Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Gerald “Jerry” Radtke
Gerald “Jerry” K. Radtke, 89, of Schofield died in his sleep on June 4, 2019, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Inurnment will take place in a private service.
Gerald was born in Wausau to Kurt and Aleda (Gluck) Radtke on Dec. 3, 1929. He attended Wausau High School and went on to play football for Carroll College. He was a salesman for the Wausau Paper Mill after graduation. On April 3, 1956, he married Shirley Davis, and she survives. Gerald enjoyed attending estate sales, refinishing furniture and collecting antiques. He loved watching sports on TV and was one of the best armchair referees around.
In addition to his wife, Gerald is survived by his son Kurt (Julie) Radtke of Medford; daughter Kelly (Charles) Schermetzler of Houston, Texas; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Beverly Dasch and Thayne Parmar.
Brainard Funeral Home of Weston is assisting the family.
LeRoy Guralski
LeRoy John Guralski, 76, of Weston, formerly of Edgar, passed into eternal life on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at Rennes Health and Rehab, Weston, following a long battle with illness.
He was born Sept. 11, 1942, in Edgar, son of the late John and Irene (Knetter) Guralski. On Aug. 18, 1967, he married the love of his life, Terra Lee Sigl at St. John Catholic Church, Marshfield. Together, they raised six wonderful sons while farming and working many other jobs.
LeRoy was a member of the Capuchin Order for four years. He was an active member of St. John Catholic Church in Edgar for many years and loved ice fishing, traveling, playing cards and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Terra Lee Guralski; his sons, Francis (Angela), Matthew (Angela), Michael (Katy), James (Kim) and Bernard; his grandchildren, Mitchell, Danielle, Nicholas, Isaac, Makayla, Erica, Brenna, Logan and Callie; his brothers, Glenroy (Diane), Gerald (Sandy) and Stephen (Carol); his sisters, Jean (John) Sattler, Mary (Tom) Fahey and Judy (Wayne) Novak; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Luke; his brother, Michael; and his sisters, Rosalie, Elsie and Louise.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild. Rev. Louis Britto will preside. Burial will be at St. John Cemetery, Edgar. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, Ascension Hospice, the staff at both Rennes Health and Rehab and Renaissance in Weston, and Dr. Jeffrey Oswald for all the wonderful care and support you gave to LeRoy and his family.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Thomas Lavin
Beloved husband of Anita J. (Nielsen) Lavin. Father through marriage to Katherine (Nielsen) Collins, Aaron and Anthony Nielsen. Father of Megan Lavin. Brother of Donna Kolonko, Eileen Schmidt and Mary Rybak. Grandfather of Darian Nielsen, Calvin and Lilah Collins and Collin and Ryan Nielsen. Tom also shared close relationships with brothers-in-law Jim Kolonko, Ken Schmidt and Bill Rybak and son-in-law Tim Collins.
Tom was born and raised in Butternut, Wisconsin. He graduated from Butternut School in 1965. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Vietnam war. First on the USS Enterprise, then later on the newly commissioned USS John F. Kennedy on which he was personally selected to serve. He declined an offer to attend Annapolis Navel Academy in order to return to civilian life.
Tom was employed by Hadley Office Products for 24 years prior to his retirement. He was happiest in his retirement years working around the house and yard while enjoying the beauty, peace and serenity he loved. His grandchildren provided him with many happy times.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Clarence and Eleanor Lavin. He left behind his faithful and loving cat Izzy.
Clarence Soczka
Clarence F. Soczka, 89, of Wausau died Saturday, June 1, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born Sept. 13, 1929, in the town of Rietbrock, to the late Mat and Margaret (Sekorski) Soczka. He married Esther Lewandowski on Oct. 17, 1951, at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church in Bevent. She preceded him in death on June 5, 2014.
Clarence was a dairy farmer for 15 years. After farming, he was employed by the Marathon County Highway Department for 29 years, retiring in 1991.
Survivors include his two sons, Clarence (Jane) of Wausau and Gary (Lynn) of Weston; three grandsons, James (fiancé, Melissa), Derek (Alicia), and Evan; and two great-grandsons; Hunter and Alex.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther; parents; five sisters, Hattie, Lucy, Frances, Marcella, and Agnes; and two brothers, Edward and Leo.
A memorial mass will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at St. Anne Parish, 700 W. Bridge St., Wausau, with Father Robert Streveler officiating. Friends and family may call beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Gordon Beilke
Gordon Beilke, a lifelong resident of the Wausau area, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at the age of 91.
