Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Stanley Beilke
Stanley Ervin Beilke, 90, of Marathon, passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at Copperleaf Assisted Living of Marathon, surrounded by family.
He was born on October 16, 1928 in Wausau to the late Ervin and Esther (Hilmershausen) Beilke. Stanley married the former Bettye Rose Loy in Pine City, MN on August 2, 1952.
Stanley served his country in the U.S. Army as a military policeman, worked on the family farm for 40 years, American Can for 26 years, served as town supervisor and chairman for the town of Marathon, was a licensed insurance agent and director with Wausau-Stettin Mutual Insurance, secretary of the Towns Association Insurance, Commander of the American Legion Alois Dreikson Post #469, chairman of Marathon Fun Days, served on the church council, usher, and on the Scholarship Committee of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, the Marathon County Civil Service Commission, and member of Wausau Elks Lodge #248.
In addition to his work and community involvement, Stanley enjoyed getting together with family for holidays and milestones. He liked to play cards, listen to Polkas, especially on Sunday mornings, cheer for the Packers, and watch his favorite game shows. He and Bettye travelled to many destinations and his final trip was on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight this past April with his daughter, Debbie.
Survivors include his wife, Bettye; children, Randall Beilke, Debra Nass, Russell (Lenore) Beilke, Ronald (Nancy) Beilke, and Denise Beilke; grandchildren, Jeremy (Linda) Nass, Jamie (Jacob) Heil, Hope (Justin) Schotz, Whitney Beilke, Danielle (Shemal) Shah, Cameron (Sarah) Beilke, Brice (Allison) Beilke, Trent Beilke (Grace Meyer); great-grandchildren, Tyla Beilke Seubert, and Grayson and Ariya Schotz; sister, Delores Riemer; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Charles Loy, Raymond (Virjean) Loy, William (Pat) Loy, Margie (Al) Barton, Mary (Clarence) Jaecks, Geri Loy, and Helene Michlig.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Esther; infant son, Robert; son-in-law, Calvin Nass; brothers-in-law, James Riemer, Vern Krueger, Robert Loy, James Loy, and Marvin Michlig; and sisters-in-law, Nancy Loy and Nancy Krueger.
A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 426 Washington Street, Wausau, with Rev. Philip Schneider officiating. Family and friends may call on Tuesday, August 27 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A service will be at 7:00 p.m. by American Legion Alois Dreikson Post #469. Visitation will resume on Wednesday beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in St. Matthew’s Lutheran Cemetery, Marathon, with military honors provided by American Legion Post #469.
You may sign the family guestbook www.helke.com.
The family would like to express a sincere thank you for the special care that Stanley received by V.A. Home Care, Copperleaf Assisted Living, and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
John Kuechmann
John P. Kuechmann age 87, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 16, 2019 in Wausau, Wisconsin. He was born on Dec. 27, 1931, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, son of the late Theodore and Antonia (Isselmann).
John married Victoria Ringsmuth on August 22, 2014. He served in the Navy during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. Shortly after leaving the Navy, John attended watchmaking school in Elgin, Illinois where repairing watches and clocks became a life long career and passion. John officially retired July 31, 2019 from the Diamond Showcase in Wausau, where he had worked for the past 23 years. John worked for the Kryshak family in the jewelry industry for 57 years. John was also well known for his pool shooting excellence.
Survivors include his wife: Victoria Kuechmann Wausau, Wisconsin; one son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Beryl Kuechmann, St. Augustine; one daughter, Kim Kuechmann, Aurora, Illinois; one grandson, Kevin Matthew, Nahunta, Georgia; and great granddaughter, Ella Grace, Nahunta, Georgia; two step-sons, Ben from Merrill, Wisconsin and Mitchell from Wausau, Wisconsin. One sister Judith Knickelbine, Manitowoc, Wisconsin and brother and sister-in-law, CDR Jerome and Barbara Kuechmann, USN Ret, Rutherford, N.C.
John was one of 7 children – 4 brothers and 2 sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Antonia Kuechmann, 3 brothers – Father Theordore Kuechmann, James Kuechmann, Charles Kuechmann and Edith (Kuechmann) Sylvester.
Cremation has occurred at Helke Funeral and Cremation Services, Wausau, Wisconsin. A Celebration of Life was held for friends and family on August 22, at the Domino Bar in Wausau, where folks gathered to raise a toast to John at one of his favorite establishments.
Rest well dear Dad, John, “Keech” where we know you are already fast at work ensuring all the clocks in Heaven are chiming at the same time. We love, miss you, and will forever cherish the times we spent together. God bless you and keep you safe until we meet again.
“The clock of life is wound but once
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.
Now is the only time you own.
Live, love, toil with a will.
Place no faith in time.
For the clock may soon by still.”
