Wausau area obituaries, April 10, 2019

“Work Hard!” was a favorite salutation of Mom when we left to head back to our respective homes or schools. And it was at the core of Rose Chilsen, who passed away April 4, 2019, after a three-month stretch of hospice-at-home (poignantly 100 days after her husband Walter John’s death). Close friends and family gathered with her the last remaining days of her life.

Born Rosella Ann Edl, as one of 12 to poor Bohemian farmers Joseph and Mary (Hach) Edl in Southwest Wisconsin on Sept. 3, 1926, Rose early on learned the meaning of hard work. Rural life was already very difficult. As the Great Depression descended upon the country, it hit her family especially hard. However, Rose has been quoted in the D.C. Everest book of interviews on the Great Depression as saying, “In fact, we had a happy childhood; we had a lot of fun, but we worked an awful lot! We didn’t feel that we were poor; everybody in our neighborhood was in the same boat. Though our family had many difficult times, our deeply rooted faith in God carried us through.” Her parents had planted the seeds of religious belief, which would grow deep throughout her life.

After graduating from Iowa County Elementary Public Schools in June 1940, Rose spent time in Oconomowoc living with her beloved Aunt Hannah. She attended high school in Little Falls, Minnesota, graduating from Saint Francis High School in May 1945.

From there she returned to Southwest Wisconsin to study being a radiologic technologist and to work at Dodgeville General Hospital (formerly Saint Joseph’s Hospital), in the early days of that field. One night she was called to take X-rays of some car crash victims, and it turned out to be her parents! Next she worked at Attix Clinic in Lewiston, Montana. Her following stint was in Merrill, Wisconsin, to advance her training with the Sisters of Mercy at Holy Cross Hospital, especially under the kind and mindful tutelage of Sister Ermenfrida. Rose was awarded her certification with honors from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. She had found a calling and it brought her great joy to do this work in the medical arena.

It was in Merrill that she found the other great love of her life – on radio – the dreamy voice of Walter John Chilsen, on a program he hosted called Eventide Echoes. Rose would rush home after work at the hospital just to tune in her radio to listen to the soft sounds of his voice floating over the air.

One day she came to work and was assigned to take an EKG of Mrs. Margaret (Sullivan) Chilsen, wife of Walter Burt Chilsen, a prominent Merrill citizen. (He started the Merrill Daily Herald). At the room, Margaret introduced her son, WJ, who was sitting there reading the newspaper. Rose recognized him immediately – That Voice! Ever after, Walter John would say, “I don’t know how my mom’s EKG turned out, but my heart was going thebump, thebump, thebump, thebump!”

So began a wonderful life-long journey of love. They both traveled to Evanston, Illinois, and then on to Los Angeles, California, on separate paths, but always near each other. Deciding to conjoin their paths, they went to the local priest in California about getting married, and the minute he heard that Rose had 11 siblings, he said, “Go home to Wisconsin to be wed.”

They married on Sept. 20, 1952, in Ridgeway, Wisconsin, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church. Eight children followed in quick succession. They lived in Merrill for a time, in a room above his father’s newspaper offices, then traveled to Milwaukee. Work offers brought them back to north central Wisconsin, where they bought a 100-year-old farmhouse on Townline Road with a yard full of mud and chickens. Ducks, dogs, cats, and a pet raccoon “Ricky” shared the hilltop retreat with the growing family. Rose lived there until her death, fulfilling her long-time dream to depart this world in the comfort of her own cherished home, though the last three months were extremely difficult without her Walter John.

As the children grew, Rose and Walter opened their home to unwed mothers and foreign exchange students from Brazil, Panama, Mexico, and Malawi, many of whom became “family.” With never an end to the laundry, tireless sewing of clothing, cooking, cleaning, plus flower gardens (her simple joy), an apple orchard (applesauce) and two vegetable gardens, including the canning and preserving that went with it, Rose had the perfect opportunity to teach her children the value and reward of hard work.

Never forgetting a youth of poverty and struggle, Rose was compelled to start a group at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with the moniker The Circle of Joy. Women in the group encouraged the parish to donate food and goods and then delivered them to those in need in the community. Many of her children were “voluntold” to help with this venture.

