Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Debra Robinson-Stolzman
Debra (Deb) Robinson-Stolzman of Wausau passed away Monday July 22, 2019 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau. Deb was diagnosed in June of 2018 with Brain Cancer (Glioblastoma), she fought a strong and courageous fight for over a year, her determination and positive attitude throughout has been an inspiration to her family and friends.
Deb was born September 14, 1958 in Minneapolis, MN to Charles and Shirley Kuppe. Deb is survived by: Husband Brian Stolzman (Wausau, WI); Children Sarah (John) Stiloski (Green Bay, WI) and Jacklyn (Ryan) Matchey (Gilbert, AZ), Parents Charles and Shirley Kuppe (Richfield, MN), Brother Daniel Kuppe (San Francisco, CA) and an abundance of loving friends.
Deb had the ability to build close relationships which made her successful in a career of Media Sales and Real Estate. Deb’s ability to create lasting relationships also provided her the opportunity to give back to the community as one of the original founders of Wausau’s New Life Pet Adoption Center. Deb certainly had a love for people and animals!
Deb was a creative and colorful spirit; she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She took great pride in her community, she loved gardening, shopping, entertaining, cooking, she had a special place in her heart for animals; she also loved her time sitting on the dock at the Boat House in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Most of all Deb was a proud Grandmother to-be; she will now forever be a guardian angel for her grand-daughter (baby Lulu) due August, 2019.
Deb would want to thank so many “Angels” she has had in her life. She was so thankful for the love and support she received from her husband, her family and friends, her neighbors, co-workers, and the Wausau Community.
Deb’s Celebration of Life will take place Sunday July 28, 2019 from 1-4pm at the Peking Restaurant, 221 Scott Street in Wausau.
Anita (French) Mirek
Anita Elizabeth Mirek, 75 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 USAF. The couple were later married on October 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. Her 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, TN and Sharon Mirek of Wausau; grandchildren, Haley of San Diego, CA, Amanda of Tampa, FL, 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.
Belulah Mae “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 in September 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, TX, Barry Wayne Treu of Freeport, IL, and Debora Lynne Treu of Madison, WI; 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, August 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 10:00 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 Street, 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 Street, Wausau WI 54403
Tel: 1-715-842-2116
Anna M. (Esker) Morlen
Anna M. (Esker) Morien, 101 of Wausau died peacefully at home on July 14, 2019.
She was born in the Town of Reid on September 14, 1917 to the late Michael and Anna (Trzebiatowski) Esker. She married Oscar Morien on November 8, 1941 at St. Florian Catholic Church, Hatley. Anna and Oscar farmed in the Town of Easton until retiring in 1994 and moving to Wausau.
Anna enjoyed reading, working puzzle books, cards of all kinds, and especially enjoyed baseball, first the Milwaukee Braves and later the Brewers. She was also a Green Bay Packer fan.
Anna is survived by her children, Lyle (Janet) Morien, Neal (Marsha) Morien, Karen (Jim) Nemke, and Kay Morien; 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, Cheryl Morency, Krista Morien (Edward Kothe), Lisa (Howard) Clark, Brett (Carrie) Nemke, Heather (Jamie) Arnold, Gillian and Gabrielle Arnold, Rebecca Morency, Jake Nemke, Elizabeth and Aiden Clark. She is also survived by 4 sisters-in-law, Mae Morien, Mabel Morien, Leona T’Niemi, and Elaine Lampinen, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar in 2000 and her parents, brothers and sisters and their spouses, Emily (Steve) Hanson, Frances (Albert) Ostrowski, Stanley (Lillian) Esker, Felix (Katherine) Esker, Martha (Gus) Buss, Delephine (Anton) Morien, Edwin Esker, Dorothy (Lucas) Sherfinski, Sylvester (Lucy) Esker, sister-in-law and husband, Phyllis (Arthur) Tapani, brothers-in-law, Hank Lampinen, William T’Niemi, William Morien, and Joseph Morien.
The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau on Tues. August 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. James Schaefer will preside. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service all at the church. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Resurrection Church, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank both Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice and Applegate Independent Living for their care of our mother.
