Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Louis Streble
Louis Daniel Streble, 78, of Weston passed away unexpectedly on June 28, 2019, at his home with his best friend, Eileen, by his side.
Louis was born on Oct. 22, 1940, to the late Charles and Goldie (Glasel) Streble.
He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria (Brown), his sister Joaine Kufahl and his brother Lyle Streble.
Louis is survived by his three sons Scott (Jessica), Dan (Dorothy), and Jeff. His five grandchildren Genevieve and Adeline Streble, Nick (Ashley), Cody and Kayla Streble. Two great grandchildren Kennedy and Joliet. His sister Carol Reiche, along with many nieces and nephews. Also, his fiancée and best friend Eileen Streble, along with her family.
Louis worked for the Uptown Meat Department and he was a Proud Federal Meat Inspector for 33 years. He enjoyed working in his rose garden, building puzzles and tinkering in his garage. Most important to Louis was spending time with family and friends.
The family would like to thank the EMT’s and officers who responded.
A funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 3, at 10:30 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 503 Schmidt Ave., Rothschild. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Pastor Rich Block will officiate.
Lynette Werner
Lynette S. Werner, 68, of Carmello, California, formerly of Edgar, died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, in Oxnard, California.
She was born May 26, 1950, in Wausau, daughter of Eunice (Randt) Werner, Edgar, and the late Harold Werner.
For more than 30 years, Lynette worked as an independent contractor in the telemarketing business in California.
Survivors include her mother, Eunice Werner, Edgar, four brothers, Ronald (Audrey) Werner, Austin, Texas, Warren (Cheryl) Werner, Oconto Falls, Jeffrey and DuWayne Werner, both of Edgar and nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at St. John Lutheran Church, High Steeple, W1145 Huckleberry Road, Edgar. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of services, all at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Michelle Totzke
Michelle Ann Totzke, 44, of Rib Mountain gracefully entered her eternal life on June 27, 2019, after a courageous eight-month battle against cancer. At the time of her return to her heavenly home, she was surrounded by the singing of songs by her family and friends and held lovingly in the arms of Rich and their children.
Michelle was born to Rich and Rita Rennie, June 4, 1975, in Wausau, Wisconsin. Michelle graduated from Marathon High School in 1993 and received her paralegal degree from Western Wisconsin Technical College in 1997.
She married her high school sweetheart and love of her life Rich “Richie” Totzke on May 23, 1998, and they had recently celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary. Michelle is survived by her husband, Rich, and their two children Alianna and Quentin of Rib Mountain; her parents Rich and Rita Rennie of Marathon and four siblings: Jennifer (Scott) Baumann of Marathon, Craig (Briana) Rennie of Rib Mountain, Chris (Dallas) Rennie of Marathon, Ryan Rennie (Kelsey Haelfrisch) of Mosinee: her in-laws who loved her like a daughter and a sister: Myron and Karen Totzke of Rib Mountain, Jason (Holly) Totzke of Howard, Wisconsin, and Michelle (Rob) Busse of Farmington, Minnesota. She is also survived by 17 nieces and nephews; Hunter, Mikayla, Zachary and Gabriella Baumann, Tatum, Kaden, Taelyn and Greyson Rennie, Caleb, Carmine, Cole, Carly, Chloe, Caycee and Corrie Busse and Madelyn and Aiden Totzke.
Michelle had three great loves in her life above all other things: faith, family and friends. Words cannot adequately describe the unending passion Michelle had for these loves. They defined her every day life and were the foundation by which she lived. Michelle humbly lived these virtues which brought many closer to our Lord.
Michelle loved Jesus and what He meant in her life. She was consciously grateful for the blessings that she had been given and was always the first to acknowledge that these were gifts given to her, not something that she herself was responsible for. She loved her church family, particularly Pastor Lance and Pastor Jordan and was grateful for their unending prayers and support. She gained a passion and special appreciation for the music ministry that spoke to her heart and guided her life. This faith was tested time and time again throughout her eight-month battle against cancer, with each disappointing test result or inability of doctors to find answers, yet she always took solace that her journey was in God’s hands. This faith was displayed courageously each evening as part of her prayers as she begged God to allow her to live, but only after praying for anyone else she knew that needed a prayer said on their behalf. Michelle’s desperate humility coexisted with a quiet acceptance that her life was under God’s control and trusting that things would work out as they were designed to, even if not as she wished. Her witness did not go unnoticed and even in death, she continues to lead us all closer to God.