The Circle of Joy grew. Soon Rose helped co-found a nonprofit organization, and put together the first food pantry for The Neighbors’ Place (TNP). She and Walter were decades-long volunteers at TNP, where Walter John held the honor of “Permanent Vice Chair.” Rose received the J. C. Penney Community Service (Golden Rule) Award (begun in 1982) for her work with the Circle of Joy and TNP (1987). Since Walter’s death, TNP launched the Rose and Walter John Chilsen Legacy Society – a permanent fund to aid The Neighbors’ Place in its mission to continue helping those in need in north central Wisconsin.

Additionally, Rose worked assisting terminally ill patients in an early iteration of hospice in Wausau.

On top of all this, it must be said that Rose was the bedrock for WJ’s political career, not only caring for the children, but hosting fundraisers, tolerating photo opportunities, accompanying him as he stumped his way around the district, overseeing mailings and enlisting the Chilsen children (and their friends!) to help on the campaign trails.

Rose and WJ loved to travel together, even with the eight children overflowing the various station wagons. There were awesome trips to visit friends and relatives, camping and canoeing, stopping to see sights like The Badlands, The Grand Canyon, The Corn Palace, Wall Drug, Old Faithful, the Tetons, Las Vegas, and Hollywood. Often stopping the car to pick interesting weeds (her father was once the weed commissioner of Iowa County), her children fondly decided she must be an honorary member of the made-up group, WPA (Weed Pickers of America). Once the children had flown the coop, they visited places like Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Alaska, Prince Edward Island, Greece, and Turkey. They also made trips to Ireland, Norway, and several excursions to the beloved Czech Republic, always searching for roots from the family trees and making connections to treasured relatives there. Rose took on genealogy with a zest, and left a roomful of information behind her.

Another passion included the purchase and years-long revitalization of her mother’s family homestead, Hach Hill House in the rolling hills of Southwest Wisconsin and the valleys of the Wisconsin River. Other favorite pastimes included: singing in the Holy Name choir with WJ; participating in the Parish Council of Catholic Women; flowering; gardening; knitting; working on her loom and voracious reading – with endless bedtime stories for the children and grandchildren, and more classic fare when the children were out of the nest.

Rose is survived by her eight children: Jonathan (Tammie Weiss), of DeForest, Wisconsin; Anna (Joe Straub), of Marathon, Wisconsin; Kristine (Bill Rundle), of Evansville, Wisconsin; Elizabeth “Liz” (Michael Garman), of Forest Park, Illinois; Peter (Jacquelynn Evans), of Muskego, Wisconsin; Patricia (John Golbach), of New York, New York; Paul, of Nashville, Tennessee, (Lisa Chilsen, of Kenosha, Wisconsin); and Matthew, of Weehawken, New Jersey; and by former daughter-in-law Jo Shilts, of New Richmond, Wisconsin. She is further survived by her grandchildren, whom she held close to her heart and in whom she took much pride: Kali Chilsen; Devon Weiss and Garrett Scheffen; Katherine, Andrew (Ayila Hall), and Amelia Straub; Margaret Chilsen; Alexander (Tarren Sohier), Benjamin, and Jackie (Brian Montpetit) Chilsen; Gabriella (JonCarlos Velez); Freyja Chilsen Golbach; Rose and Anfinn Chilsen; and by a growing tribe of great-grandchildren: Eliana and Reyah Velez; Michael and Aidan Torres and Phillip Waller; Evalie and Jasfer Straub; and many beloved nieces and nephews together with their beautiful families. She is also survived by her two sisters Angela Rooney and Sr. Bette Edl, and her brother Gerald (Amy) Edl.

Her “adopted” foreign exchange families include Mario Antonio and Marilia Firjam, of Juiz de Fora, Brazil, and their children and extended family; and Eugenio “Gino” Alvarado and his daughter Maria Alejandra, of Panama City, Panama. In addition, Rose and WJ formed deep relationships and she cherished her many lifelong friendships and treasured neighbors.

Rose and Walter John’s much-loved dog Bily seems a bit lost and forlorn without them (like us), but plans to relocate to a loving family member’s home.

Rose was preceded in death by her dearly beloved husband, Walter John, who left her side on Dec. 25, 2018, “not according to plan.”  Also preceding her in death are her siblings Steve Edl, Agatha Pulley-Olson, John Edl, Frances Vahl, Mary Stewart, Lillian Thousand, Joe Edl and Susanna P. Paull Williams.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2019, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1104 S. Ninth Ave., Wausau. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at the church. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a contribution be made to The Neighbors’ Place.