Blake Burger
Blake A. Burger passed away on July 23,2019 while doing one of the things he enjoyed, riding his bike.
Blake was born November 18, 1959, the son of Benjamin and Mary Burger in Wausau. On April 26, 1986 he married Lisa Burger. He is survived by Lisa, his children, Katie (Chris) Stockman and Matthew Burger all of Wausau and his grandchildren, Christopher and Bobbi Stockman.
Blake was employed by Kolbe and Kolbe Millwork for 34 years where he had made many friends over the years.
He is further survived by 3 brothers, Ben, Bruce and Brian and Nephews and Nieces and a very special friend Angus.
Blake was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bob.
Blake was a special person that was there for family and friends to help out wherever he could. He especially loved his children and grandchildren who will miss Papa deeply.
Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 28, 2019 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Todd C. Cook, 61, passed away peacefully at his Custer home on Tuesday, July 17 from cancer of the appendix. Todd and his wife, Sally, were married in 1983 and were blessed with four loving children.
After graduating high school in Janesville, WI in 1976, Todd attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and graduated with a degree in biology. For most of his professional career, Todd was involved in pharmaceutical sales and marketing, most recently specializing in oncology for Bristol-Myers Squibb. A strong love of the outdoors led to a passion for fishing, hunting and camping that he happily shared with his family. Todd will be lovingly remembered by his family as a deliberate, thoughtful and compassionate father.
Most importantly, Todd developed a relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ following the birth of his eldest child. This was the turning point in his life which provided him with meaning and purpose. As such, Todd has always been actively involved in his church and community.
Todd is survived by his wife, Sally; and his four children: Robert Cook (Amanda), Laura Cook (Jess Palmer), Sam Cook and Bryan Cook. He also leaves behind his mother, Joan Cook; and his sister, Ann Kumm. Todd is preceded in death by his father, Robert O. Cook; and his sister, Jeanne Richie.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 19 from 5-8 pm and on Saturday, July 20 from 9-11 am at Nelsonville Lutheran Church. The funeral will be held on Saturday, July 20 at 11am at the Nelsonville Lutheran Church with lunch to follow.
The family would like to extend special gratitude to the Oncology staff at Marshfield Hospital and Ascension at Home Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to establish a scholarship fund in Todd’s memory.
The Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Donald Walter Schultz, 88, Wausau, entered into eternal life Saturday, July 20, 2019. He now abides in the presence of his Lord and Savior.
Don was born April 3, 1931, to Walter and Ella (Rau) Schultz in Milwaukee. He married the love of his life, Mary Olbrantz on August 22, 1951, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Wausau. They enjoyed 68 wonderful years of marriage together.
Don worked for James River Packaging Corporation for 38 years. He worked his way up to become the first pressman, operating a multi-colored press. He was a proud, active, and loyal member of the union, Local 77 Brotherhood of Teamsters. He worked here until his retirement in 1992. Eight years into his retirement, he and his wife decided to work at Sam’s Club for five years, where he was a friendly greeter, who all shoppers looked forward to encountering.
Don was an extremely kind, humble, compassionate, and family oriented man. He had a great sense of humor, family and friends could always count on him for a great 1-liner. He enjoyed traveling the states and camping with his family. Don enjoyed music and singing, especially Al Jolson. So much, that he even was a Jolson impersonator. Don enjoyed watching Packer football. He was a devout Brewers Baseball fan, even through their long losing streaks. Don was a man of deep faith. He attended mass regularly and enjoyed participating in the mass.
Don will be greatly missed and always greatly loved. He was a man of great integrity and had a very gentle spirit. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
He is preceded in death by his parents, eleven siblings, and two infant daughters, Ann Marie and Rosemary Schultz.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Schultz, Wausau; two sons, Donald Jr., Kenny (Gwen) Schultz, both of Wausau; two grandchildren, Lindsey (Josh) Jensen and John Carl Schultz; one sister, Jane Gvora (Idaho).
The celebration of Don’s life will be on Thursday, August 1, 2019, with a visitation from 9-11am and a mass to follow at 11am at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Wausau, with the Reverend Robert C. Thorn officiating.
The Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Doris Jeanette Laking
Doris Jeanette Laking died on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at the Homme Home of Wittenberg, Wisconsin at the age of 94.
She was born on July 27, 1924 to Martin and Madeline (Grimm) Burkhard in Chicago, IL.
Doris married Roland Laking on April 18, 1942 in Grant Park, IL. They had three children, Philip, Steven, and Pamela. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Roland, brother Charles Burkhard, sister Madeline Thoeming, and son Philip Laking.
Doris is survived by her son Steven (Anita) Laking of Eagle River, WI and daughter Pamela (Blaine Koch) Laking of Wittenberg, WI. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Melissa (Eric) Ackerman, Allison (Dale) Daniels, Dana (Jay) Laufenberg, Michelle Laking, Damon (Beata) Laking, Aaron Laking, Keegan (Carmen) Koch, and Amber (Jeremy Gerlach) Koch-Laking. She is further survived by 11 great granddaughters, Elyse Ackerman, Brooke Ackerman, Grace Ackerman, Taylor Laufenberg, Paige Laufenberg, Layla Laking, Monika Laking, Isabella Koch, Quinn Koch, Sloane Gerlach, and Kameron Gerlach. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and her guardian angels Josie and Richard Boicken of Grant Park.
After graduating from Englewood High School in Chicago, Doris worked for the Harris Trust Bank in Chicago and then the 1st National Bank of Grant Park. After the birth of her children she became a full time mother and homemaker, known for being an excellent cook and baker. Christmas was always a very special occasion in her home. Doris was a charter member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary, she was an active member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, where she sang in the choir for over 30 years, served on the Grant Park centennial committee, and volunteered for 25 years at the Illinois Veteran’s Home in Manteno, IL.
A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at St Peters United Church of Christ in Grant Park, IL. Rev. Kyle Timmons will officiate. Burial will take place at the Heusing Cemetery, Grant Park, IL, with a lunch at the church following the burial. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor Doris may be made to St Peters United Church of Christ or the Heusing Cemetery perpetual care fund (310 N. Meadow St, Grant Park, IL 60940), Homme Home CBRF (604 S. Webb St, Wittenberg, WI 54499), or the LeRoyer Hospice Service (112 E. 5th Avenue, Antigo, WI 54409).
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home of Wittenberg is assisting the family. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same.
Ronald Raymond Jakubek
Ronald R. Jakubek, 74 of Hatley, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at his home.
Ron was born on December 11, 1944 in Milwaukee, the son of the late Raymond and Virginia (Gilmeister) Jakubek. He was a member of the Army National Guard of Wisconsin being called into action during the Vietnam War.
On August 24, 1968, Ron was united in marriage to Flora Mae Burtley at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Stevens Point. She survives.
Ron worked at Greenheck Fan Corporation of Weston retiring after many years. He was also a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union. Ron enjoyed camping, traveling and polka music. He also enjoyed spending time at Wildlife Campground making memories with his family and wonderful friends. He was an active member of St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley. Ron’s pride and joy was his family which was number one in his life. He loved doting on his wife, watching his children grow up and teasing and playing with his grandchildren.
Ron is survived by his wife, Flora of Hatley; three children, Robert (Heather) Jakubek, Marie (Seth) Rubey and their children Noah & Nathan and Daniel (Kristy) Jakubek and their children Hailey & Jaxon; Daughter-in-law Janet Jakubek and children Jacob, Tabitha and Elizabeth; siblings Marlene VanLieshout of Plover, Gerald Jakubek of Wittenberg, Geraldine (Floyd) Wurz of Marathon City, David (Patricia) Jakubek of Phlox and Sandra (Steven) KIinner of Wittenberg and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Ronald was preceded in death by his parents Raymond & Virginia; a son Gary; and two sisters, Christine Brandt and Kathleen in infancy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am, on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley with military rites conducted by the Elderon Memorial Post #8068 Veterans of Foreign Wars. Rev. Gregory Bohren will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday at the church from 9:00 am until the time of mass.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
