Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
William Harvey
William A. Harvey (Bill), 84, passed away in Wausau, Wisconsin, on July 8 after 22 years of battling with Parkinson’s disease. He was the beloved husband of Lucy “Susie” (Feichter) Harvey and was born in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, to Adam and Ruth Harvey.
Bill studied animal husbandry at UW-Madison, then signed up for service in the U.S. Army. Thanks to his service as a military policeman while stationed in Alaska, he found his lifelong calling for law enforcement and joined the Wisconsin State Patrol. During 39 years with the WSP he served in Evansville, Brodhead, Monroe, Green Bay, Fond du Lac, Madison and Wausau. One might say that he joined the State Patrol to see our beautiful state. From 1970-78, Bill was police chief at UW-Milwaukee after which he became administrator of the Wisconsin State Patrol. Throughout his life, Bill kept up with what was happening in the WSP.
Wherever he was, Bill was one to get involved. He was an usher and avid member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church’s dartball team. Through love of the outdoors, he joined the board of directors for the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association. Out of passion for his work and the people of the WSP, after he retired he became a co-founder of the Wisconsin State Patrol Alumni Association and served as president.
Outside of work, Bill loved to fish, hunt and host friends at his primitive cabin and land in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Bill also enjoyed traveling with his family and friends and had many serendipitous adventures (or hair-raising according to his sister-in-law Kay (John) Feichter-Thistlethwaite).
Bill could talk forever about his children Bill Scott Harvey, David (Justina) Harvey, and Katrina (Dan) Vanden Heuvel and his busy and personable grandchildren – in order of height: Noah, Luke, Mary and Margaret Harvey, and Seneca and Tripp Vanden Heuvel.
Bill spent his last years at Pride, TLC where the caregivers and staff became more than their role; they became friends. His family thanks them for their compassion, kindness, helpfulness and patience.
The visitation will be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 3200 N. Mountain Road, Wausau, Wisconsin, on July 19, 2019, from 2-5 p.m. and on July 20 from 9-11 a.m.
The funeral service will also be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church on July 20, 11 a.m.
If you’re unable to attend services, please mail condolences to Brainard Funeral Home, c/o Harvey Family, 522 Adams St., Wausau, WI 54403.
A video recording of the service will be available after July 20, 2019
Donations may be made to:
Saint Andrew Lutheran Church
3200 N. Mountain Road, Wausau WI 54401
Tel: 1-715-842-3333
The Salvation Army
202 Callon St., Wausau WI 54403
Tel: 1-715-845-4272
Edward Blohm
Edward Blohm, 84, passed away at his home in Wausau on July 7, 2019, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Ed was born in Milwaukee on Dec. 20, 1934, to Alfred and Anna (Schmidt) Blohm, the youngest of five children.
He attended West Bend High School where he was a star athlete and scholar. He cut his education short when his brother went to serve his country in World War II and his help was needed on the family farm.
In 1955, he married Carol Gengler. They started married life in Milwaukee. In 1970, a job change took them to Wausau where they continued raising their five children, daughter Nola (John) Furmanek, and their children Lindsay, Justin, and Riley, son, Dale (Bella) and their son Eric, daughter Lori (Terri), daughter Kaye (Doug) Erickson and their children Kassie, Nick, Nate and Karolyn, and daughter Beth (Scott) Hoff and their children Raelena and Kayson. Ed and Carol were married for 24 years until her death in 1978.
After Carol’s death, Ed married Lena Gibson-Gallagher. Lena also had five children which created Blohm-Gallagher Inc. The Gallagher children are: daughter Jane (David) Dozier and their children Elizabeth and Max, son Tom (Kathy) and their children Erin and Rory, daughter Melissa (Mitch) Hinich and their son Jack, son Patrick (Minna) and their girls Meghan, Kate and Anne and daughter Amy Gallagher-Schmitz and her children Kyle, Emily and Kasey.
Ed was a people person. To know him was to love him. That is what made him such a successful salesman. His careers with Graf Beverages, Sales Force and Hsu’s Ginseng won him numerous sales awards. He also owned his own saw sharpening business, Ed’s Better Edge. But Ed knew life wasn’t all about work. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, (especially with his grandchildren) camping, golfing, reading, puzzling and playing cribbage. He also enjoyed the time he spent working on projects with the Elk’s Club and with his church.