Michelle’s greatest earthly possession was her family and there was not a close second place. She grew up in a loving and supportive family in which she admired her parents and all that they represented. Michelle’s mom, Rita, was her best friend and when the two were described it was not uncommon for the saying to be said, “The apple did not fall far from the tree,” which was considered a compliment by both. Michelle cherished the relationships she had with her sister and brothers, particularly her ability to be a confidante, to bring joy and laughter into any situation, her gift of sincere honesty, and exceptional taste in just about anything. She was so proud of her brothers and sister and how each consistently demonstrated the values that had been displayed and engrained by their parents as they built their own lives.
As Michelle was loved growing up, she built her own family with Rich, Alianna and Quentin in that same manner. Her pride as a mother was on full display as Alianna would dance as part of Heidi’s Dance Studio or as Quentin played as part of the Wausau Comets because she cherished how happy they were being a part of these activities, rather than because of some measure of success they had obtained. Her joy came from their joy and she freely admitted to being one of those moms who might have been cheering just a bit too loud. As a wife, Michelle was unending in her support of Rich, with both viewing their marriage as a partnership of equals deeply rooted in loving each other and their children to build their life. Any measure of success that was achieved professionally by Michelle or Rich was always supported by a commitment to making sure the priorities of faith and family were not compromised. As a wife and a mother, Michelle was continually reminded that she was loved more than anything in this world by her family which gave her strength to fight so bravely, despite difficult odds against her cancer. The breadth of Michelle’s life in years was short, but she was loved deeply and without end for all of the years she was here.
As a friend, Michelle always – always saw the good in all and loved spending time with stranger turned friend. Without knowing, Michelle became an empathetic witness to those who needed her most. She found joy in their joys and healing, giving glory to God who used her as His instrument. Throughout her cancer battle, she took great comfort in the many people who reached out and shared how she had touched their life and were now returning the favor by praying for her and walking the journey alongside her the best they could.
Rich and Michelle would like to express their sincere appreciation, while inadequate to fully convey with appropriate depth the love and support displayed to Michelle by so many people. It was truly heartwarming and an affirmation that there is still much good in the world as evidenced by the kindness and selflessness that was on daily display throughout Michelle’s battle. God provided Michelle with exceptional “angels” in the form of doctors and nurses who went above and beyond their roles, to personally connect with Michelle and clear road blocks during each hospital stay. Michelle’s parents traveled with Rich and Michelle to virtually every appointment between Milwaukee and Rochester, while Alianna and Quentin were cared for by Rich’s parents Myron and Karen Totzke, along with the many aunts and uncles and family friends who all made sure life continued for Alianna and Quentin as best as possible. In addition, we would like to thank Michelle’s employer, Mid-Wisconsin Beverage, and her many friends and co-workers who kept Michelle in their constant prayer and contacted Michelle daily without exception. Additionally, Michelle desired to acknowledge the love and unwavering support of the Greenheck owners, directors, leadership team and caring team members, as well as the Quad Med staff. Due to the prayers and support of all, not once did Michelle fight her battle alone; her family is humbled by the kindness of so many. In this family no one fights alone …. ever and we are forever grateful for those who joined and supported us in this fight. She may have lost the battle with cancer here on Earth, but she never, ever gave up while at the same time kept her faith. Michelle will be remembered for her fight and those who were touched by Michelle’s life will carry her courage with them for a day that it is needed.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Weston. Rev. Lance Hoelscher will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at the church and again from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral home, Wausau, is in charge of the arrangements.
A luncheon following the service will be held in Rib Mountain at a rustic outdoor venue that was a favorite to Michelle. The venue is at 7700 Woodbine Lane in Rib Mountain and is open to all family and friends to celebrate her life.
Anita Mirek
Anita Elizabeth Mirek, 75, of Wausau passed away Monday, June 17, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Anita was born April 15, 1944, in Biggleswade, England, to the late Gordon and Ida (Norman) French. She met Russell Mirek in Bedford, England, while he was serving his country in the U.S. Air Force. The couple were later married on Oct. 27, 1962, in England. They were blessed with two daughters; Sharon and Theresa. Upon returning to America and settling in Wausau, Anita began working as a housekeeper for Howard Johnson’s, only retiring when the hotel closed.
She enjoyed many family outings around the area to Lake Michigan, zoos and parks. She and Russ especially enjoyed traveling the world together, often visiting Theresa wherever her family was stationed at the time. She was an avid walker and would often be seen walking around the neighborhood. Anita was the type of person who never met a stranger. She loved animals, especially the many dogs she cared for over the years. She loved to cook for others and was happy with the simple things in life. Always pleasing others before herself.
Anita is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Russell; daughters, Theresa (Sam) Grinder of Cookeville, Tennessee, and Sharon Mirek of Wausau; grandchildren, Haley of San Diego, California, Amanda of Tampa, Florida, Tyler of Wausau and Melissa of Mosinee; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Madisyn and Reegan; brother Robert (Iris) French of England; and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her brother, Norman (Mary) French.
