Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Darrin “DB” Brown
Darrin “DB” Brown, 50, of Wausau, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2019, two days after celebrating his 50th birthday with his friends and family. Darrin battled with an aggressive Glioblastoma brain tumor for 15 months and died peacefully surrounded by family at the Aspirus Hospice House.
Darrin was born in Antigo, on May 10, 1969, to Mary (Zima) and Tracy Brown Sr. After graduating from high school, Darrin went on to further studies at the technical college. He then developed his career as a Print Operator. On June 24, 2010 he married Lori Heinz.
If you knew Darrin, you loved him. He loved a good party, never met a stranger and was always willing to share a beer with anyone who had the time. Camping, planting his vegetable garden and fishing were some of the things that Darrin enjoyed most. He was frequently traveling – especially to Jamaica and various locations to purchase used Buicks. Most important to Darrin were his daughters, wife Lori, Puggle son Leo, and his many friends and family members whom he cared deeply for. Nothing meant more to him than seeing them happy.
Darrin is survived by his wife, Lori; daughters, Alyssa (Daniel) Ennis, and Kasandra (Kelly) Brown; his first grandson who his due on June 12, 2019; brothers, Brian (Cristina) Brown and Tracy (Lisa) Brown; sisters, Elizabeth (Steven) Collatz and Vanessa (Matthew) Venskus; nieces, Trisha and Heather; father Tracy Brown Sr; and his mother-in-law, Joan Heinz.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mom, Mary.
A celebration of Darrin’s life will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce Street, Wausau. Suits are discouraged, tie-dye welcome. Wes Jedras will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will take place in the Town of Stettin Christian Cemetery. Please go to Helke.com to sign the family guestbook.
Rose Mary Wichman
Rose Mary (Esker) Wichman, 74, of Wausau, passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, May 10, 2019, at Aspirus Hospice House.
She was born in Wausau on November 28, 1944, the daughter of the late Zygmund and Evelyn (Senoracke) Esker. On July 4, 1964, Rose was united in marriage to Robert Wayne (Bob) Wichman at St. Florian’s Catholic Church in Hatley, Wis. He survives.
Rose enjoyed gardening and decorating their home for every holiday. She had very strong faith and was an active member of St. Catherine’s Council at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. She also enjoyed bowling, camping, sewing, music and trips in their RV. Above all, she enjoyed being a mother and “Granny” to her eight grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, Bob, three daughters, Deb (Joe) Mirasola, La Crosse, Cindy Wichman Brim, Oconomowoc, and Tammy (Randy) Miller, West Salem; grandchildren, Victor (Michelle) Mirasola, La Crosse; Tony (Jen) Mirasola, Madison; Tatum, Vinny and Max Brim, Oconomowoc; and Dani, Arin and Samantha Miller, West Salem; sisters-in-laws Vernadean Hubbard Gagas, Wausau; Linda Wichman, Merrill; and Jeannette (Fred) Wolff, Wittenberg; brother-in-law Ludwig Jazdzewski, Mauston; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to her parents, Rose was preceded in death by her sister, Anna Jazdzewski; her in-laws Reuben and Verna Wichman; and brothers-in-law Ken Wichman and James Hubbard.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 6 p.m., Friday, May 17, 2019, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1104 S. 9th Ave., Wausau. Father Robert Thorn will officiate. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until the time of service at church. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Interment will be at St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley, at a later date. You may sign our family guest book at Helke.com.
The family thanks the staff and volunteers at North Central Health Care and Aspirus Hospice House for their caring service during Rose’s long and courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Rose was a giving person throughout her life, including sharing herself with the University of Wisconsin to help others through Alzheimer’s research.
Donna Krieg
Donna Mae Krieg, 78, of Wausau, went home to her Heavenly Father on Thursday, May 9.
