development of Riverside School and building a new municipal center. Merritt volunteered his time and talents as chairman of the MASS Weigh-In Committee, 4-H leader, Chairman of the Advisory Board at NCTI, and member of the Ringle Volunteer Fire Department and Ringle Sportsman’s Club.
Merritt is survived by his wife, Shirley, children Deb Gleason, Ringle, Michael (Lisa) Gleason, Ringle, and Sue (Tim) Walter, Ringle; grandchildren Samantha, Brian and Brett Gleason, Matthew and Aiden Walter; brothers Emmett, Weston, and Jack, Braxton, Mississippi, brother-in-law Terry (Mary) Prieve, sisters-in-law Mary Beth Tolley (Butch Bliese), Sharon Prieve and Carol Prieve and many nieces and nephews. Merritt was preceded in death by his son Brian Gleason, father John Gleason, brothers-in-law Patrick and Kenneth Prieve, nephew Andy Prieve and nieces Melissa Prieve and Lisa Gleason.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 512 McClellan St., Wausau, WI 54403. Rev. Jennifer Dahle will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, at Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, and again from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Kathryn Gjertson
Kathryn (“Kathy”) Helene Gjertson, 86, passed away on Jan. 14, 2019, at Stone Crest Residence in Wausau, Wisconsin. She was born on Feb. 12, 1932, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, to Tennis and Ruth (Olson) Megorden.
Kathy grew up in Galesville, Wisconsin, and Fosston, Minnesota. She graduated from Fosston High School in 1950 and attended Morehead State University in Morehead, Minnesota, where she received her teaching certificate.
Kathy married Roy Gjertson in 1954 in Lisbon, North Dakota. They were happily married for 62 years. Kathy was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Muscatine, Iowa, and Grace Lutheran Church in Tampa, Florida. She enjoyed sewing, reading, choir and Bible studies. She sewed hundreds of lap quilts that she donated to Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Florida. She volunteered at the Muscatine Hospital gift shop in Muscatine, Iowa, and the Hospice Thrift Shop in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Kathy is survived by her daughters Pamela Gjertson and Peggy Siron and her son, Douglas (Alicia) Gjertson; her grandchildren Rachel (Forrest) Hopper, Jon (Chasity) Siron, Helene Gjertson and Jared Gjertson; and four great-grandchildren Paisleigh and Beau Siron, Elsie and Shepherd Hopper.
Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Roy, her sister, Alphild Tjon, and her brothers Philip, Howard and Herbert Megorden.
The family would like to thank Interim HealthCare Hospice for their amazing help in her last hours. Also, thanks to all the caregivers at Stone Crest Residence for their compassion and care shown to Kathy.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kathy’s memory may be made to the Homme Home Foundation at www.homme.org. The family is planning a private memorial at a later date.
Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Donations may be made to:
Homme Home Foundation
604 South Webb St., Wittenberg, WI 54499, Wittenberg WI 54499
Tel: 1-715-253-2125
Web: http://homme.org/support-main.shtml
Bernard “Bernie” Lehman
Bernard “Bernie” G. Lehman, 84, Wausau, died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Bernie was born Feb. 18, 1934, to the late Gustav and Martha (Schultz) Lehman in Athens. He married Vera (Zahrt) on April 4, 1959, in Wausau. She preceded him in death on Nov. 25, 2015.
Bernie served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy. His favorite pastimes were reading and taking care of his animals. Most of all, he loved his family best.
Survivors include his son, Randy (Lynette) Lehman; daughter, Brenda (Dan) Goetsch; three grandchildren, Ben, Liz and Sam; and several brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, at Zion Lutheran Church 709 Sixth St., Wausau. Rev. Dr. Steven Gjerde will preside. Entombment will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Doris Holdorf
Doris M. Holdorf, 92, of Wausau passed away peacefully at Benedictine Living Community on Jan. 15, 2019, with her loving family at her side.
Doris was born in Rice Lake on Feb. 17, 1926, to the late Fred and Emma (Grassman) Jann.
On Aug. 31, 1947, Doris was united in marriage to Charles (Chuck) Richard Holdorf. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Janet Kay Osborne (David) and Peter Charles Holdorf (Clarissa).
Doris graduated from Rice Lake High School. She went on to attend college in Madison. After leaving Madison, Doris began working at the Rydell Medical Clinic in Rice Lake for 20 years as an X-ray technician.
Doris and Chuck moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in 1967, where she became active in the Eau Claire Women’s Club doing civic activities. Doris was always a God-fearing woman and was very active in her Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. She was a past president of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and was also well known for her expertise in making Christian banners. She made over 400 banners, and many churches in the area are blessed to have banners that were made by her. She also lead Bible study in her home for over 50 years and loved speaking on angels and church symbols. Her love and dedication to the church will be truly missed by all who were blessed to have known her. Doris loved singing in the church choir for many years and was very proud to be a female tenor. She was an avid gardener and loved her flower and rock garden at her home. She also loved to entertain. An invitation to dinner at Doris’s was always a treat. Most important to Doris was her family. Times spent together were always the best. The memories made with our mother, grandma and “great” will be held tight in our hearts and cherished forever.
Doris was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Charles (Chuck) Holdorf; two sisters, Genevieve and Elizabeth; two brothers, Robert and Richard; and her son-in-law, David Osborne.
She is survived by her children, Janet Osborne and Peter (Clarissa) Holdorf; grandchildren, Shawne (Jarrod) Stenberg, Christopher (Amy) Osborne, Matthew (Hanna) Osborne, Nathan (Laura) Holdorf and Harley Holdorf; great-grandchildren, Sam and Kate Stenberg and Isaiah and Asher Osborne; as well as her special friend, Marilyn Figlmiller.
