Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Michael Coates
After a courageous and brief battle with cancer, Michael David Coates of Weston, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota on June 30, 2019, at the age of 58.
Mike was born Oct. 24, 1960, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Stan and Dorothy Coates and was the oldest of five children. Mike graduated from D.C. Everest and UWSP. He worked at Nationwide as a computer programmer. He previously worked at Qualitest, Sentry, Eastbay/Footlocker, the City of Wausau and Wausau Financial.
A very kindhearted man, Mike was always ready to help others. He was the founder and committee chairman of Boy Scout Troop 439 in Schofield, Wisconsin. Mike was an amazing mentor and teacher for over a decade. His many interests also included playing guitar; writing music; cooking (those great breakfasts!); woodworking; sailing; camping; golf; magic tricks; creating beautiful origami and washi eggs, and his unique sense of humor always resulted in a smile. A lover of the holidays, Mike was known for playing Santa and the Easter Bunny! For Mike, family and friends were always No. 1.
Mike is survived by his children Johnny (Emily) and Shelby Coates, as well as his mother, Dorothy, and siblings Patrick, Timothy (Rosie) Coates and Melanie Coates Torres (Tom), along with seven nieces and nephews. Special thanks to nephew, Christopher Coates, for his support during Mike’s illness.
Thanks also to all special friends, including the Lawless and Blaschka families, Mary Jo Johnson and Bruce Lamont.
Mike was predeceased by his dad, Stanley Coates, and sister, Kathie Schroedel.
A memorial service will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson St., Schofield, Wisconsin. Rev. Raymond Connor will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until the time of service at the church, with a dinner to follow.
Donations are suggested in Mike’s name to the Samoset Boy Scout Council or the American Cancer Society. And, for all who are able, please consider donating platelets, marrow and/or blood. It truly can be the gift of life.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Renata Sittler
Renata M. (Hassler) Sittler, 85, of Wausau passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2019 ,at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau surrounded by her family.
Renata was born to Edward and Marie (Woerner) Hassler on May 9, 1934, in Peru, Illinois. She met John (Jack) Sittler in her hometown at the local pharmacy. They were married on Nov. 21, 1951, in Peru, Illinois.
Renata worked in insurance and real estate for several years before becoming the volunteer coordinator for United Way of Marathon County until her retirement. She was a very active member for First Presbyterian Church, serving both as an elder and deacon. She also sang in the choir, helped with Friends Dinner and the food pantry. Renata was a founding board member of Habitat for Humanity of Wausau and served as president. In addition, she was deeply involved with the Good News Project Inc., serving as president, working at the warehouse and traveling to St. Lucia for many years. She enjoyed traveling, gardening and bird watching. She loved animals, especially the many cats she cared for over the years.
She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, John; son, David (Julie) Sittler and her two grandsons, Nicholas and Theodore Baumann. She is further survived by two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Correll and Paula Sittler, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Reuben Hassler, brother-in-law, James Sittler and sisters Cornelia Scott and Marie Ensor.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2019, at First Presbyterian Church, Wausau. Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Visitation will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Brainard Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of the arrangements.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Aspirus Hospice House for the wonderful and loving care they gave Renata during her short stay with them.
Online condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Memorial gifts may be directed to Aspirus Hospice House in Wausau, Marathon County Humane Society or the Good News Project, Wausau.
Marion Wisnewski
Marion T. Wisnewski passed away on June 19, 2019, at Copperleaf Assisted Living Center.
She was born Dec. 4, 1923, in Rib Falls, daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Hart) Mroczenski. She married Alex Wisnewski on May 23, 1944, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski.
Marion had been employed at Marathon Battery many years and SNE/Crestline. She loved baking, puzzles, canasta, knitting, dancing the polka and visiting with friends and relatives. She and her husband were charter members of St. Anne Catholic Church.
