Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Alexis Roloff
Alexis Paige Roloff, 20, of Weston passed away on April 30, 2019, at Mayo Clinic, St. Mary’s Campus, as result of a pulmonary embolism.
She was born on July 24, 1998, in Wausau to Dan and Christy (Raatz) Roloff. She was the older sister to Logan, her best friend. Alexis and Logan talked to each other about anything and cherished spending time together.
From a young age, Alexis was involved in many athletic activities including gymnastics, dance, and soccer. She was a 2016 graduate of D.C. Everest Area Senior High, where she was active in track, volleyball, DECA, and worked in the school store. During her time in college, she became the best of friends with her Lacrosse team at UW-Milwaukee. Her drive and positive work ethic were recently being used toward a degree in elementary education at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Alexis loved spending time with her family. Whether they were traveling on vacation or camping across Wisconsin with the neighborhood, family time was most important. She was very adventurous and loved to try new things. She went hunting with her family; the “Black Creek Trophy Bucks.” She shot her first doe with her Gramps (Bill Raatz) and just shot her first buck this past hunting season. Sundays were meant for watching the Packers with her family and many friends.
In her short 20 years of life, Alexis touched the lives of so many and lived with more purpose and love that many never get to do in their entire lifetime. Her beautiful smile, quirky laugh, goofy sense of humor and fear of spiders will be remembered by everyone she knew and met.
Alexis is survived by her loving parents, Dan and Christy, and brother Logan, of Weston; paternal grandparents, Dick and Carol Roloff of Weston; maternal grandparents, William and Shari Raatz of Edgar; uncles Jon (fiancée Kathy) Raatz and Matt Raatz; aunt Vicki (fiancé Jason) Roloff; cousins Hunter, Mitchell, Will, Ethan, Katja, Mya, Landon and Atticus; and her special “little brother,” Owen Wilson, her fur-ball. She is preceded in death by her great-grandparents and other relatives.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2019, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 6101 Zinser St., Weston, Wisconsin. The Rev. Greg Bohren will preside. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 9, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, and again on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Interment will be at the church cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to The Alexis Roloff Memorial Fund at Intercity State Bank, 2900 Schofield Ave., Weston, WI 54476.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Donations may be made to:
The Alexis Roloff Memorial Fund at Intercity State Bank
2900 Schofield Ave., Weston WI 54476
Tel: 715-359-4920
Lois “Lucy” Ugoretz
Lois A. “Lucy” Ugoretz, 75, of Wausau died Friday, May 3, 2019, at Mountain Terrace Assisted Living under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
She was born Sept. 8, 1943, to the late Lawrence and Anna (Hondorf) Hoeft. On Dec. 7, 1963, she married James Ugoretz at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Marathon. He preceded her in death on April 14, 2010.
For 35 years, Lois worked at Marathon Cheese until her retirement. In her spare time, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and also enjoyed visiting with the elderly.
Survivors include two children, Troy (Tanya) Ugoretz, Shawano and Lisa Turzinski (Kurt Hagen), Wausau; five grandchildren, Amber (Josh) Jacobsmeier, David Allender, Kassi (James Detjens) Krahn, Faith Ugoretz and Kendra Ugoretz; great-grandchildren, Makenna Jacobsmeier and Wyatt Detjens; sisters Doris (Kenny) Schmidt and Susy Hoeft, brother-in-law Mike Cyzan, many other in-laws, relatives and friends.
Besides her parents and husband, Lois was preceded in death by her sister Dawn Cyzan, brother-in-law, Robert Ugoretz and sister-in-law Ruth Kropidlowski.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 9, 2019, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Wausau. Visitation will be Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Burial will be at Stettin Christian Cemetery.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Topanga LaVake
Beloved daughter, Topanga Rae LaVake, 17, died on April 30, 2019, due to a tragic car accident.
She was born on July 27, 2001, to the parents, Michelle Kannenberg and Eric LaVake in Wausau. Topanga was to graduate this year from the NTC Alternative High School in Wausau and then in the fall continue her education to become a CNA. Topanga enjoyed spending time with friends, fishing, going up North, and shopping for clothes and shoes. She loved animals and helping people.