Special thanks goes out to Aspirus Hospice of Wausau for their kind and comforting support. We also extend much gratitude to Rose’s in-home caregivers, Shandra Skalecke and Noreen Landowski, and other family and friends who offered their love and care during these final months.

The family farewell, (which began long ago with the children racing to the ditch to call out as departing friends and family left the driveway and pulled onto the highway), grew and morphed over the years. It will ring warmly in our hearts forever:

“G’-Byyyyeeee! We loooovvvve you!”

Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.

Robert “Bob” Hoffman

Robert G. “Bob” Hoffman of Wausau passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 9, 2019, under the care of Ministry Hospice at his home.

He was born Sept. 19, 1964, in Arizona, son of Jerry and Sally Hoffman, Marathon. In 1988 he married Pamela Betzner. They later divorced.

For many years Bob worked at Lintec in Wausau. He had a love for his Harley motorcycles. Aside from that, he attended many truck and tractor pulls and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be fondly remembered for his ability to socialize with almost anyone, anywhere. Bob truly enjoyed the time he spent with his family and friends. Above all, he cherished the time he had with his granddaughter, Claire, who always brought a smile to his face.

Survivors include his parents, Jerry and Sally Hoffman, Marathon, his daughter, Dana (Eric) Nahring, Edgar, his granddaughter, Claire Nahring, Edgar, one sister, Terri (Tim Rainville) Woellner, Wausau, two nephews, Mitchell and Matthew Woellner and one niece, Kayla (Damian Lang) Woellner and many, many friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 14, 2019, at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar. The Rev. Thomas Huff will officiate. Burial will be in the Edgar Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 1 p.m. until the time of services all at the Edgar Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

The family would like to extend their thankfulness and appreciation to the nurses and doctors who cared for Bob over the years, especially those at Marshfield Medical Center and his home nurses.

Violet Dvorak

Violet L. “Tiny” Dvorak, 87, Edgar, died Monday, April 8, 2019, at Copperleaf Assisted Living, Marathon, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

She was born June 14, 1931, in Edgar, daughter of the late William and Magdalena (Fochs) Artus. On Feb. 7, 1959, she married William J. Dvorak at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. He preceded her in death on Oct. 4, 2001.

Tiny was a lifetime member of St. John Catholic Church, a member of the St. John PCCW and a founding member of the Circle of Joy in Edgar. Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed putzing around in her flower garden, sewing and making quilts, and was well known as an excellent cook and baker. Tiny was “Grandma” to everyone and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include, three sons, Robert “Bob” Dvorak, Dan (Colleen) Dvorak and Jon (Amy) Dvorak, all of Edgar; three daughters, Donna (Duane) Passehl, Edgar, Diane Dvorak, Edgar and Sue (Donnie) Boe, Milwaukee; nine grandchildren, Josh (Jennifer) Passehl, Amber (Kevin) Blumreich, Shelby and Lillyanne Dvorak, Mollie (Tyler) Berg, Mitchell (Cassie) Baesman, Shaun Boe, Donnie Boe Jr. and Alicia Hutchison; 10 great-grandchildren, Reid and Madison Passehl, Kinsley Blumreich, Hattie Berg, Ari and Hollis Baesman, Riley, Reid, Ryan and Ryder Hutchison; two sisters, Gladys Johnson, Wausau and Doris (Jim) Novitzke, Milwaukee; two sisters-in-law, Margaret Artus, Florida and Dorothy Artus, North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, William, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Conrad “Sonny”, William and Myron Artus; and four sisters, Evelyn Franson, Mabel Dumire, Eleanor Niewolny and Adeline Artus.

The memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. Rev. Thomas Huff will preside. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 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, the staff at Copperleaf Assisted Living and the staff at the Aspirus Wound Clinic in Wausau for the wonderful support and compassion you gave to Tiny during her time of need.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Christopher Marten

Christopher L. “Chris” Marten, 50, of the town of Berlin passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the Mayo Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

He was born May 6, 1968, in Wausau, son of Roger and Cecilia Jean (Check) Marten. On June 10, 2000, he married the love of his life, Lori Breheim in Wausau.

