Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
William “Bill” Sands
William T. Sands, 67, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019, at Pride TLC in Weston.
He was born on May 11, 1952, to the late William J. and Geraldine (Miller) Sands in Milwaukee. Bill graduated from James Madison High School in 1970. He married Mary Ann Hacker on Jan. 8, 1972. He was a customer service representative for Rent-A-Flash of Wisconsin for many years.
Special to him were trips to the casino, traveling and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary; sons William R. (Jessica) and Michael A. Sands; granddaughter, Kayla; grandson, Dylan; as well as his sister- and brothers-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws.
Private family services are being held. Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Donald Grassl
Donald P. Grassl, 81, passed away on July 31, 2019, at his home. Don was born Oct. 29, 1937, to Grant and Eunice (Wachtl) Grassl in Milwaukee. He married his high school sweetheart, Johneen Nares, on Sept. 3, 1960, at Gesu Catholic Church in Milwaukee.
Don is an alum of UW-Milwaukee, January 1962. He worked from 1962 – 2000 for Wausau Insurance, retiring as an assistant vice president in claims. He began a second career as a tree farmer on 80 acres he bought in the town of Frankfort in Marathon County.
In addition to his wife, Johneen, he leaves behind three children, Susan (Bob) Appleton of Racine; Donald Jr. of Lakeville, Minnesota; and Andrew of Wausau. He cherished his grandchildren: Jimmy, Patrick, Bobby, Tommy, Peter and Angela. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Viljevac, brothers Tom (Kathy), and Ken (Sara) all of Milwaukee; his brother-in-law, Jerry Czubinski of Menomonee Falls; sister and brother-in law, Pat and Glenn Kuhn of Holmen; and many loved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. His friends from high school, working, and everyday life were a special joy throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Janet Czubinski, and sisters- and brothers-in-law: Anita and Bill Heuer, Natalie and Peter LaBarbera, Rita and Ken Stegall. He was a friend to anyone he met, particularly children.
A celebration of Don’s life will take place Saturday, Aug. 10, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bunkers, 1001 Golf Club Road, Wausau. A private graveside service will take place with family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to woundedwarriorproject.org.
Gary Ackerman
Gary Allan Ackerman, 73, went to be with the Lord on Aug. 2, 2019, in comfort care services at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital in Weston, surrounded by his loving family.
Gary was born on May 14, 1946, to John and Arlene Ackerman. He was married to his soul mate, Colleen (Dehnel) Ackerman, on July 29, 1989. They had just celebrated their 30-year wedding anniversary.
Gary retired from GTE/Verizon where he served as union president. Following his retirement, Gary worked seasonally for the Kronenwetter Parks department. He enjoyed spending time with family, looked forward to hunting and fishing, cheering on the Packers and Brewers and always helping others. He was also a longtime fan of Johnny Cash. Gary was a strong, selfless, family man who loved the Lord above all.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, John and Arlene Ackerman, his father and mother-in-law Edwin and Frances “Peetsie” Dehnel, his brothers-in-law Bill Bishop and Richard Dehnel, and his dear grandson, Finley Pensinger.
Gary is survived by his wife, Colleen Ackerman, of Kronenwetter, his children, Jim (Laura) Ackerman of Washington, Lee (Rhonda) Ackerman of Marshfield, Susan (Rob) James of Marshfield, Sara (Brian) Pensinger of Weston, and Brad (Alyssa) Stone of Wausau, his grandchildren, Amethyst, Jayden, Sophie, Lilly, Logan, Lennon, Penelope, and Ruby, his sister, Gayle Bishop of Antigo, his nephew, Bryan (Tess) Brooks of Madison, and his brother and sister-in-law John (Kim) Dehnel of Wild Rose.
There will be a visitation on Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Church of St. Anne in Wausau, Wisconsin. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., with a meal to follow.
The family wants to thank the two heroic bystanders that immediately performed effective CPR, ensuring Gary’s family could all be together over the following days with him to see his fight and then to say their goodbyes. A big thank you also goes out to the EMTs who were relentless in their efforts and finally the medical staff at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital for always giving their best, showing incredible compassion and providing the best care.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
June Roeder
June Laura Roeder, 90, of Rothschild, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019, at Mount View Care Center, Wausau.
She was born in the town of Rib Falls on June 5, 1929, to the late Walter and Selma (Zunker) Dahlke. She met Elroy Roeder, fell in love, and married him on Oct. 7, 1950, in Marathon City.
Gardening, sewing, knitting and golfing were some of the things that June enjoyed doing. Most important to her were her family, friends and church. She faithfully went to church every Sunday; went for her daily walk with her best friend Jane; and spent as much time with her family as she could. Whether they were camping up north at Star or Buffalo Lake, spending her favorite holidays (Christmas and Easter) together, they were who made her truly happy. Her hugs, her laughter and hearing her sing “Silent Night” in German will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
June is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, Elroy; children, Tim (Debbie) Roeder and Lisa (Doug) Fliss; grandchildren, Jennifer Brooks, Rebecca Roeder (fiancé, Kevin Trushenski), and Matthew Roeder; sister, Sharon Goetsch; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, June was preceded in death by her seven siblings.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 503 Schmidt Ave., Rothschild, with Rev. Richard Block officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Verna Viegut
Verna E. Viegut, 89, of Birnamwood died on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019, at the Homme Home of Wittenberg.
She was born on Feb. 2, 1930, in Birnamwood, the daughter of the late Fred and Erma (Kufahl) Schmidt.
On July 30, 1960, Verna was united in marriage to Richard Viegut at St. John Lutheran Church, Birnamwood. He preceded her in death on July 6, 2013.
The couple lived in Rhinelander for many years and Verna was a nurses aide at the Mount View Sanitarium and Rhinelander Hospital for 26 years. She enjoyed traveling, sewing, fishing, playing cards, gardening and putting puzzles together. Verna was blessed with a loving and caring family of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Survivors include her siblings, Doris Schmidt and Murl Hahs of Wittenberg, Milton (Suzanne) Schmidt and Earl (Judy) Schmidt of Birnamwood, Carol Kocina of Independence, Minnesota, and Rachel Kluck of Tomahawk; a sister-in-law, Judith Schmidt of Birnamwood and many other family and friends.
Verna was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and siblings, Donald, David, Roy, and Erma Jean.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, at St. John Lutheran Church, Birnamwood. Rev. John Meachen will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and message of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Mary Knitter
Mary J. Knitter, 70, of the town of Franzen, died on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison.
She was born on Jan. 29, 1949, in Shawano, the daughter of the late Arthur Sr. and Goldeen (Patnode) Kriesel.
On Sept. 6, 1969, Mary was united in marriage to Robert Knitter in Wittenberg. He survives.
Mary worked for the former Federal Mogul for many years until her retirement. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Galloway. Mary enjoyed snowmobiling and traveling.
Survivors include her husband, Robert; siblings, Carl “Dave” (Betty) Kriesel of Tigerton, Roy (Martha) Kriesel of Racine, Cathy Burke of Menasha and Eugene Kriesel of Elderon; a brother-in-law, Ronald Wierzba; a sister-in-law, Pat Kriesel and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Galloway. Fr. Augustine Bentil will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