Survivors include her mother, Michelle (fiancé, Aaron Reissmann); father, Eric LaVake; sisters, Kailey and Aria Reissmann, and their dog, Gracie, which she loved; brother, Alex LaVake; grandparents, Michael (LaVonne) Kannenberg and Lee (Sandy) LaVake; uncle, Mike Kannenberg; and aunt, Julie LaVake. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at Wausau Alliance Church, 2125 Franklin St., Wausau, with Pastor Aaron Rothermel officiating. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. at the church until the time of service. Burial will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Elaine Schroeder
Elaine Selma Schroeder, 86, Wausau, died Monday, April 29, 2019, at Wausau Manor under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
Elaine was born Oct. 7, 1932, on the family farm in Mosinee to the late Martin and Selma (Stensburg) Sparby. She proudly graduated from Mosinee High School in 1950 and later married Alan Schroeder on Nov. 29, 1958, in Pine City, Minnesota. The couple was blessed with two children: Linda and Mark. Elaine helped to support her family working for Employee Mutual/Wausau Insurance where she began in the mailroom and retired following over 30 years of service as the audit department manager. Following retirement, she enjoyed volunteering at the Talent Shop for a number of years. After 49 loving years together, Alan died on Aug. 24, 2008.
Elaine was a very independent and strong-willed person who deeply loved her family and neighborhood. Some of her favorite times were spent on her porch with friends and family with her home often being the neighborhood meeting place. In celebration of her 80th birthday, then Wausau Mayor Jim Tipple named Elaine “Honorary Citizen,” truly making her day. Elaine faithfully cheered on the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. In her free time, she enjoyed working meticulously on needlepoint projects, puzzles and crosswords keeping her sharp throughout her life.
Elaine is survived by her loving son, Mark (Mary Morgan) Schroeder; son-in-law, Mart Grams; grandchildren, Nathan (Emily) Grams and Benjamin (Cassandra) Grams; great-granddaughters, Allisandra, Sophia and Avery; sister-in-law, Dorothy Sparby; and many extended family and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Grams; siblings, Merlin Sparby, Norman Sparby, Mabel Hessey, Hilder Smerda and Martin Sparby.
A celebration of Elaine’s life will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at Helke Funeral Home. Friends may visit and share stories with the family from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Humane Society of Marathon County, 7001 Packer Drive, Wausau, WI 54401, or to a charity of your choice.
A word of thanks goes to the nurses and staff of Wausau Manor and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their compassionate care for Elaine during her final months. Also, very special appreciation goes to Elaine’s neighborhood family that have loved and supported her the past 55 years.
Fred Kroll Jr.
Fred J. Kroll Jr. met his eternal father on Sunday, April 28, 2019. He was born on Dec. 4, 1933, in Maple Park, Illinois. His family moved to Delevan, Wisconsin,where as a young adult, he served on the town board as an alderman. He was also a long-time member of the Masonic Temple, marking his membership of over 60 years. He served our country via the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. Fred was a social man, enjoyed talking with friends, fishing, going to church and having his kids and grandkids visit. He was very knowledgeable and loved to discuss virtually anything and was NEVER wrong.
Fred is preceded in death by his brother, Richard; and his sisters, Marion, Evelyn, Shirley and Janice. Also, his wife, Marion; her daughter, Julie; and son, Jay.
He is now missed by his children, Fred (Debb) Kroll, Michael Kroll, John Kroll, Kristen (Carrie) Becker, and Heather (Duane) Larson. In addition, he is survived by his stepsons, Mark (Mary), Brian (Sally), and Tom; and step-daughter, Jane (Jerry).
He is also missed by his many grandkids, nieces, nephews and so many friends.
Fred left an imprint on so many lives and there will never be another one like him.
We hope you are catching loads of fish with Marion by your side. We all love and miss you.
A ceremony will be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Rib Mountain, on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at 11 a.m. There will be a half-hour visitation prior to the service. Burial will be at a later date.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Jeffery Grebe
Jeffery Gene Grebe, 59, passed away on the evening of April 24, 2019, at his residence. He was born July 7, 1959, in Wausau, the son of Eugene and Lorraine (Kohn) Grebe.
He was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved taking adventures that led him outdoors, enjoying his cabin out in the woods, skiing, biking, four-wheeling, boating, canoeing, hunting and much more. He was a loving father, who shared his love of adventure and knowledge with his two daughters. Learning how to put a worm on a hook and showing them how to fillet a fish. He enjoyed making maple syrup on the land with his father and continue to keep his father’s dream of making maple syrup on his land alive, as it was his dream as well. He had a knack for fixing things and working on vehicles. He would, on many warm days, go for rides on his motorcycle. He was involved in many community events. He was blessed with many friends who enjoyed his company. He was kind, helping countless people throughout his life. Everyone liked Jeff, he was easy going and a joy to be around. His life is not at an end and there will be more adventures ahead. He will be greatly missed and forever with us.