A memorial service will take place at noon on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Ave., Wausau. Pastor Zach Holdorf will officiate. Visitation will take place on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, and again on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Please go to helke.com to sign the family guestbook.
Shirley Nowak
Shirley M. Nowak, 83, of Rib Mountain passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, at House of the Dove, Marshfield. She was born on Jan. 3, 1936, in Mattoon, to the late Raymond and Doris (Salzensen) LeGault.
On June 11, 1955, Shirley married George Nowak at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Wausau. Shirley worked for the Wausau School District. She enjoyed working with students and staff and the many relationships formed over the years. In her free time, she enjoyed cooking and hosting family get-togethers. She also liked to travel and went to Europe and throughout the US. Family time at the cottage was special for the whole family and many memories where made. Shirley attended Rib Mountain Lutheran and enjoyed volunteering her time there.
Survivors include her sons Todd and Trent of Wausau, three grandchildren, Krystal (Steve) Doran, Nicole (Robert) Jeske and Lauren Nowak, seven great grandchildren, Mackenzie, Khloe, Kylie, Lydia, Gage, Piper, and Keria and son-in-law, Dale Bower of Holcomb. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, husband George, son Bradley “BJ”, daughter, Kristi Bower.
Funeral services will be held at Rib Mountain Lutheran Church, 3010 Eagle Ave., Wausau, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, at 11:30 a.m., with Rev. Tim Swanson officiating. Visitation will be at church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Please sign the family guest book at helke.com.
Louise Menne
Louise Marie Menne, 71, passed away peacefully on Jan. 16, 2019, with her loving husband, John M. Menne Sr., by her side after a courageous battle with ALS. Louise was born in 1947 to Pearl (Weidenheft) and Ernest Rosky Sr. She grew up in Circle Pines, Minnesota, where she would meet the love of her life while on a hayride for St. Joseph’s Church. They married on Jan. 7, 1967, and had just celebrated 52 amazing years together.
Louise worked as a teacher’s aide and then a secretary, much of which was alongside her husband, John. She enjoyed spending time crocheting, reading, watching football (especially her Vikings) and most of all, spoiling her children and grandchildren. Over the years, they would move to Wisconsin, North Carolina and finally enjoying their retirement years in Arizona.
Louise loved the sunshine in Arizona almost as much as the people she would come to know and call friends at Sierra Leone. Louise was dearly loved and survived by her husband, John, and their children; son John Menne Jr. (Pamala Burhite), and daughter Tressa and David Rember, five grandchildren, Trent Menne, Alex Menne, Emily Menne, Kelsey Rember and Brogan Rember; brothers John Rosky, Ernest Rosky Jr, sisters Kathy (Dave) Peterson and Judy (William) Hettling, sisters-in-law, Diane Rosky, Beverly (Al) Wallen, LaVonne Menne and brothers-in-law Robert (Betty) Menne II, Gene (Mary) Menne, Richard (Nancy) Menne, William Menne, James (Gail) Menne, and Frank (Leah) Menne.
Louise was predeceased by her parents, her in-laws Robert and Helen Menne I, her brother-in-law Gary Menne and sister-in-law Maureen Rosky.
Services will be held on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, at St. Joseph’s Church, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., with Mass and burial following at 10 a.m.
Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society and John Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences can be expressed at www.HonorOne.com.
Viola Thorson
Viola M. Thorson, 84, of Schofield passed away from this life on Jan. 16, 2019, at Atrium Post Acute Care, Weston, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice.
She was loved by many as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, sister, aunt and friend. She was born on Dec. 20, 1934, to the late Eugene and Clara (Babler) Swanson in Aniwa, Wisconsin. Vi met the love of her life, Tom, at the Antigo Fair where the story goes that she was looking back at him to see if he was looking back at her. They married on Oct. 4, 1952, and remained happily married until Tom’s passing in 2011.
She was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Clara (Babler) Swanson, her husband Thomas Thorson, her brother Farrell Swanson and twin sons Randy and Rodney. She is survived by two daughters Kathy (Leon) Howlett, Portage; Susan Thorson, Mosinee; and two sons, Dean (Lori) Thorson, Aniwa; Joey (Dawn) Thorson, Wausau; seven grandchildren, Melissa (Randy) Koppenhaver, William (Jenn) Howlett, Emily (Jason) Arendsee, Dana (Kevin) Fliss, Noel Howlett, Thomas (Nicole) Thorson, and Roy Thorson; 11 great-grandchildren with one more due to arrive in late June, one brother, Weldon (Shirley) Swanson and one sister, Delores (Richard) Diestler as well as many other loving family and friends.
Vi loved to knit, crochet and make craft items. She cherished her time with family and her many friends, including the late Dorothy Kunze and Judy Zillisch. She worked as a waitress in her younger years and owned and operated a janitorial cleaning service with her late husband for many years, as well as running a successful Amway distributorship. She valued family and friendship and helped them whenever possible. She has many accomplishments and much to be proud of in her 84 years on this Earth; she will be missed by many.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the tenderness, understanding and care she received from the staff at Atrium Post Acute Care and Aspirus Hospital and Aprius Comfort Care and Hospice. Those folks made her life better and her passing more comfortable.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 21, at St. John Lutheran Church of Wausau on Highway Z, just east of Wausau. The Rev. John Stransky will officiate. Burial will at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery, town of Easton. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of services at St. John Lutheran Church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