Ed will be sadly missed by all who knew him, especially his wife Lena, his 10 children, 21 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, sister Lilly, brother-in law Joe Gscheidmeier, sisters-in-law Rosemary Gengler, Delores (Ken) Skidmore and Judy Neumann and many other friends and relatives.
Ed, now pain free and at peace, joins those who have passed before him, including his wife, Carol, his parents, brothers Elmer and John and sister Maisie along with many in-laws.
A celebration of life will be held at Church of the Resurrection, 621 N. Second St., Wausau, on July 16, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Marathon County Public Library or the Wausau Elk’s Club would be appreciated.
Sincere gratitude to those who helped care for Ed in his home. You held a special place in his heart.
Timothy “Tim” Wonders
Timothy J. “Tim” Wonders, 52, Wausau, died Saturday, July 6, 2019, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Tomahawk.
He was born Sept. 10, 1966, in Rockford, Illinois, to George and Janet (Splinter) Wonders. On Nov. 28, 1987, he married the love of his life, Teri Prochaska in Platteville.
Tim graduated from Upper Iowa University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management. He was currently employed in sales for Curtis1000. Tim enjoyed his role in the WIAA as an official for high school basketball and soccer and along with his wife, Teri, was a past member of the Wausau Area Jaycees. Among his favorite pastimes, he liked spending time up North at the family cottage, biking and traveling. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and hosted tailgates before Wisconsin Badgers games. More than anything, he loved socializing and spending time with friends.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Teri Wonders, Wausau; two daughters, Quinn (Alex Convery) Wonders, Los Angeles, California, and Paige Wonders, Wausau; his mother, Janet Wonders, Hazel Green, Wisconsin; one sister, Tammie Schute, Hazel Green, Wisconsin; one nephew, Josh (Cassie Luensman) Schute, Dubuque, Iowa; his father-in-law, Dean (Carolyn) Prochaska, Warrens, Wisconsin; and two brothers-in-law, Kraig Prochaska, Warrens, Wisconsin, and Scott (Tricia) Prochaska, Appleton, Wisconsin.
He was preceded in death by his father, George; and his mother-in-law, Eileen.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Friday, July 12, 2019, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 until 8 p.m. at the church and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. Following the funeral on Friday, please join the family at Sconni’s Alehouse & Eatery in Schofield for a celebration of Tim’s life.
There will be a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening at the church. Private burial will be at St. Michael Cemetery, Wausau, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Tim’s memory.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Beulah “Geri” Treu
Beulah Mae “Geri” Treu, 92, of Freeport, Illinois, formerly of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2019, at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, Illinois.
She was born on April 26, 1927, in Wausau, Wisconsin, the daughter of Elgard and Ruth (Sanders) Ristow. Beulah married Thomas John Treu on Sept. 26, 1949, in Ottumwa, Iowa.
Beulah graduated from Wausau High School in 1945 and was a secretary at Curtis Companies of Wausau before her marriage. In addition to being a homemaker and mother, Beulah used her creativity as a designer and creator of dance costumes for local Wausau dance studios, and for sewing spectacular Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. During retirement, she and her husband devoted many hours to leading sing-alongs at nursing homes in the Wausau area, with Tom playing accordion and Beulah singing. Beulah also used her seamstress talents to make quilts for family members, and items for the veterans home and for cancer patients as part of the VFW Auxiliary. She loved dancing and going on trips with her husband and making period costumes for them to wear when attending Tom’s antique car club. Beulah’s curiosity about life and keen sense of humor were present to the end. She was an exceptional person who will be truly missed.
Survivors include her three children, Steven John (Linda) Treu of Fort Worth, Texas, Barry Wayne Treu of Freeport, Illinois, and Debora Lynne Treu of Madison, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Jarret (Jennifer) Treu, Shana Renz, and Priyaa Treu; and great-grandchildren, Landon, Lydia and Natalie.
A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, at Restlawn Memorial Chapel, 4710 North Troy St., Wausau, with Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers of First Presbyterian Church of Wausau officiating. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. until the time of service in the chapel. Entombment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Chapel Mausoleum.
Memorial contributions are suggested to First Presbyterian Church of Wausau, 406 Grant St., Wausau, WI 54403.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Donations may be made to:
First Presbyterian Church of Wausau
406 Grant St., Wausau WI 54403
Tel: 1-715-842-2116
Gladys Waller
Gladys Elaine Waller, 90, of Wausau died Friday July 5, 2019, at Mountview Care Center, Wausau.