Survivors include two sons, Robert Wisnewski, Wausau, and Gerald (Leah) Wisnewski, Onalaska; two grandchildren, Maria (Anthony) Sabranek, Onalaska, Andrew Wisnewski, Onalaska, and two great-grandchildren, Annelle Sabranek and Anthony (ACE) Sabranek; sister, Marge (Ed) Stubbe.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alex, brothers, Joe, Leo, Mike and Al, sisters, Sophie and Regina.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau on Saturday, July 13, 2019, with visitation at 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11 a.m. Rev. Tom Lindner will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.
The family wishes to thank Copperleaf Assisted Living and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their wonderful care during Marion’s final time with us.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Dorothy Nowitzke
Dorothy E. Nowitzke, 89, of Wausau died Sunday, June 30, 2019, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Benedictine Living Community, Wausau.
She was born June 17, 1930, in Portage County, daughter of the late John and Susan (Bednarski) Windorski. On May 1, 1948, she married Anton Nowitzke Jr. in Wausau. He preceded her in death on May 18, 1999.
Dorothy was a member of St. Catherine’s Council at Holy Name Catholic Church and the VFW Auxiliary Wausau Burns Post No. 388. She enjoyed fishing, polka music, bowling and completing word searches. She also enjoyed traveling, going out to eat with friends and gardening especially flowers.
Survivors include her children, Kenneth (Dar) Nowitzke, Marathon, Kathy Bandock, Wausau, Thomas (Michelle) Nowitzke, Waukesha and Jeff (Cindy) Nowitzke, Bloomington, Minnesota; son-in-law, Gary Dornbrack, Byron, Minnesota; grandchildren, Erik, Josie, Brad, Patti, Nicole, Brian, Joel, Paul and Lee; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Alyssa, Kelsey, Tessa, Skye, ‘Kenzie and Aiden; brother, Philip Windorski, Schofield; sister, Sadie Gruna, Galloway.
Besides her parents and husband, Anton Jr., she was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Dornbrack, brothers, Leon, Ted, Ben, Daniel, Hubert, David, Clarence and Raymond Windorski and sisters, Wanda Davidowski, Florence Cherek and Emma Brzezinski.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 6, 2019, at the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. Rev. Samuel Martin will preside. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services all at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to Disabled American Veterans.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Jessica Omelian
Jessica Marie Omelian, 22, passed away unexpectedly on the early morning of June 30, 2019.
Jessica was born April 30, 1997, at St. Jospeh’s Hospital, Marshfield, to Kathleen (Becker) Williams, Athens and the late Matthias “Matt” Omelian.
She was a 2015 graduate of Athens High School. She attended Northcentral Technical College for a degree in early childhood daycare. Her first job was at the age of 15 at the Athens IGA. She then moved on to the Edgar Child Care Center, left there in September and started at Decorator Industries in Abbotsford until the time of her death.
Jessica was a sweet and selfless girl who always looked out for others before herself. She enjoyed working with children immensely and one day had hopes of having her own family.
She loved spending time with nature. She enjoyed long walks at local parks with her fiancé. Jessica loved animals, especially cows and dogs and often found comfort in them during hard times. She loved watching movies, reading and watching her favorite shows.
Most of all, she loved the ones closest to her. No matter how bad of a day she was having she would try to makes yours better. She enjoyed giving more than ever receiving and the light she left in people’s eyes will shine bright forever.
Jessica is survived by her fiancé Dalton James Schreiner. They were to be married in July 2020. Her mother Kathy Williams and stepfather Joe Williams, brother, Brandon Omelian, future in laws to be, Kim and Ken Schreiner, sisters-in-law to be Autumn, Dylana and Riley, maternal grandmother, Evangeline Becker, paternal grandparents, Frank and Genevieve Omelian, step paternal grandparents, Allan and Dorothy Roerig, Uncle Bernard Becker and Uncle and God father Mike Omelian, her godparents, Donnie and Laurie Miller. She is survived by many cousins, friends and coworkers.
Jessica was preceded in death by her father, Matt Omelian and grandfather, Orville Becker.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, July 5, 2019, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. The Rev. George Graham will preside. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, next to her father, Matthias. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 4, 2019, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home Athens and again on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Jessica’s name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkaremer.com.