Gordon was born May 26, 1928, in Marathon, the eldest son of Arnold and Edna (Hackbarth) Beilke. He married Shirley V. Fraaza on June 14, 1941, and they enjoyed almost 72 years of loving companionship together.
Shortly after their marriage, Gordon began working at the Weyerhauser Paper Co., where he rose to the position of mechanical millwright. He retired from that position in 1988 after 43 years.
He and Shirley enjoyed a wonderful life together. They have been faithful members of the congregation of Our Saviors Lutheran Church for more than 70 years. They raised three daughters – Kathlyn Schaaf, Pamela Beilke and Vicki Doede – and loved spending time with their five grandchildren Heather Vander Zwaag, Lindsey Jo Doede, Matthew Doede, Jeremy Schaaf and Cody Schaaf.
Summers would find them camping with their young family in northern Wisconsin and Door County or taking long cross-country road trips. They eventually bought a property outside of Fish Creek and enjoyed 25 years of family fun there with their grandchildren.
Gordon was a sweet and generous man who loved to work on projects. He was a skilled mechanic who helped family and friends when repairs were required, who mowed lawns and cleared snow for neighbors. He and Shirley remodeled an old barn at their Door County property into a beautiful summer cottage.
Gordon is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; his daughters; his grandchildren; and his brother Merlyn Beilke.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Kenneth; and sister-in-law Betty Tornow.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2019, at Our Savior’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 703 Flieth St., Wausau. Pastor Robert Edwards will officiate. Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park. Please go to Helke.com to sign the family guestbook.
We wish to thank the staff of Primrose Memory Care for their loving care and support.
Victoria Enich
Victoria Lynn Enich, 65, of Wausau passed away on Monday, June 3, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born on May 26, 1954, in Wabeno, Wisconsin, to Victor and Leticia (Schenk) Kobylarz. On, April 9, 1994, she was married to Thomas Enich in Joliet, Illinois.
Victoria had worked in the construction supply industry until retiring in 2016. Her interests included going to the cabin in Tomahawk, reading, crossword puzzles, watching birds and she loved her cats. She was an avid Packers fan.
Survivors include her husband, Thomas; mother, Leticia Wellnitz; brother, Daniel Kobylarz; sister, Theresa Hennen; and nephew, Alex Hennen.
Victoria continued to help others as being a tissue donor after her passing.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2019, at the John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Ave. in Schofield. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Noelle Douglas
How to say goodbye when it’s not time yet. That’s what the family and friends of Noelle Douglas have been trying to come to terms with since Sunday afternoon, June 2, 2019. That is the day this bouncy girl unexpectedly went to eternal sleep, at the young age of 30. She left behind a life that was just beginning.
As a traveling nurse, she explored America. Facebook let us all easily share in her “adventures” through pictures and sassy remarks. She may have called Michigan, Colorado, Virginia, Maine and Florida home among other stops, but her heart was always in Wisconsin. Her mother and family rejoiced this past December when Noelle finally returned home.
Although it has been a short time, her infectious laugh and smile warmed central Wisconsin’s temperature higher than any given day in Florida. It was the seasons and most of all family that lead her back. Although she was “finished and over with winter” after the first couple of inches fell, she knew she was home and was ready to start a family of her own. Any new additions to her life would have been welcomed and protected by Noelle’s first kid “Bella,” her beloved dog, and her cats Hamburger and Beefy.
Noelle Renee Douglas was born Feb. 16, 1989, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to Renee Clure-Griesbach of Schofield and Ronald J. Douglas of Michigan. She is survived by her parents and stepfather Rick Griesbach. She is further survived by her grandmother Carol Clure, aunts and uncles Ann and Dave Engebrecht, Michelle and Tyrone Harris, Mae and David Cantrell, all of Wausau, Wisconsin. Paternal grandparents Ronald and Sharon Douglas, aunts and uncles Chris and Jim Mays, Carrieann and Jim Birchmeier, all from Michigan. Her “little brother” Bud Griesbach of Westboro, sister Naomi Huntley of Michigan. Noelle also had many cousins who were not only family but friends. Noelle is also survived by the love of her life and fiance Tony Anderson of Wausau. Noelle is preceded in death by her “Pa” Wayne Clure, and Aunt Lynnmarie and Uncle Micheal of Michigan. She will be missed by all but most of all by her mom. Mama loves you.