She was born Jan. 3, 1929, in Wausau to the late Leo and Elsie (Pyan) Marquardt. On May 3, 1952, Gladys married Eugene Waller in Wausau.
Having a true love for the outdoors, Gladys enjoyed fishing and hunting in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Her true passion was writing, and she was known for her ability to write poetry.
She is survived by her sister Sharon (Eugene) Olson, Wausau; niece Cindy (David) Brown, Wausau; great nieces and nephew Melissa Jenkins, Zachery Brown, Callie Brown, Katelyn Brown; great great niece and nephew Henry and Marigold Jenkins.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, husband Eugene and sister Gloria Dake.
A memorial service will be Saturday July 27, 2019, at Thrive Church, 400 Grand Ave., Wausau at 11 with Pastor Dennis Romine officiating the service. A time of sharing will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Friends may sign the family guest book at helke.com.
Lucille Salwach
Lucille Salwach was very proud of her Polish heritage. She loved keeping the Polish Christmas traditions alive with cooking and baking alongside her daughters. If you knew Lucille, she was very decisive, determined, thorough and meticulous in everything she did. That’s why Lucille was an excellent bookkeeper, tax preparer and investor.
She was born Aug. 30, 1926, on the family farm in Thorp to the late Andrew and Julia Strzok. Lucille grew up in Thorp and was a graduate of Thorp High School. A few years later she met Theodore Salwach and they later married at St. Hedwig Catholic Church on Oct. 6, 1948. They moved to Marshfield where Lucille worked at Park’s Accounting Firm until retiring on April 15, 1990, but continued to help work on tax returns until 2000.
Lucille loved her Lord, prayed the Rosary daily and was a devout member of Holy Name of Jesus Parish. She volunteered as a money counter and helped during Summerfun. She also volunteered in the Scrip Office for Newman Catholic Schools and covered over 2,500 books while helping in the library at St. Anne Catholic School. For many years, she served as a poll worker. When her grandchildren were young, Lucille enjoyed attending all their sporting events. In her later years, Lucille enjoyed crafting, word searches, working jigsaw puzzles, bird watching and backing the Packers and Brewers.
At the age of 92, Lucille passed away on Monday, July 8, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Survivors include her daughters, Juliana (William) Franzen of Wausau, Deborah (Kenneth) Wolfe of Wausau, three grandchildren, Shaina Franzen, Hillary (fiance- Cole Ruechel) Franzen, Andrew Wolfe, sister-in-law, Angie Persick of New Berlin, brother-in-law, Stephen Niechcielski of Pennsylvania and her “bestest friend ever”, Barb Simonson of Marshfield.
The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1104 S. Ninth Ave., Wausau. Father Samuel Martin will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
Angela Beck
Angela R. Beck, 91, Wausau, Wisconsin, died Saturday, July 6, 2019, at Applegate Reflections under the care of Interim Hospice Care. She was born Dec. 29, 1927, in Marion, Wisconsin, (Town of Grant), the daughter of the late Albert E. and Angela (Hannemann) Radtke. She married Wallace E. Beck on May 27, 1950, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marion, Wisconsin. The couple enjoyed 67 loving years together prior to Wallace’s death on Sept. 21, 2017.
Angela is a graduate from Marion High School in 1945. Over the years, she was employed as a bookkeeper for Wausau Insurance (Employers Mutual), the Christian Bookstore and Wilson-Hurd Mfg. Co.
She was active in the WELCA of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, held various offices at the local and conference level. She was a member of the Rachel Circle and a member of the Sanctuary Choir. Angela especially loved volunteering at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital since 1988; greeting people at the reception desk and delivering flowers. In her free time, she enjoyed playing cards in card groups for over 50 years, crafts and flowers, spending time at their cottage with family and friends, especially the grandchildren. Angela also enjoyed working on family genealogy and collecting angels and thimbles.
Angela was an easy going, but very organized woman. Her smile and twinkle in her eye hinted the mischievous side of a person who loved being with people. She loved serving her community not only by working, but also in her activity at church throughout her life and her volunteer work.
Angela is survived by her loving sons, Steven (Susan) of Rhinelander and Michael (Christine) of Two Rivers; grandchildren, Joshua, Jennifer, Andrew, Anna and Aaron; great-grandson, Jayden; and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her sisters, Esther, Elaine, Edna and Eunice and brothers, Martin, Oscar and Alvin.