Lee Hoffmann
Lee John Hoffmann, 63, of Wausau passed away August 22, 2019 at Mount View Care Center, Wausau.
He was born on February 22, 1956 in Wausau to the late Donald and Louise (Witter) Hoffmann. In his younger days Lee enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed listening to and watching sports events; especially the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. Lee loved to socialize and was always game for an adventure.
Lee is survived by his siblings, Mary Kettle of Janesville, Donna Hoffmann of Wausau, Betty (Dean Nievinski) Hoffmann of Wausau, and Roy Hoffmann of Weston; Justen (Jan) Hulce of Rodgers, AR; Tabatha (Jimmy) Crouch of Bergman, AR; sister-in-law, Wendy Hoffmann of Rockford, Il; several nieces and nephews; and his special guardians/nieces Jessica Freye and Tabitha Blaser.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Richard Hoffmann, his sister Sally Pagryzinski, and his brother Edward Hoffmann.
Per Lee’s wishes there will be a memorial held at a later date. Friends and family can sign the family guestbook at helke.com. The family would like to extend gratitude to Cady Home staff and Mount View Care Center staff for their guidance and care of Lee.
Kirk “Kirby” Bender
Kirk “Kirby” D. Bender, 63, Kronenwetter, died Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at his home, under the care of TLC caregivers and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born March 9, 1956 in Wausau, son of the late Flexie and Mary (Beck) Bender.
Kirk was past co-owner of Bender Construction and worked as a carpenter, a job he excelled in and truly loved. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed woodworking, hunting and listening to both country and polka music. Most of all, he liked to spend time with his family and friends, especially at the family cottage and family pond.
Kirk had a kind loving heart and a soul filled with laughter. He was extremely selfless and was always there to lend an ear or a hug if you needed it. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Survivors include, two daughters, Nicole (Tyson) Jenson and Heather Bender; six grandchildren, Makayla, Drew, Anneliese, Lilly, Sophia and Patrick; one brother, Douglas (Jaci) Bender; one sister, Ruby (Eugene) King; one nephew, Bryce; one niece, Amber; special friend, Linda Tilton; and his St. Bernard “Lexie”.
A Celebration of Life will be from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at Kennedy Park in Weston. Because of a family tradition, Kirk loved wearing Hawaiian shirts (mostly the same one)! Please feel free to wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt in honor of Kirk.
Honorary pallbearers will be Rick Bender, Robin Bender, Randy Bender, Eugene King, Bryce Bender, John Stone and Ron Bender.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Marathon County Humane Society or the New Life Pet Adoption Center, Marathon.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Claude Paszek
Claude N. Paszek, 74, Wausau, died August 21, 2019 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at his home.
He was born to Marion (Kraus) and Norbert Paszek of rural Edgar in 1944. On February 10, 1968 he married Judy Loehmer on a bitterly cold day in Tomahawk.
Claude worked at Foremost Dairies for 30 years. After retiring from there, he started his own home improvement business, which his daughter, Leann helped with.
His favorite hobbies included watching the Packers and Brewers, helping Brian work on his stock car and watching him race, where he was the “crew chief”. Claude and Judy spent many summers camping and traveling. They especially enjoyed the Glacier and Yellowstone National Park in 2010 and a trip around Lake Superior with their camping trailer. They also visited Washington DC and New York City after 9/11.
Claude was always ready to lend a helping hand when needed with family and friends. He was able to express his feelings to Judy by telling her “I love you” with his last breath before God led him into eternal rest.
He is survived by his wife, Judy of 51 years; daughters, Paula (John) Gavinski, Bevent, and Leann Ninabuck, Edgar and son, Brian (Ann) Paszek, Chandler, Arizona; grandchildren, Ashley, Raquel, Cody, Michaela, Alexandra, Christopher (CJ), Lillie and Adelyn. He is also loved by 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Louise Goretski, Plover, and her children, Kirk and Chad.
He was preceded in death by both parents.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 26, 2019 at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, Rib Mountain. Rev. Jenn Collins will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday, August 25, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau and again on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, Rib Mountain.
Special thanks go out to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their wonderful, compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Claude’s memory to be donated to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Elizabeth Teresinski
Elizabeth R. Teresinski, 83, Colby, formerly of Athens passed away peacefully Friday, August 23, 2019 at Colonial Center, Colby.
She was born March 20, 1936 in Merrill, daughter of the late Leo and Angeline (Omelian) Sczygelski. On June 11, 1955 she married Eugene Teresinski in Merrill. He preceded her in death on December 16, 2015.
For many years Elizabeth and her late husband Eugene farmed in the town of Rietbrock. Some of her favorite pastimes included cooking, dancing, fishing, listening to Polka music and enjoying a nice cold beer when she could.