Survivors include his daughters Katie Grebe; Kelsey (Brian) Grover; grandchildren Colin, Eion, Olivia, and Jaxson; mother Lorraine Grebe; sister Sherry Grebe; brother Jess Grebe; he also leaves behind many family members and friends.
Jeff was preceded in death by his father Eugene and sister Eugenie “Gina” Grebe.
A Memorial Service will be Saturday, May 11, 2019, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, at noon. There will be a time of sharing memories from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Friends may sign the family guest book at helke.com.
Erma Kaisershot
Erma Lena (Podevels) Kaisershot died on April 30, 2019. Her loving husband was holding her hand as she bravely passed from this life to go into life everlasting with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven.
Erma was born on July 30, 1929, at the family farm east of Colby, Wisconsin, to the late Eugene and Anna Podevels. After graduating from high school, she went to live and work in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she lived with her grandparents. There she met Edward Kaisershot when he got out of the U.S. Navy. They were married on May 23, 1950.
While in Milwaukee, she worked for Adelman’s Laundry and AC Sparkplug. In 1956, Edward received a transfer to the post office in Marathon, Wisconsin, and they moved to Marathon. During that time, Erma worked as a nurse’s aide at Sunnyvale Infirmary for five years and as a cook for two years at Sunnyvale Manor, both in Wausau, Wisconsin. She also worked for a time at Bard Co., in Wausau, Wisconsin, making medical supplies. Erma was also a member of the Marathon Hillcrest Homemakers and the Rural Letter Carriers Auxiliary, both in Marathon.
After she and Ed retired, they moved to the Tomahawk, Wisconsin, area. While there, Erma belonged to the Ladies Circle of Grace Lutheran Church in Tomahawk. Erma enjoyed camping, traveling, fishing, playing cards, dancing, bowling and sewing quilts and quilt tops for her church and family. One of her favorite pastimes was making everyone’s favorite pies for holidays and birthdays. She was also a great NASCAR fan.
Their retirement years were spent traveling south for the winter months. They served as campground hosts for nine years at Lost Dutchman State Park, near Apache Junction, Arizona, and for one year at Leesburg State Park, north of Las Cruses, New Mexico. For a few years, they also sold Christmas trees, for a Wisconsin tree grower, in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, area.
Erma wants you to know, though, “Our children and their families were always the joy of our lives.” Erma and Ed had five children: Elaine (Glenn) Nass, Merrill, Wisconsin. Kathleen (Jerry) Fosterling, Marathon, Wisconsin. Ronald Kaisershot, deceased at age 47 years. Peggy (Richard) Brown, Sandy, Utah. Marvin (Karen) Kaisershot, Elko, Nevada. And four grandchildren: Marc (Erica) Fosterling, Eagan, Minnesota. Faye (Nass) Cantrell, Merrill, Wisconsin. Katy (Joe) Miner, Elko, Nevada. Morgan Kaisershot, Elko, Nevada. And five great-grandchildren: Drake and Ayden Cantrell, both of Merrill, Wisconsin. Eliza and Leon Miner, both of Elko, Nevada. Charlotte and Cameron Fosterling, both of Eagan, Minnesota.Erma also has one brother, LaVern (Audrey, deceased) Podevels, Tomahawk, Wisconsin, and two sisters, Marie (Bernard, deceased) Dahlke, Reeves, Louisiana, and Marjorie (Orville, deceased) Manecke, Edgar, Wisconsin. Also, one sister-in-law Violet (Tony, deceased) Kaisershot, Cleveland, Minnesota. She also has many nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be no funeral service. When Erma and Ed have both passed away, they will be buried together at Greenwood Cemetery, Tomahawk, Wisconsin. A private graveside service will be held at that time. Their beloved traveling companion and fondly missed Shih Tzu dog, “Pebbles,” will be buried with them.