She was born March 4,1941 in Wausau, daughter of the late Ralph and Gladys Bettin. She married Andrew Krieg on March 18,1978.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
Donna was a dedicated educator starting her teaching career at St. Anne’s Parochial School followed by 28 years in the Wausau School District. She loved spending time with her family and friends, reading and being at the lake. Donna was a lifelong member at Wesley United Methodist Church, where she actively participated in the church choir, taught Sunday School, and was involved in many other church programs.
She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Andrew, her children: John Klug (Debbie), Dave Klug (Michelle), and Sara Williams (Steve) Timothy Krieg (Kelly), Daniel Krieg (Jennifer), 14 grandchildren, and her sister, Jeanne Schuetz (Gary). She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Katherine Bettin, and son-in-law, Steve Williams.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 15th from 4-7pm at Helke’s Funeral Home at 302 Spruce Street Wausau. The morning visitation and funeral service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church at 1101 Elm Street Wausau on Thursday, May 16. Visitation will be held from 10-11am, funeral service at 11:00, with a lunch to follow. Donna will be laid to rest at Restlawn Cemetery, Wausau.
Roxanne Johnson
Roxanne Marie Johnson was born August 14, 1967 to parents Joseph and Rita (Spindler) Edel in Owatonna, MN. She was a Graduate of Owatonna High School and received her college degree from UW-Stevens Point in Education in 1990. She met her husband Normond (Norm) Johnson while at UWSP and they were married in 1991. They were blessed with two daughters, Hannah (1994) and Morgan (1997). On May 10, 2019 she passed away under hospice care, after an 18-year battle with brain cancer.
Roxanne was a teacher with the DC Everest School District for 25 years. She started teaching at Schofield Elementary in 1991, but spent most of her career at Rothschild Elementary, where she taught third grade. She loved to teach and had a special ability to connect with all of her students. She was a very good storyteller and master of facial expressions. She especially enjoyed teaching math and was proud of exposing all of her students to the game of Chess. She was blessed with many life-long friendships with staff members from Rothschild Elementary.
Being there to see her daughters grow up was her top priority and she loved just being mom. She enjoyed spending her time with family and friends. She had an infectious smile and a contagious laugh. She loved camping and fishing at Prairie Lake Campground, sand volleyball, traveling and watching sporting events. Roxanne had competitive spirit and enjoyed playing volleyball, basketball and fast-pitch softball in high school. She passed that love of sports onto her children and enjoyed watching them play. She was an avid Packers, Bucks, Brewers and Badgers fan and even had a soft spot in her heart for the Vikings. She will be missed by countless family, friends and former students.
She is survived by her husband Norm Johnson, two daughters Hannah (Bryan) Lampkin and Morgan Johnson. Her parents Joe and Rita Edel, in-laws Morris and Catherine Johnson. Her Brothers Terry Edel, Scott (Rhonda) Edel, Todd (Dianne) Edel, Her brothers-in-law Raymond (Sarah) Johnson, Sigmond (Caroline) Johnson, Armond (Brenda) Johnson. Nieces and Nephews: Jessica (Brandon) Jahn, Lisa Edel, Calvin (Eli) Edel, Isaiah Edel, August Arsenault, Nicole (Matt) Overman, Chelsea (Dustin) Getta, Corey Gedicke, Bradley Edel, Ashton Edel, Amy (Ryan) Lemke, Gabriell (Garrett) Larson, Angela Edel, Arielle Johnson, Aaron Johnson, Talon Johnson, Abby Johnson, Penelope Johnson, Erica Koehler and Kendall Johnson.
Preceded in death by grandparents Charles and Bertha (Schrom) Spindler, Edward and Georgiana (David) Edel. Aunts Dolores (Spindler) Bauer and Bernice (Spindler) Edel. Uncles Lawrence Spindler, Robert Spindler.
Visitation in Weston, WI will be Tuesday May 21, 2019 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 6101 Zinser St., Weston, WI from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
In Owatonna, MN visitation will be Thursday May 23, 2019 at Brick & Meger Funeral Home from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Visitation on Friday March 24, 2019 will be from 9:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Owatonna, MN until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements in Weston, WI Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.