The funeral service for Angela will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2019, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Wausau. Pastor Jennifer Hoffman will officiate. The visitation will be from 10 a.m. on Thursday until the time of service at the church. Entombment will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. Stephen Lutheran Church Good Neighbor Fund in Angela’s memory, 512 McClellan St., Wausau, WI 54403.
A heartfelt word of appreciation goes to the nurses and staff of Applegate and Interim Hospice for their gentle and compassionate care for Angela and her family.
Florence “Flory” Kalenske
Florence “Flory” Jean Kalenske, 82, Wausau, died Sunday, June 30, 2019, at Stone Crest Residence under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
Florence was born Feb. 11, 1937, in Merrill and raised by the late Roman and Goldie (Johr) Saeger. While attending high school in Merrill, she met a fellow saxophone player who would go on to be her husband of 62 years. Following graduation, Florence married Rodney Kalenske at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. Initially, she worked as a beautician but soon she began working as the secretary for the manager of J.C. Penny’s in Wausau where she stayed for 30 years before retiring.
Florence was a woman who loved to shop and made great use of her J.C. Penny discount. Following retirement, Florence and Rodney retired to Florida for 17 years, enjoying all that the Sunshine State has to offer. During their time there, they enjoyed three cruises together.
Florence is survived by her beloved husband, Rodney; sons, Lindsay (Lori) Kalenske and Kevin (Mary) Kalenske; grandchildren, Ashley and Nathan; siblings, Jean Allen, David (Judy) Saeger and Judy Buntrock; and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by an infant grandson and seven siblings.
A private family service will be held and inurnment will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements, you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
Jay Patel
Jay Kalpesh Patel passed away on July 8, 2019, at 1:53 a.m. Jay was born in Kanjari, India, on Dec. 8, 2002.
Jay had a sweet, kind, loving soul and brought happiness and joy to all. When Jay was a child, he was very adventurous. He loved to play many games and always wanted to be surrounded by nature. He especially loved spending time with his brother and cousins.
Two people who had the biggest influence in his life were his cousins Janki and Divya. When he was younger, they treated Jay as if he were their own brother; they loved and supported him through everything. Jay was also surrounded by many loving friends. They all loved spending time with him, having adventures and doing things together.
To his friends and family, Jay brought light and happiness into the world. His presence brought joy to all. Jay will be forever missed and always in our hearts.
Joyce Christjohn
Joyce D. Christjohn, 79, of Oneida passed away on July 7, 2019, at her home.
She was born on Nov. 15, 1939, in Birnamwood, the youngest of 14 children born to the late Edwin and Adele (Larson) Matson. On Oct. 19, 1974, she married Ronald Christjohn in Tigerton. He survives.
Joyce had many interests, including trips to Door County, treasure hunting at rummage sales or attending her church Bible classes. She was an avid Brewers fan. She loved her dogs, coffee, and music, especially Elvis, the Bee Gees and Tanya Tucker.
Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Ronald of Oneida; 10 children, Eric Erickson of Two Rivers, Sue (Rocky) Kauffman of Seymour, Lee (Pam) Christjohn of Antigo, Lief (Bonnie) Erickson of Shawano, Carl Christjohn of Antigo, Vicki (Greg) Strebig of Kronenwetter, Lisa Hirt (Michael Glover) of Antigo, Rachel (Ron) Steebs of Eland, Wanda Tucker of Marion, and Tammy Vondracek of Tigerton; many, many grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Darlene Matson and Sally Matson Hermann both of Tigerton, Theresa DeVerney of Michigan and Barbara (Craig) Hughes of Michigan; brothers-in-law, Tony (Tina) Baxter of Valders, Georgie (Cheryl) DeVerney and Butch (Joyce) DeVerney of Michigan; special friend, Tina Tatro of Antigo; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Adele, all of her siblings, Erling, Kenneth, Marvin, Melvin, Ardis, Donald, Vernon, Milton, Janet, Doris, Eugene, two sisters in infancy, Edith and Evelyn; one granddaughter, Kayona, and grandson, Adam.
Funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wittenberg. Rev. Matthew Christians will officiate. Burial will be in the Bethany Cemetery, Wittenberg, at a later date. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Memories and condolences may be given online at schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt & Schulta.