Orvel Kaetterhenry
Orvel Kaetterhenry, 94, died surrounded by family on July 2, 2019, at Aspirus Riverview Hospital. Orvel was currently living at Brookdale Assisted Living in Stevens Point. He was born on Nov. 2, 1924, in Wausau to Otto and Amanda (Hess) Kaetterhenry. He married Elaine Drumm on March 9, 1948. She preceded him in death on Feb. 3, 1999.
He worked in facility maintenance for the D.C. Everest Area School District for 24 years before retiring in 1989.
Orvel is survived by his two children Sue (Mike) Phillips, Stevens Point, and James Kaetterhenry, Wausau; two grandchildren Amy (Chris) Poppy, Aurora, Colorado, and Scott (Heather) Brock, Wisconsin Rapids; and two great grandchildren Mina and Quinn Brock.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Elaine, three brothers, Vernon, Melvin and Bud and one sister, Ruth Kaetterhenry Strunk.
The family would like to thank the nursing and support staff at the Aspirus Wausau Wound Clinic for their care. The family would also like to especially thank the nursing and support staff at the Aspirus Riverview Hospital for the thoughtful attention they provided to the family and to Orvel before his passing.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11: 28-30
A private family service will be held. Friends may sign the family guest book at helke.com.
Stephanie Pawlak
Stephanie “Stef” Pawlak, best known as Nonnie, 94, died on June 30, 2019, at Rennes Health & Rehab Center.
She was born on the family farm in Mosinee on Sept. 25, 1924, to the late Frank Sr. and Mary (Babiarz) Hallas. Stephanie married Chester Pawlak on May 18, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois. He preceded her in death on July 14, 1996.
She and Chet were the owners of Pawlak Hardware on California Avenue in Chicago, for many years before returning to Mosinee. Upon returning to Mosinee, she cared for the children she loved, as babysitter.
She is survived by family: John (Francis) Hallas, Carol Hallas, Barbara (Robert) Rosine, Peggy (Fred) Raymond, Betty (Gregory) Mondroski, Gene (Jody) Osowski, Robert (Debbie) Osowski, Cindy Happli, Allen (Tina) Osowski, Kim (Michael) Valenta, Tara (Shawn) Leszczynski, Gail Kraus, Gina (Tony) Placido, Shannon (MJ) Zurfluh, Stacey Splendoria, Ben Mondroski, Rachel (Hubble) Manley, Angie Steiger, Gene III (Johnna) Osowski, Kyla Osowski, Michelle (Kameren) Mikul, Paul Krubsack, Ali Happli, Andrea (Daniel Murphy) Happli, Abigail Happli, Dakota (Erin) Osowski, Sierra Osowski, Brittany (Brandon) Vest, McKenzie (Josh Bates) Valenta, and Jasmine Valenta, along with many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by Ed Hallas, Bill (Irene) Hallas, Stella (Henry) Dobrowolski, Francis (Albert) Janik, Ted Sr. (Josey) Hallas, Walter Hallas, Wanda (Gene Sr.) Osowski, Frank Hallas Jr., Gail Osowski, Ronald Osowski, Rhiannon Wiesman, Christopher Kraus, and James Happli Jr.
Memorial services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 900 Old Highway 51, in Mosinee. Chaplin Mark Lewis will lead prayer. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Kathleen Wanta
Kathleen J. Wanta, 84, died Sunday, June 30, 2019, at Mount View Care Center-Gardenside Crossing, Wausau.
She was born Oct. 18, 1934, in Wausau, daughter of the late Emil & Helen (Hamler) Mueller. On Sept. 8, 1956, she married Edmund Wanta in Wausau. They were happily married for 61 years. He preceded her in death on July 24, 2018.
