Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Pamela (Tapper) Roemke
Pamela “Pam” J. (Tapper) Roemke, 71, passed away peacefully on May 17th, 2019 at her home with her loving husband Rick by her side.
Pam was born in Wausau on March 20th, 1948, the daughter of Leslie and Mildred (Hackbarth) Tapper. Pam married Frederick “Rick” Roemke on June 13th, 1970 in Wausau, WI. In 1973 they started their family with the birth of daughter Renee (Roemke) Thomsen and later their son Chad Roemke.
Pam graduated from Wausau East High School in 1966. Most of her work career was spent at Marathon County Zoning, where she retired in 2017. She took great joy in visiting with the plumbers and making them smile with a joke or a little good-natured ribbing.
Pam loved time spent with family and friends. She most enjoyed time at her cabin on Seven Island Lake where she would entertain the campfire crowd by playing some lively polka music on her accordion. She also enjoyed sharing a meal with her Diner’s Club, taking adventures with her very special friend Pineapple Gut and laughing with her Chatterbox gang.
Pam had a special bond with her only grandson, Mitch Thomsen. The two shared many laughs, secrets and stories.
In recent years, she and Rick enjoyed time in Florida visiting their great friends Gene Heise, Tom Roemke and many others. She loved her grand dog Sadi Girl who kept her feet warm as she facebooked family and friends from her desk. Pam’s smile and generosity of heart made friends feel like family, none more so than her “beloved boys” Jeff and Mike Heise.
Holidays were special to Pam as she could spend time with her family. Pam loved gatherings with Joy, Jay, Karen and Irv, Beth and Turk and her beloved nieces and nephews for whom she made party mix, seasoned pretzels and Gramma’s dumplings. Pam was an amazing caregiver to her mom, especially in her last years, keeping her books, making her bed, shopping for supplies, accompanying her to many appointments and visiting her whenever possible. A better wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt and niece there will never be.
Pam is survived by her husband Rick “Headband” Roemke; son Chad (Gina) Roemke; son- in- law Scott Thomsen and grandson Mitchell Thomsen; brother Jay (Pam) Tapper; sister Joy (Bill) Pickering; sister-in-law Karen (Irv) Sumner; nieces and nephews Scott (Jane) Sumner, Steve (Michelle) Sumner, Ben, Joe and Ellen Pickering, her aunt and special friend Beth (Tapper) Flory.
She is preceded in death by her father and mother Leslie and Mildred Tapper; father and mother- in- law Fred and Bertha Roemke; and her daughter Renee (Roemke) Thomsen.
A funeral will be held on Friday, May 24th at 1 PM at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 3200 N Mountain Rd, Wausau, WI. Visitation will be from 9 AM until the time of service at the church. Pastor Jenn Collins will officiate.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support during this time of grieving.
Brainard Funeral Home, Wausau is assisting the family with arrangements.
Terrance Narlock
Terrance Peter Narlock, 78, of Ringle, went to be with his Lord on May 16, 2019. He passed away peacefully amongst family in his home.
Terry was born on January 10, 1941 to Lambert and Margaret Narlock. He was born, raised, and laid to rest all within the Wausau area. He graduated from D.C. Everest Highschool in 1959.
Terry had a big personality and loved helping people. He spent the majority of his life working as a foster parent and tending to his family farm. He was also heavily involved in St. Marks Parish as a mentor and teacher. Terry truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting with friends and family, working on projects to stay busy. He was one to figuratively and literally tend to the garden that he could touch. He was compassionate and hardworking. He had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lambert and Margaret (Skarwecki) Narlock, brothers, Ronald Narlock and Gary Narlock, and sister-in-law, Mary (Eiberger) Narlock.
He is survived by his wife, Mary (Kratwell) Narlock, 9 children, Elisabeth Narlock, Adam (Tara) Olson, Jessica (Charlie) Nelson, Audrey Narlock, Anastasia Sebourn, Allen (Debbie) Narlock, Anita (Russell) Simonis, Andrew (Jodie) Narlock, and Anthony Narlock. He was dearly loved and will be missed by his 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in law and close friends.
He is also survived by brothers, Michael Narlock, Dennis (Janis) Narlock, and John (Gail) Narlock, and sisters, Cathy (Peter) Piel, Marilyn (Robert) Stogbauer, and Marylou (Daniel) Krautkramer.
The visitation will be on Thursday, May 23rd from 6-8 pm at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Rothschild, Wisconsin. The funeral service will also be at St. Marks Church on Friday May 24th at 11:30 am.