Vivian Koppa
Vivian M. Koppa died Friday, May 10, 2019 at Azura Memory Care, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. She was 94 years old.
Vivian was born on April 7, 1925 in Wausau, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Joseph P. and Helen M. (Sniegoski) Skarwecki. She married Alexander J. Koppa at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau on November 4, 1950. Alex preceded Vivian in death on April 20, 2011.
Vivian graduated from Wausau East High School and completed her nurses training at St. Mary Hospital where she worked for many years. She also volunteered as a pinned Red Cross nurse at the Green Bay Correctional Institution in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Vivian will be remembered as a vibrant and gracious woman with a keen intellect and a dry wit. She was an avid reader and talented knitter and took joy in making those she loved feel special.
Survivors include her children, Peter (Jackie) Koppa, Stevens Point, and Susan (David) Koppa McClurg, Waukesha; grandchildren, Katie (Brenden) Shallow, Christopher Koppa and Kelsey McClurg; daughter-in-law, Sue Koppa, Tacoma, WA. and four great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, older brother, Joe, and husband, Alex, Vivian was preceded in death by her two eldest sons, Michael and Stephen.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. The Very Rev. Mark Pierce will preside. Entombment will be in Holy Angels Mausoleum, St. Michael Cemetery, Wausau. Visitation will be at the church Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Mary Wagner
Mary Winifred Wagner, 97, passed away peacefully at home on May 9, 2019.
She was born in St. Paul, MN, daughter of the late Marvin and Helen (Phelps) Winston.
Mary is survived by her children, Lana (Larry) Markey, Bruce (Linda) Hoss, Debbie Reinicke and Thomas (Beth) Hoss; 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Wagner, husband, Loren Hoss, their daughter, Mary Lackey, her parents, one sister, two brothers and her sons-in-law, Charles Lackey and Thomas Reinicke.
Mary was a member of St. Matthew Parish. She retired from Wausau Insurance. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, music, reading and watching the Green Bay Packers. Mary took pride in her grandchildren’s achievements.
The family would like to thank the staff at Interim Hospice, TLC Home Care and her wonderful neighbors.
A funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2019 at St. Matthew Catholic Church followed by a celebration of her life at Malarkey’s.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Ruth Schultz
It is with much sadness our family announces the death of Ruth M. Schultz, 98, Wausau, on Tuesday, April 30, 2019.
She was born September 30, 1920. Aunt Ruthie was a sweet, gentle, yet powerful spirit in the lives of her nieces, nephews and dear friends. We will miss her, but find comfort in knowing she joins her beloved husband Paul who passed 13 years ago.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Monday May 20, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church. The Very Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will preside. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Monday, May 20, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com A complete obituary will be published later.
William “Bill” John Jaeger
William J. “Bill” Jaeger, 82, Marathon, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, May 10, 2019 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born March 31, 1937 in Marshfield, son of the late Arnold and Mae (Gorman) Jaeger. On March 30, 1959, he married Nancy Chrouser at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Stratford. She survives.
In 1959, Bill and Nancy moved to Marathon where he worked for Marathon City Brewing, until its closing. For most of his life, Bill worked as a dispatcher for several area trucking companies, most recently for B & K Trucking. During his retirement years, he continued working for B & K Trucking as a parts runner, a job he truly enjoyed. Bill was a veteran of the United States Army.
Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed bowling, playing poker on Wednesday nights with the guys, going to the casino and golfing was a favorite pastime of Bill’s. He also liked to watch all sports on TV and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and Green Bay Packers fan. He loved to play the machines in the bars and if there was a “hole in the wall bar” he would be the one to find it! Bill always enjoyed the annual “Jaeger Pub Crawl” a family tradition every year, held the day after Thanksgiving.
Bill especially loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed.