Kathleen was a wonderful woman with a kind heart and a warm smile. Most of her childrens’ friends and the kids in the neighborhood referred to her as “Mom.” She always had an open-door policy – people could pop in and say “hi” to her at any time. The grandkids loved visiting Grandma, especially for her root beer floats and the million-dollar cake that she made for their birthdays. Kathy had an active curiosity and a love of reading. She would often save articles from the Daily Herald to share with her family. She worked at the St. Therese, Newman, and Marathon County Public libraries for many years. She loved her work at the libraries and formed many lifetime friendships from among her coworkers. Her curiosity prompted her to take up many hobbies during her spare time – knitting, crochet, needlepoint, singing, cross country skiing, water aerobics and baking – to name a few. Kathy was an active part of the Red Hat Society, where she and her gang of ladies would gleefully descend on the local Culvers regularly. She loved being social and had many lifelong friends, even remaining a member of a neighborhood card club group for over 50 years. She loved to travel and managed to visit most of the world.
She had a strong Catholic faith and attended masses regularly at St. Therese Catholic Church. She was a long-time member of the choir there, proudly singing as part of the alto section.
Most of all she loved spending time with her family. She will be missed dearly by all of us.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Karel; her four children: Mike (Barbara) Wanta, Mary (Sean) Rice, David Wanta, and Anne (Chris) Kalafice; and her seven grandchildren: Kasey and Kaitlin Kalafice, Christina and Meredith Wanta, and Ciarra, Ashleigh and Isabel Wanta.
The family would like to thank the exceptional staff at Mount View Care Center-Gardenside Crossing for their wonderful care of their mother over the last several years. The staff always went above and beyond to make sure that Kathy had the best of care. Kathy’s husband, Ed, visited daily and he was always made to feel welcome and appreciated. He felt that the staff was a second family who cared deeply.
Service will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 113 W. Kort St., Rothschild. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of mass at 11 a.m. with Fr. Joseph Albert officiating.
Burial will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
The John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Arlene Fellbaum
Arlene Fellbaum, 85, of Athens passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born March 16, 1934, in the town of Corning, to the late Adolph and Sylvia (Borchardt) Hahn. On Feb. 19, 1955, Arlene married Arden Fellbaum in Pine City, Minnesota.
Arlene is survived by her children, Randall Fellbaum (Kathy Genovese) of Merrill, Brenda Fellbaum of Athens, and Susan Fellbaum of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota; and grandchildren, Travis Leitzke, LaurenHunsanger and Tyler Johnson; sisters-in-law, Ramona Ulrich, Arlyle (Carl) Schmidt, Darlene Osness, Ardell Salzwedel, Lorna (Joe) Grabko, Sharon Schultz; and many nieces and nephews.
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Debra Fellbaum; and her husband of 63 years, Arden who passed away in January 2019.
Arlene worked as a homemaker for many years and, as her children grew up, she worked at Fromm Brothers and later at the Plaza Hotel. Arlene enjoyed dancing, gardening, canning, cooking, baking and taking care of her family. She always wanted to be sure everyone had enough to eat.
A private family graveside service will be held on July 13, 2019, for Arlene and Arden.
Robert “Bob” Bungert
Robert “Bob” Bungert, 81, of Bevent passed away on Monday, July 1, 2019, at his home.
He was born on Nov. 22, 1937, in Ellis, Wisconsin, son of the late Joseph and Pauline (Helbach) Bungert. On Oct. 3, 1964, he married Barbara Salzman in Milwaukee. She preceded him in death on July 8, 2001.
Robert worked for Briggs and Stratton in Milwaukee for 32 years as a tool and dye maker. He loved camping, hunting, and playing cards – especially poker. He also enjoyed watching Nascar and the Brewers.
Survivors include his two daughters, Jacqueline “Jackie” (Ken) Gruna of Bevent, Donna (Steve) Tobias of Germantown; two brothers, Peter (Barb) Bungert of Sussex, and Michael (Shirley) Bungert of Weston; one sister, Josephine Wanta of Bevent; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara, four brothers, Chester, Donald, Edward and Harry, and two sisters, Helen Schwartz and Marie Flatoff.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 5, 2019, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Sister Mary Ellen Diermeier will officiate. Burial will be on Saturday at noon at Sunnyside Cemetery, Menomonee Falls. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home.
Memories and condolences may be given at schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta.