We would like to honor Terry’s generous nature by feeding those in need one last time. In Lieu of flowers; please give any non-perishable items to the St. Mark Catholic Parish 715.359.5206; 602 Military Rd. Rothschild, WI 54474 or at any local food bank of your convenience.
Beverly Heinz
Beverly D. Heinz, 90, of Wausau, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 19, 2019.
She was born at home in Wausau on October 1, 1928 to the late Walter and Veneta (Jones) Zielesch. After graduating from Wausau High, she went on to work as a Medical Assistant for several doctors in the Wausau area. She retired after working for Dr. Burton K. Smith for 38 years.
On October 15, 1948, Beverly married her best friend, LeRoy Heinz. Together they raised three children, Peggy, Peter, and Sara.
She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church where she often volunteered, was a member of the church circle, and was a Deacon. Beverly was a member of several card clubs and the Ladies Auxiliary for the VFW Burns Post 10. She loved dancing, traveling with LeRoy, going to the casino to play 5 cent slots, and she made a killer “Grandma’s Old Fashion.” Going to the fair every year and playing golf were also something she enjoyed doing; but most important to Beverly was her family. She was a loving and doting grandma who loved to spend time with her grandchildren and a selfless and loving person who always put everyone else’s needs before her own. Her warm heart and beautiful smile will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Beverly is survived by her children, Peggy Heinz of Lacrosse, WI, Sara (Greg) Dietzen of Green Bay, WI, and Peter (Lynn) Heinz of Tomahawk, WI; her grandchildren, Bethany (Ryan), Amanda (fiancé Steve), Colin (fiancé Amanda), Lisa (special friend Derek), and Bennett (fiancé Chelsey); great grandchildren, Shiloh, Sophie, Mason, Cassie and Morgan. She is also survived by her brother, Donald W. Zielesch of Denver, CO.
In addition to her parents, Beverly was preceded in death by her husband LeRoy in 1999 and her special friend Bob Stebelton in 2018.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church, 406 Grant Street, Wausau. Pastor Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9:30 am until the time of services at the church. Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park. Please go to Helke.com to sign the guestbook.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the family, for a memorial in Beverly’s honor.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Primrose and Pride TLC for their care of Beverly; as well as the staff of Aspirus Hospice for their support during Beverly’s time of need. They are forever grateful.
Roger Wienke
Roger Wienke, 65, of Merrill passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 21, 2019.
He was born May 20, 1954 in Wausau to the late Martin and Margareta (Glawe) Wienke. During Vietnam, Roger served in Korea as a Sargent in the U.S. Army Military Police. On August 23, 1997 he married Frances Gryskiewicz at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Merrill. They made their home in Merrill with Roger working as a night supervisor for Menzner Lumber in Marathon for 35 years.
Roger had a larger than life personality. When he entered a room, you knew it with his laughter and smile. Often referred to as “The Bear”, his growl was worse than his bite, as he was a big teddy bear inside. Family time meant the most to Roger. Always looking forward to Sunday dinner at his home with his kids, spouses and grandchildren, especially the grandchildren who had “Papa” wrapped around their fingers. He loved being in the woods, appreciating all that nature had to offer. You could also find him pursuing Walleye in his boat and hunting for that elusive “big buck”.
Survivors include his wife, Frances, three children, Teresa (Perry) Nelson and their family, Christen and Makayla, Rick (Jess) Murray and their daughter, Evelynn, Katrina (Steve) Carstensen and their daughter, Chloe all of Merrill, three sisters, Marlene (Steve) Kroening of Wausau, Diane (Bruce) Smith of Schofield, Rita (John) Woller of Wausau and two brothers, Harold (Debra) Wienke of Wausau and Leon Wienke of Tripoli. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Roy and nephew, Jake Wienke.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau. Reverend Steven Gjerde will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
LeRoy Grosskreutz
LeRoy Frank Grosskreutz, 89, of Wausau, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at Mount View Care Center, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born at home near Fenwood, town of Wein, on April 17, 1930, to the late Henry and Ronetta (Pries) Grosskreutz. LeRoy was baptized on May 11, 1930 at St. John Lutheran Church on Highway N. As he was growing up, LeRoy attended grade school in Fenwood and graduated from Edgar High School in 1949. He enlisted in the Army on October 30, 1951 and completed basic training at Fort Knox and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. On a furlough, he returned home and three days later he married Bernice Bornowski on Wednesday, June 11, 1952, at St. John “High Steeple” Lutheran Church, Edgar. LeRoy was stationed in Germany until October 20, 1953, when he completed his military service. He returned home and was hired as a lineman at Wisconsin Public Service.