Survivors include the love of his life for over 60 years, his wife, Nancy Jaeger, Marathon; two daughters, Kim Lang, Marathon and Kae (Gary) Wilichowski, Marathon; six grandchildren, Kyle (Tracy) Lang and their children, Aiden and Taelyn, Megan (Felipe) Lang-Mosqueda and their children, Jayden and Jaxon, Derek (Melissa) Wilichowski and their children, Allyson, Rylee and Parker, Jordan (Katelyn) Lang and their children, Beckett and Camden, Taylor (Nick) Wilichowski-Weidman and Kelsey (Andrew) Lang-Kraft and their son, Zachary; one sister, Margaret Hamilton, Green Bay; one brother, Peter (Marie) Jaeger, Stratford; one sister-in-law, Bernice (Gordon) Wundrow, Tomahawk; one brother-in-law, Terry Chrouser, California; and nieces, nephews, relatives and friends further survive.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one great-grandson, Hunter Kraft; one sister, Kathryn Wundrow; and an infant brother, Thomas Jaeger.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Visitation will be on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be a celebration of life on Friday from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Marathon City Sports Center, following services at the church.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Dr. Hamied Rezazadeh, Dr. Thomas Stoffel, the staff of the Palliative Care Unit and the hospice nurses at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, for the wonderful care and support given to Bill and his family.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Loren R. Ellis
Loren R. Ellis, 83, Wausau, died Saturday May 11, 2019 at the Hospice House, Wausau.
He was born December 2, 1935, in Omro, son of the late Joe and Adeline (Fiegel) Ellis. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he served from 1954 until 1957 with service in North Africa. On May 16, 1958, he married Alberta Schmidt in Dubuque, Iowa. She survives.
Prior to his retirement, Loren had been employed at Mercury Marine for 38 years. In his free time, Loren enjoyed taking road trips with an occasional trip to the casino. He also enjoyed woodworking and his handiwork was often gifted to his family.
Survivors include his wife, Alberta, five children, Brian (Tonda) Ellis, Scott (Bonnie) Ellis, Karla (Tony) Gentz, Lynne (Lisa) Ritchart, Charles (Ronda) Ellis, 15 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, a sister, Cheryl (Jim) Wolfe, step sisters, step brother, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Marilyn (Lloyd) Sutton and grandson, William Ellis.
Funeral services will be 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at Mountain of the Lord Lutheran Church, Rib Mountain. Pastor Andrew Buschkopf will officiate. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Full military honors will follow the service and will be conducted by the American Legion Montgomery Plant Dudley Post No. 10, Wausau. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Beaver Dam, at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to Mountain of the Lord Lutheran Church or Hospice House.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Jacquelyn M. Kriewaldt
Jacquelyn M. Kriewaldt, age 90, formerly of Bowler, died Saturday May 11, 2019 at her home in Wausau, Sylvan Crossings Assited Living, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
She was born on September 19, 1929 in Green Bay, WI, the daughter of the late Irving and Marie (Kolpack) Van der Veren. On August 7, 1948 she was united in marriage to Elmo Kriewaldt. He preceded her in death.
Jacky was a graduate of Bowler High School, Langlade County Normal School, and the Wisconsin State College Stevens Point (UWSP). After graduation, Jacky taught elementary education for over 50 years in several area schools including Eland, Bowler, Shawano, Kenesha & Neopit, and Gresham. She also taught dance for many years, running Jacky’s Dance Studio.
Jacky is the loving mother of Kim (Cindy) Kriewaldt, and Shawn (Lynn Hahnfeld) Kriewaldt, both of the Madison, WI area, and loving grandmother of Brock, Lauren, Tommy, and Karlye.
In addition to her parents and husband, Jacky was preceded in death by her sister, Jeannie Duffek.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, May 17 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bowler. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 am until the time of the service. Interment will be at the Evergreen Cemetery, Town of Almon. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials for Evergreen Cemetery. Jacky’s love, generosity, and faith will be forever with us.
The family would like to thank Rev. Schram, Aspirus Hospice of Wausau, and all the staff at Applegate Terrace, Wausau Manor, and especially Sylvan Crossings.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta.