Lyle Kallstrom
Lyle E. Kallstrom, 88, of Abbotsford, Wisconsin, died unexpectedly on June 2, 2019. The youngest of three sons, he was born in Barron County to Oscar and Leah (Smith) Eide on April 11, 1931. Lyle was 3 years old when his father died. When his mother remarried years later, Lyle was adopted by his stepfather Eric William Kallstrom.
Lyle graduated from Glen Flora High School in 1949. After graduation he worked at the local sash and door plant until he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served in Korea from 1952 – 1953. Upon his return, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. While in dental school, he married Mary Ann Krisik on June 2, 1956, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Tony, Wisconsin.
After graduating from dental school in 1960, Lyle and Mary Ann moved to Cameron, Wisconsin. The following year, the family moved to Abbotsford, where they established and operated a dental practice for over 30 years. Upon their retirement, Lyle and Mary Ann built a cabin on the Flambeau River. He thrived on the physical labor required to maintain the land around the cabin. It became their favorite place in the world. It was there that Lyle shared his love of nature, hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren.
Lyle was a voracious reader of history and loved to study maps. His children and grandchildren enjoyed listening to his stories about growing up during the Great Depression. After his retirement, Lyle wrote and published a book about his family history titled “Letters from the Heart.” He wrote under the pen name Twist Eide in honor of his oldest brother Allen “Twist,” who died in World War II. Lyle was a great joke teller and possessed an endless repertoire of jokes that kept his family laughing. He loved playing cribbage, win or lose, and would count everyone’s points before they could.
Lyle was a humble man who believed in honesty and hard work. He generously gave his time to help his children and grandchildren and never wanted to be a burden to anyone. He is survived by his five children William (Lois) Kallstrom, David (Laurie) Kallstrom, Nancy (Robert) Nikolay, Sandra Kallstrom, and Carol (Sean) Brown; eight grandchildren Clara and Matthew Kallstrom, Nicholas (Paige) Kallstrom, Allison (Curtis) Jones, Lucas (Elizabeth) Kallstrom, Kyle and Connor Nikolay, and Kathryn Hulce; and six great-grandchildren Mya and Sawyer Niemuth, Cora and Margo Kallstrom, and Tess and Baby Jones on the way. In addition, he is survived by many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Lyle was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years Mary Ann in September 2015, his father Oscar Eide, his stepfather Eric Kallstrom, his mother Leah Kallstrom and his brothers Allen and Loren Kallstrom.
Following Lyle’s wishes, a private service will be held. Memorials may be made to the Aspirus Health Foundation – Mary Ann and Lyle Kallstrom Family Room at the Aspirus Family House, 425 Pine Ridge Blvd., Wausau WI 54401 or online at www.aspirus.org/Aspirus-health-foundation. Lyle established this fund after the death of Mary Ann to support cancer patients who travel long distances to receive treatment.
Until we meet again, we will hold Lyle in our hearts and cribbage cards in our hands.
The Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Gerald Borth
Gerald R. Borth, 93, of Mosinee passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at Mount View Care Center in Wausau. Gerald was born on Aug. 29, 1925, to Walter and Carrie (Raymond) Borth in Mosinee, Wisconsin.
Gerald served honorably in the United States Army and The United States Air Force. After exiting the service, Gerald met and later married the love of his life, Pearl Adams, on Jan. 21, 1956, in Mosinee. Gerald lived his life for Jesus daily and his faith was admirably strong. Gerald enjoyed working on cars and was a local mechanic for many years. He owned and operated Borth Auto Repair in Wausau, Wisconsin. Outside of his professional life, Gerald loved spending time with his family and friends; he also enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers. In his later life, he was a central figure at Lightning Auto Care in Schofield, where he would share stories and smiles with the customers and employees daily. There wasn’t an ice cream cone or doughnut that he didn’t enjoy.
Gerald Borth is survived by his four children, Debra (Ken) Bell, Humbird, Wisconsin, Diane Franklin, Doreene (Paul) Surprenant, Wausau, Wisconsin, Jerry (Susan) Borth, Kronenwetter, Wisconsin; and his six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Gerald is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years; son-in-law, Alan Franklin; grandson, Wayne Borth; and great-granddaughter, Alyzabeth McMullen; and his parents.
Our family wants to thank everyone at Mount View Care Center in Wausau, who took exceptional care of Gerald and Ascension Hospice Care for the support and exceptional care they provided.
Funeral service and visitation will be Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Thrive Church, 400 Grand Ave. in Wausau. Visitation beginning at 9 a.m. with service at 10:30 a.m. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Rothschild.
The John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Janet Graham
Janet K. Graham, 77, of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home, with her family at her side, after a long battle with cancer on Thursday, May 30, 2019.