One day, way, way, way back when Ed and Erma were dating, Ed asked Erma if he could come along with her to her church on Sunday mornings. She, of course, said yes! There’s more to this love story than what we share with you here, but it’s part of one more important thing you should know about Ed and Erma:
Dad says he has believed, from the very beginning, that God determined to bring him and Mom together and into a life-long marriage. He knew he was in love with Mom even before he’d actually met her or knew anything about her. Dad gives God all the credit for this and the life God blessed them with. If you run into dad sometime, ask him how he and Erma met.
And we share one more thing you might not know about Erma: Mom chose and memorized this hymn for her 1943 confirmation in the Lutheran church her family belonged to.
Looking at its beautiful words now that she’s gone to heaven, we see it describes her daily walk with her Lord Jesus Christ — from a young girl all the way now into eternity. From her 1943 confirmation hymnal, hymn number 283: “Heavenly Guide” Jesus, lead the way Guide us day by day; And although the way be cheerless ,He will follow, calm and fearless; Guide us by Thy hand To our fatherland. Though the way be drear, Though the foe be near, Let not faithless fears o’ertake us, Let not faith and hope forsake us; For through many a woe To our home we go. When we seek relief From a long-felt grief, When temptations come alluring Make us patient and enduring; Show us that bright shore Where we weep no more. Jesus, lead the way, Guide us day by day; Heavenly Leader, still direct us, Still support, console, protect us, Till we safely stand In our fatherland. Amen
Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences maybe expressed at www.HonorOne.com.
Eleanor Johnson
Eleanor H. Johnson, ‘nibnekmek’ ‘Fair Banks’, 80, of Wittenberg died on Thursday, May 2, 2019, at her home.
She was born on Oct. 1, 1938, in Schofield, the daughter of the late John Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Big Thunder) Long.
On July 22, 1960, Eleanor was united in marriage to Walter Johnson Sr. at Partridge Lake, Wisconsin.
Eleanor was an ordained minister and graduated from the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkley, California. Her church work took her to many places and the couple enjoyed traveling.
Survivors include her husband, Walter Sr. of Wittenberg; six children, Walter Johnson, Jr. of Berkley, California, Peter Johnson of Rhinelander, Marcus Johnson of Minneapolis, Crystal (Daniel) Deschinny of Laona, Candace (Alan) Johnson of Hastings, Minnesota, and Andrea Johnson of Chippewa Falls; eight grandchildren, Jacob, Ophelia, Jamela, Gerald, Jaiden, Alaytra, Skylar and Heyla and one great-grandchild, Janryah.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; great-grandchild, Adaysha and siblings, Alpheus, Douglas, Phillip, Correne,Ophelia, Lorraine and Lillian.
Commitment services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2019, at the Native American Church, Wittenberg. Mr. Kelly Lamere will officiate. Burial will be in Sox Minak Memorial Cemetery, Wittenberg. Visitation will be on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Delores Kottke
Delores Doris (Fellbaum) Kottke of Wausau died peacefully in the early morning hours of May 3 at Wausau Manor, Wausau, where she had been a resident for the past several months. Delores was born on March 5, 1927, in the town of Rib Falls. She was 92.
Delores is now with her precious Savior, Jesus Christ, and with her beloved husband, Orlin, who preceded her in death, on Jan. 29, 2017. Delores and Orlin had a special marriage of almost 70 years and when Orlin died, the light in her life was gone and she struggled to continue living.
Delores is survived by her two daughters, Barbara Neubauer Zarn (Michael) Wisconsin Rapids, and Beverly Royer Wausau; her grandchildren, Jason Neubauer (Michelle) Fond du Lac, Andrew Kluetz Paris, France; step-grandchildren; Lisa Myles Wausau and Cindy Royer (Craig Kuhls) Stevens Point.
Great grandchildren, Ryan and Ashley Neubauer, step great grandchildren, Emma, Ellicia and Cordell Myles and Sarah and McKinley Lentz and many nieces and nephews.
Delores was preceded in death by her parents August and Anna (Brandt) Fellbaum and all of her brothers and sisters; Norman, Arnold, Irene Loy, Viola Weise, Alice Kleinschmidt, and Margaret Saettler and sons-in-law, Rodney Neubauer and Lance Royer.
Delores chose not to have a funeral service; a private graveside service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Wausau.
The family would like to thank Pastor Steven Gjerde of Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau, for all of time he has spent with Delores over the past two years and a special thank you to Aspirus Comfort Care Hospice Services of Wausau for all of the loving care and concern that was given to Delores in her final days.