Chris became self-employed in 2011, when he opened Chris Marten Auto in the town of Berlin. One of his favorite hobbies was riding snowmobiles, and he was currently a member of the Devils Creek Stump Jumpers in Merrill. Chris also liked to go four-wheeling, loved to build demolition derby cars and enjoyed a night out for dinner and drinks.

Most important to Chris was his family. He was a loving son, husband, father, brother and papa and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include, his wife of 18 years, Lori Marten, town of Berlin; his mother, Cecilia Jean Marten, Wausau; three daughters, Kelsey Kislow, Wausau, Nicole Marten-Spatz, De Pere and Kayle (fiancé Will Loden) Kislow, Rothschild; four grandchildren, Carmen, Christopher, Owyn and Clark; five siblings, Richard Marten, Wausau, Bonnie (Melvin) Sims, Wausau, Gordon (Debra) Marten, Athens, Susan (Edward) Grabow, Mosinee and Steven (Carla) Marten, Mosinee; his father and mother in-law, Richard and Barbara Breheim, Sedalia, MO; brother-in-law, Nathan (Billie Jo) Breheim, Sedalia, MO; sisters-in-law, Charity (Corey) Vuagniaux, Bates City, MO and Carol Marten, Lake Tomahawk; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roger Marten; and one brother, Kenneth Marten.

Funeral services will be at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2019, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau. Rev. Philip Bogen will officiate. Visitation will be on Friday from 2 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Gabe Hollander

Gabe I. Hollander, 85, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at his home.

Gabe was born in a log house in Bowler, Wisconsin, on Jan. 14, 1934, to Gabe and Margaret Hollander. He married Patricia Pluger in Pella, Wisconsin, on April 19, 1952. Gabe was employed at Valley Plumbing and later at Goetze.

He enjoyed sharing his love for the outdoors-but not his secret trout fishing spots. Cribbage, cards, camping, photography, and movies also gave him much enjoyment. Gabe was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau, where he helped document church history by photos and scrapbooking.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia; children, Diane (Kenneth) Kreager, Michael (Jody) Hollander, Patrick (Darlene) Hollander, Jeffrey (Cindy) Hollander, Debra (David) Wiensch, Darla Bremer, and David (Lorri) Hollander; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Chester, Celand, and Ferdinand; sisters, Edna, Elsabeth, and Lola; and great-grandchild, Justin.

A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Zion Lutheran Church, 709 Sixth St., Wausau, with Rev. Christopher Johnson officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Entombment will follow in the Garden of Eternal Rest Mausoleum at Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas.

You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.

Jeffery Brandt

Jeffery Brandt, 63, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Sylvan Crossing, Wausau.

He was born on March 30, 1956, in the town of Rib Falls, son of the late Walter and Marion (Balz) Brandt.

After graduating from Marathon High School, Jeffrey went to work for many farmers in the town of Rib Falls area. Later he worked for Crestline, Line Tech and then for Crystal Finishing.

Everywhere he went, Jeffrey found friends he already knew or easily made new friends along the way. He was the type of person that was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He will be dearly missed by many, especially by his two brothers, Billy and Brian, and his cat Goldie.

Survivors include his two brothers, William (Billy) Brandt, Wausau, and Brian Brandt, Edgar.

In addition to his parents, Jeffrey was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Brandt.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 426 Washington St. The Rev. Phillip Schneider will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Inurnment will take place at St. John’s Cemetery in the town of Rib Falls. Please go to Helke.com to sign the family guestbook.

Dennis Berdal

Dennis Dale Berdal, 62, a six-year resident of Eagle River, Wisconsin, and formally of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away Tuesday April 9, 2019. Dennis was born on Sept. 17, 1956, in Stanley, Wisconsin, to Edward and June (Johnson) Berdal. Dennis married Pam Ebben on June 5, 1976. They were married for 43 years.

Dennis worked for Grebe’s Ace Hardware prior to becoming a deputy for the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department for 23 years. He was a volunteer for Ascension Eagle River Hospital and helped with the St. Theresa’s Parish Festival and serving funeral luncheons. Dennis enjoyed bird watching and putzing outside. He lived for hunting for that trophy buck.