In his younger years he loved to roller skate, play baseball, bowling, golf, and square dancing. He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. As a member of the V.F.W. honor guard, he played Taps at many funerals. LeRoy was also a member of Trinity’s Joy and 55 Club, card club, and the Wisconsin Public Service Men’s Club.
Survivors include his wife, Bernice; sons, Dean (Jennifer) Grosskreutz of Cleveland, TN, and Chris (Kim) Grosskreutz of Wausau; grandchildren, Emily (Brandon) Anderson, Chad (Elena) Grosskreutz, Erica and Zoe Grosskreutz, and Kailey, Tyler, and Seth Grosskreutz; great-grandchildren, Liam and Lincoln Grosskreutz; sister, Phyllis Baumer of Grand Haven, MI; and sisters-in-law, Diane Grosskreutz of Evans, CO, Marion Werner of Stratford, and Marie (Jarold) Landwehr of Stratford.
He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Grosskreutz; parents; and brothers and sisters, Geraldine (Eddie) Dorfschmidt, Rozell “Rosie” (Arnold) Weisenberger, Myrtle (Edward) Nowak, Les Baumer, Henry Jr. (Angie) Grosskreutz, and Ronald Grosskreutz.
A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, with Rev. Bruce Lamont officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Entombment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, town of Texas, with military honors provided by V.F.W. Burns Post #388.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
The family sends a special thank you to the staff of Mount View Care Center for the exceptional care LeRoy received while he was there.
Dennis D. Dabbert
Dennis D. Dabbert, 72, Kronenwetter died Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at Tomahawk Health Services under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice.
He was born January 7, 1947 in Wausau, son of the late Dale and Mary (Keller) Dabbert. On August 21, 1971, he married Susan Hornung at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild. She survives.
As a proud Army veteran, and from a family involved in military service—father Dale was a Marine, mother, Mary was a Naval nurse and son, Ryan, an Air Force Staff Sargent—Dennis served in the Vietnam War and received the Bronze Star, Silver Star and Purple Heart medals. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Military Order of the Purple Heart Association. In May of 2016 Dennis went on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight.
He retired from the Wausau Postal Service after 30 years of service. Along with his wife and children he enjoyed traveling and camping, as well as hunting and fishing with his friends. Hobbies include coin collecting, gun shows, antiquing and auctions. Dennis enjoyed attending Brewers games with his friends and Packer games with his wife.
Dennis is survived by his wife of almost 48 years Susan (Hornung) Dabbert, Kronenwetter; one daughter, Michelle (Dabbert) Augustine (Brian), Kronenwetter; two sons, Brandon Dabbert(Sara DeWitt), Mosinee, Ryan (Stephanie) Dabbert, Bloomington, IN; one sister, Julie (Rick) Halder, Gleason; seven grandchildren, Ashley, Alexis, and Aiden Augustine, Lily Dabbert, Kyle, Zachary and Eve Dabbert. His adoring pets, Rocky and Jasper.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday June 4, 2019 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, where full Military Honors will be conducted by members of the VFW. Visitation will be on Tuesday June 4, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the Sixth Street funeral home.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Mary Ann Bryden
Mary Ann Bryden, 84, Weston passed away Sunday, May 19, 2019 at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston.
She was born September 2, 1934 in Two Rivers, daughter of the late Fred and Francis (Doncheck) Hartell. On April 7, 1956 she married Fred Bryden Jr. in Escanaba, Michigan. He survives.
After graduation from Mishicot High School, Mary Ann worked for Mirro Aluminum Goods in Two Rivers. When Fred and Mary Ann started a family, she enjoyed the full-time duties of being a wife and mother. Some of her favorite pastimes included gardening, knitting, crocheting and quilting. While Mary Ann and her family lived in Alaska, she enjoyed selling her oil paintings.
Survivors include her husband, Fred Bryden Jr., Weston, her children, Juanita (Dan) Thomas, Aniwa, Fred (Lori) Bryden III, Wausau and a daughter-in-law, Terri Bryden, Birnamwood, her granddaughter, Dr. Randall Bryden, Eastvale, CA, grandson Benjamin Bryden, Hatley and three great grandchildren, Deakyn, Dayne and Danyka Suess.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her son Robert Bryden, two granddaughters, Rheannon Thomas and Loral (Thomas) Suess, two brothers and two sisters.
Private family services will take place at a later date. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
The family would like to thank the staff at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital for their care and support during the last days of Mary Ann’s life.
Robert G. “Bob” Calmes, age 81, of Weston, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, May 18, 2019. Bob is formerly from Marathon, and was born in Athens, Wisconsin.