Jan’s journey has come full circle, starting with birth in Green Bay and ending in Stevens Point. Sometime in her youth, she moved to the Pacific Northwest, settling for many years in Granger, Washington. She was gifted in decorating with knickknacks and tchotchkes, so she really enjoyed working in retail (Bell’s Pharmacy, Gibbon’s Pharmacy and Fleet Farm). She also loved interacting with the customers and made several lasting friendships. However, her life’s dream to farm came true when she met and married the love of her life, Tom Graham. Together, they farmed and prospered for many years in the Yakima Valley. Farming took a backseat once grandkids came into the picture. To be closer to them, they moved halfway across the United States, finally settling and then retiring in Stevens Point. Along her journey, she renewed her faith and membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Thus, to celebrate her life, at a time to yet be determined, a memorial service will be scheduled at the church.
Janet is survived by her husband, Tom Graham of Stevens Point; her daughter, Jean Anne Nelson (Doug) of Stevens Point; her granddaughter, Brittany (Kevin) O’Toole of Stevens Point; her granddaughter, Erika Nelson (Brett Findlay) of Madison; and her granddaughter, Katie Nelson of Milwaukee.
The Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Esther Strassburg
Esther Emma Strassburg, 97 of Bowler passed away on Monday, June 3, 2019, at Shawano Place Assisted Living under the care of Theda Care at Home Hospice.
She was born in the town of Fairbanks, Shawano County, on Oct. 18, 1921, the daughter of the late Walter and Clara (Reinert) Grenz. On Sept. 25, 1943, she was united in marriage to Theodore “Ted” Strassburg. The couple farmed in the town of Almon, moving to Bowler in 1996. Together they had three beautiful daughters. They were married for 64 years when Ted preceded her in death on July 11, 2008.
Esther was a very active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bowler, including their Altar Guild, Ladies Aid, craft group, and Bible study. She worked as a CNA for Shawano Hospital for 10 years, and also did home health care. She enjoyed baking, sewing, cake decorating, gardening, walking and spending special times with her family and friends. Esther and Ted enjoyed taking bus trips together, where they traveled to many states and Canada.
Survivors include her three daughters, Sharon (Richard) Braun of St. Paul, Minnesota, Nancy Kasten and her loving dog Calli of Cecil, and Beverly (Walter) Militzer of Manchester, Missouri; four grandsons, Greg (Mindy) Braun, David (Megan) Braun, Clint (Amanda) Militzer and Travis Militzer; five great-grandchildren, Rylee and Grayden, Josie, Sami, and Jack; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ted, son-in-law, Harry Kasten, three sisters and two brothers.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bowler. The Rev. Michael Schram will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, town of Almon, at a later date.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bowler. Memories and condolences may be given at schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank the staff of Theda Care at Home Hospice, the wonderful caregivers at Shawano Place Assisted Living for their care, and Pastor Schram and his wife Kristine for their visits, prayers, and gift of song.
Carl Zutz Jr.
Carl Henry Zutz Jr. passed away June 3, 2019, at the Homme Home in Wittenberg, Wisconsin.
He was born Feb.14, 1923, to Charles and Hattie (Schwalbe) Zutz. He joined an older brother, Harvey (“Shivers”) and sister, Mae. He graduated from Brillion High School in 1939 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge as a member of the 12th Armored Division. Returning home injured, he net a gentle nurse; Margaret Firgens, at the Bellin Memorial Hospital in Green Bay and married her in January of 1949. They had seven children, John, JoAnn, Carl III, Barbara, Paul, Elizabeth, and Karen.
Carl and Margaret made their home in Manitowoc and moved to Appleton when Carl took a job with the Wisconsin Highway Patrol. He was the first motorcycle patrol officer; working the busy Highway 41 corridor around Appleton. They moved to Madison when Carl got promoted to the Department of Transportation.
He did many public service announcements and lobbied legislators for passage of the first vehicle safety laws, including seatbelt safety and motorcycle helmet laws. He also conducted the first vehicle inspection services and school bus rodeos.
Conover was their home after retirement, with many happy years on North Twin Lake. Throughout his life, Carl was an active member of several Lutheran churches, and served as council president at Pioneer Lake Lutheran of Conover during the construction of their new sanctuary. After a few years in a retirement apartment in Brillion, Carl and Margaret lived at the Homme Home of Wittenberg since 2012.
Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, in 2017. They are survived by all their children and respective spouses, 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. A memorial service is being planned for Aug. 24 at 11 a.m. at the Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc.