There will be no services at this time. The family has chosen to honor Anita’s final wishes of cremation. A gathering for a Celebration of Anita’s life will be held in August.
Helke Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Share memories and condolences at helke.com.
Celia Klitzka
Celia L. Klitzka, 76, of Aniwa passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at Aspirus Langlade Hospital.
Celia was born on July 16, 1942, in Milwaukee, the daughter of the late Elois Ruiz and the late Beatrice (nee Schroeder) and Omer Cyr.
On Sept. 3, 1960, Celia was united in marriage to LeRoy Klitzka. He survives.
Celia loved watching the Milwaukee Brewers and kept a journal of their stats. She enjoyed going to the casino and was a wonderful homemaker. Celia always made sure that, no matter who you were, you were always welcome in her home.
Survivors include her loving husband, LeRoy Klitzka Sr.; four children, LeRoy (Ann) Klitzka, Jr., Alan (Sherry) Klitzka, Sr., Robin (Forrest) Crandall and Pam Ziber; 12 grandchildren and step grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. Celia always opened her home and heart by helping to raise her ‘other children’ which include her much loved godsons, Bob and Jeff Klitzka and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
Celia was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved grandparents, Pedro and Luz Ruiz; grandson, Jason and a great-granddaughter, Telari.
A funeral service for Celia will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2019, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood. Rev. Betty Wyatt will officiate. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Aniwa. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Messages of support and memories may be shared at schmidtschulta.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated.
Kollette Hermann
Kollette K. Hermann, 59, of Wittenberg died on Friday, June 28, 2019, as a result from life altering injuries sustained in an automobile accident in 1999. She was under the care of her family and Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services at Homme Home of Wittenberg.
Kollette was born on Feb. 13, 1960, in Antigo, the daughter of Patricia (Schultz) and the late Dale White.
Prior to her automobile accident, Kollette was a private investigator for a detective agency and was also a teachers aid at the Schofield Elementary School for many years. She was very musical and sang and played her guitar for many events and at church as part of the worship team. Kollette had a heart for the youth and lead youth groups in Wausau and Antigo. She had a gift for finding what made others unique and went out of her way to highlight the talents of others. She was humble, passionate, and always had a way to make any situation fun. Kollette had a knack for spotting the needs of others and putting herself in the position to help them. With her fantastic sense of humor, compassionate heart and magnetic personality, she was able to make anyone feel special. Everyone that knew her loved her.
Kollette is survived by her mother, Patricia White of Antigo; two children, Seleste (Keith) Finch of Ripon and Luke (Lindsey) Hermann of Birnamwood; two grandchildren, Merlin Finch and Rhys Hermann; four siblings, Jess (Gayle) White of Mattoon, Scott (Anette) White of Antigo, Jon (Lisa) White of Aniwa and Jenni (Matt) Hayek of Antigo; former husband, Anthony Hermann and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Kollette was preceded in death by her father, Dale and beloved nephew, Dustin White.
The funeral service for Kollette will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at St. John Lutheran Church in Mattoon. Rev. Dean Bertsch will officiate. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, town of Hutchins, Shawano County. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 3 p.m. until the time of service at the church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
The family would like to thank all of the staff at Homme Home and Kollette’s caregivers throughout the years who not only cared for Kollette, but her family as well.
A memorial fund will be established in Kollette’s name that will benefit children in need.
James Brounacker
James E. Brounacker, 86, of Hatley died unexpectedly on Friday, June 28, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on Oct. 23, 1932, in Birnamwood, the son of the late Edward and Johanna (Konkol) Brounacker. Jim was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Korean War.
He married Carol Platta on Oct. 20, 1989. She survives.
Jim worked for Drott as a receiving clerk for 33 years until his retirement. He was very involved in both Cub and Boy scouting and was a former Order of the Arrow member and was a ranger at Camp Phillips for a number of years. Jim was an active member of St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley. His passion was being in the outdoors gardening.
Survivors include his wife Carol of Hatley; three children, Nancy Olson of Brookfield, Sandy Yaeger of Minneapolis and David (Lana) Brounacker of Birnamwood; Stepchildren, Sid (Sheila) King, Sandy (Rick) Stencil and Jess (Mary) King; five grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; one brother, Tom (Pat) Brounacker; one sister, Barbara (John) Blaskowski and Jim’s former wife, Peg Olson.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Roy and Norbert and two sisters, Dorothy June Heinrich and Joann.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley. Fr. Greg Bohren will officiate. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. Military rites will be conducted by the Hatley and Birnamwood American Legions immediately following the Mass.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