Before retiring, Bob and his wife owned and operated Calmes’ Bar in Marathon. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Vernell (Mader) Calmes; and his eight children, Mari Calmes, Renae (Dave) Burk, Shari Calmes Rolain, Rhonda (James) Hannemann, Robert J (Randy) Greene Calmes, Bryant (Kathleen) Calmes, Audra (Mike Pliskie), Gina Calmes McKeough (Brad Nagel); 20 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren, with an additional one expected in June; also his siblings, Joseph Calmes, Richard (Rita) Calmes, James Calmes, Ruth (Tony) Brodjeski, Delores (Ken) Wolf. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marie “May” (Lochen) Calmes; sister, Carol Listle; and brother, Michael Calmes.
Bob loved singing in church, music, art, gardening, floral arranging and spending time with his family, especially his grand and great-grandchildren.
He will be sadly missed!
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Therese Catholic Church in Rothschild are apprecitated.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2019, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Rothschild. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Friday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time for Mass.
The John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Alfred Passow
Alfred W. Passow, 86, of Kronenwetter, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at St. Clare Hospital.
He was born Feb. 7, 1933, in the town of Mosinee, Marathon County, to the late Albert and Ethel (Drake) Passow.
Alfred is survived by his wife, Barbetta of 64 years of marriage; and five children, Lynn (Randy) Julson of Merrill, Randy (Janese) Passow of Minocqua, Laurie (Joe) Muzynoski of Weston, Ladonna Hall of Wausau, and Rob (Heather) Passow of Sayner; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three brothers; two sisters; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; one sister; his daughter, Lisa; grandson, Daniel; and son-in-law, Doug Hall.
Al married Barbetta E. Rossenbach on May 21, 1955. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1953-1955. After learning his trade in the Army, he became an operating engineer until his retirement. He also built several houses in the Wausau area.
His hobbies consisted of fishing, woodworking, hunting and gardening. He was an avid Packers and Brewers fan. He had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday for immediate family. Rev. Gloria Van Houten, of Peace UCC, will officiate, followed by full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to the family for a donation in Al’s honor at a later date.
The Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Rudolph “Rudy” Brummond
Rudy passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at his home at the age of 85.
He was born on July 31, 1933, to the late Rudolph E. and Laura A. Crochiere Brummond in Wausau, Wisconsin. Rudy lived his entire life in Wausau. He graduated from Wausau High School in the class of 1952. After graduation, he worked with the family sheet metal business (Brummond Heating and Sheet Metal) from 1952 to 1959. He was then employed at Wausau Metals later known as Wausau Window and Wall for 48 years, retiring in 2007.
In 1969, he was married to Leila Layman Waldberger Brummond. Leila predeceased Rudy in 1976. Surviving his marriage to Leila is one stepson, Duane (Donna) Waldberger; and three step grandchildren.
In 1983, Rudy was united in marriage to Ruth L. Gohr Freeman Brummond in Madison, Wisconsin. Ruth predeceased Rudy in June, 2018, at UW Health Care in Madison, Wisconsin. Rudy and Ruth spent 35 years together. Surviving his marriage to Ruth include four stepchildren, Doug Freeman of Merrill, Wisconsin, Denise (Richard) Myrup of Colorado, Devin (Rebecca) Freeman, of South Korea, and Daniel Freeman of Minnesota; five step grandchildren and four step great grandchildren.
Rudy is further survived by one brother, Gerald (Bette) Brummond; two sisters-in-law, Mary (Donald) Brummond, and Joan (Aaron) Brummond, all of Wausau, Wisconsin. There are also many nieces nephews and friends surviving.
Rudy is predeceased by his parents, Rudolph and Laura Brummond; and three brothers, Harvey, Donald, and Aaron Brummond.
As per Rudy’s wishes, no services are planned.The Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Frances Johnson
Frances (King) Johnson, 103, of Wausau, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at Rennes Health and Rehabilitation Center, Weston, under the care of Interim Hospice.
She was born on January 5, 1916 in Hatley, daughter of the late Antone and Viola (Czech) King. On June 30, 1936 she married Allen Johnson in Wittenberg. He preceded her in death in 1979.
Frances lived in California for many years and returned to the Wausau area in 1972. She worked for Hammer Blow in Wausau for 10 years, and also worked as a seamstress.
Survivors include two children, Gerald Johnson of AZ, and Beverly (James) Licht of Rib Mountain; 4 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren ; one sister, Delores Wojciehowski of Elderon; and one brother, Bernard King of Hatley.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and many siblings.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at St. Florian’s Catholic Church in Hatley. Fr. Greg Bohren will officiate. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, Norrie. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories and condolences may be given at schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home.