Survivors include her children, Jeanette (Randy Henderson) Dvorak, Athens, Edward (Lorita) Teresinski, Marathon and Rita (John Marzynski) Teresinski, Marathon, five grandchildren, Angie (James Seely) Dvorak, Aaron (April) Dvorak, Amy (Brian) Knetter, Matthew (Katie) Teresinski and David (Samantha) Teresinski, seven great grandchildren, Shane, Abby, Aurora, Aiden, Ella, Everett and Kaylor and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and husband she was preceded in death by two brothers, Wally Sczygelski and Joseph Sczygelski and three sisters, Virginia Wisnewski, Mary Starzinski, Angie Lemmer and Geraldine Kufahl.
A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens. Burial will be in Holy Family Catholic Cemetery, Poniatowski. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the Athens funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Jeffrey (Jeff) A. Engebretson, 51, Menominee, MI., died Tuesday August 20, 2019, at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, in Green Bay. He was born June 18, 1968, to Glen and Jeanette Engebretson. He worked in the construction trade for many years and liked being a heavy equipment operator. He was a kind hearted person and loved telling stories of his experiences. Fishing and hunting were some of his favorite pastimes. He served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Panama.
Jeff is survived by his parents, Glen and Jeanette Engebretson, Rothschild; two children, Rebecca Engebretson and Nathaniel Engebretson, both of Schofield; one brother, Brian (Amy Adamus), Wausau; two sisters, Julie (Jason) Barnum, Wausau; and Brenda Engebretson, DePere; a special friend, Beverly Schultz; many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A private family funeral was held at St. Mark Catholic Church in Rothschild.
Online condolences maybe expressed at www.HonorOne.com
Gerald J. Chesmore passed away peacefully on August 20, 2019 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, WI. He was born to the late James and Margaret (Merkel) Chesmore on April 15, 1935 in Marshfield, WI. He served proudly in the United States Army from 12-30-1953 to 12-13-1956. He enjoyed going for walks, running, boxing, horseshoes, spending time in the garden, and he was one heck of a dancer! Physical fitness was always of great importance to him. He enjoyed his time spent with family and friends.
He is survived by his children; Mark (Connie) Chesmore, Marshfield, WI, Melody (Dan) Schuh, Marshfield, WI, Michelle (Roman) Chesmore, Marshfield, WI, and Michael Chesmore, Stevens Point, WI. Siblings; Margaret McCormick, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Rose Schallock, Stratford, WI., Danny Chesmore, Green Valley, Arizona, Beatrice Wheeler, Plainfield, WI., Kathleen Brill, Colby, WI. Step-Sisters Sandra Nys, Wanda Thurber. Grand-Children; Selena, Sierra, Christopher, Joseph, Samantha, Alex, Alexandra, and Breanna, along with one Great-Granddaughter Aurora.
He is preceded in death by his Daughter Marcy (Chesmore) Schneider , still born son Matthew, siblings; Patricia Hasselburger, Oliver, Valentine, Joseph, and step-brother James Nehring.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 502 W. McMillan St, Marshfield, WI. Visitation will be from 10:00 until time of service at 11:00.
Online condolences maybe expressed at www.HonorOne.com
Rita Borchardt
Rita T. (Budnik) Borchardt, 82 of Weston, passed to her heavenly home on Friday, August 23, 2019.
She was born on October 7, 1936 in Pike Lake, Marathon County, to Philip and Theresa (Janikowski) Budnik. She graduated from Wittenberg High School in 1955. On June 29, 1957, she married John Borchardt at St. Florians Catholic Church, Hatley. They recently celebrated 62 years of marriage. Rita enjoyed helping with Girl Scouts, checking out garage sales, traveling and the occasional trip to the casino. She also did in home child care for numerous families. Rita loved spending time with her family and friends and the precious times spent at the cottage on Pike Lake.
Rita is survived by her husband, John; daughter Julie (Jim) Wojciechowski of rural Eland; son Bruce (Tricia) Borchardt of Whitewater; five grandchildren Jill (Josh) Wojciechowski, Jon (Morgan) Wojciechowski, Scott Borchardt, Aaron (Heather) Borchardt and Samantha (Tyler) Vaughn; four great grandchildren with a set of twins due in September and two sisters-in-law Lorraine Borchardt of Waukesha and Bernice Bossell of Wittenberg.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son Bryan J. Borchardt; a sister Phyllis Dvorak, her parents-in-law John and Margaret Borchardt; four brothers-in-law Herb, Don and Ray Borchardt and Clarendon Bossell and two sisters-in-law Donna Borchardt and Isabelle Borchardt.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley. Reverand Gregory Bohren will officiate. Burial will take place at 1:30pm in Forest Home Cemetery, Wittenberg. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 9:30am until the time of mass at the church. A luncheon will be served following the mass.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