His greatest joy was spending time on the pontoon fishing with Pam. He also enjoyed teaching the grandchildren how to hunt, fish and drive the pontoon. He will be remembered for his unique sense of humor and storytelling.

He is survived by his wife Pam, Eagle River, his children Ryan (Connie) Weston, Rebecca (Brian) Roeder, Stoughton, Dennis (Eva Motley) Charlotte, North Carolina; grandchildren, Jacob (JJ) and McKenna Berdal, Marcus, Mitchell, Miller and Meric Roeder, Justis, Jamison and Presley Berdal; siblings, Kitty Kenny, Randy (Judy), Rod (Donna). Sister-in-laws, Debbie (Wayne) Seeger, Jane (Dan) Kramer and Nancy (Joel) Cance.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Barry, brother-in-law, Terry Kenny and infant sister Millie; mother- and father-in-law Cliff and Katie Ebben.

Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1701 Superior St., Three Lakes, Wisconsin, with Fr. Allam officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a Humane Society of your choice or St Theresa’s Raise Us Up campaign.

Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family. Online condolences can be made atwww.honorone.com.

Veronica “Verna” Suess

Veronica ‘Verna’ J. Suess, 83 of Birnamwood died unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at her home.

She was born on March 6, 1936, in Antigo, the daughter of the late Otto and Clara (DeBroux) Stadler.

On Oct. 1, 1955, Verna was united in marriage to Leo Suess Sr. at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Aniwa. He preceded her in death on Oct. 31, 2011.

The couple farmed for many years in the town of Aniwa. Verna was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening, especially canning. She was an active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and it’s Christian Mothers.

Verna enjoyed the Milwaukee Brewers and attended many Aniwa BABA games through the years. She also served on the election board for the town of Aniwa for a number of years.

Survivors include her children; Leo Suess Jr. of Shawano, Jim (Ruth) Suess and Cherie (Kevin) Clark all of Birnamwood, Janet (Larry) Laska of Rudolph, Julie (Jared) Wagner of Kronenwetter, Jerry Suess of Birnamwood and Donna (Terry) Ostrowski of Wittenberg; 10 grandchildren, Elizabeth (Harlan) Hirschy, Erin (Joe) Henrikson, Eric (Amanda) Clark, Sarah (Brad) Peterson, Josh (Michelle) Suess, Jason (Tasha) Suess, Carrie Clark, Dana (Shane) Stuard, Nick (Stephanie) Grabko and Cassie (Brandon) Smith; two step-grandchildren, Donelle and Kristin Ostrowski and 16 great-grandchildren. Verna is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

Verna was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; parents, Otto and Clara; son, Jeff; two brothers, Ervin and Adolph and four sisters, Dorothy Gardner, Rosie Kautza, Mary Lenzner and Annabelle Watters.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Aniwa. Rev. Vicente Llagas will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood and again on Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. There will be a Parish Rosary recited at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.

Debora Pinsonneault

Debora L. Pinsonneault, 60, of Hatley died on Friday, April 5, 2019, in her home under the care of her family and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. Debora was born on May 2, 1958, in Wausau, the daughter of the late William and Verna (Habeck) Bleier. On May 13, 1978, Debora was united in marriage to James “Bubba” Pinsonneault in Wausau. He preceded her in death on March 1, 2002.

Debora was a lover of all people and animals alike, especially her beloved cat Precious. She worked as a server at local restaurants and cleaned local businesses for over 30 years. She loved camping, volunteering, and rescuing whatever stray animal visited her yard. Debora was a thoughtful, caring individual who always put others first, and she will forever be missed.

Debora is survived by her sons, James (Sara) Pinsonneault of Weston and Josh (Kristin) Pinsonneault of Appleton; three sisters, Barbara (Darrow) Moore, Pat (Alan) Woznicki, and Sandy (John) Krause; four brothers, Jerry Bleier and Dorothy Kline, Randy Bleier and Linda Koneman, Bob (Ginny) Bleier, and Rick (Kelly) Bleier; sister-in-law, Debbie Bleier and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Debora was preceded in death by her husband, James, parents and a brother, Donnie.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 22, 2019, at St. Florian’s Catholic Parish, Hatley. Reverend Gregory Bohren will officiate. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday beginning at 9 a.m. until the time of service at the parish.

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.

The family would like to thank Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice services for the kind and compassionate care given to Debora and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Debora’s name.