Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Ruth Uecke
Ruth B. Uecke, 94, Wausau, passed away due to complications from a stroke on Aug. 27, 2019, surrounded by her family. Ruth was born April 25, 1925, in Madison, Wisconsin, where she met and married her husband Earl Uecke.
Ruth was a kind, sweet woman who was passionate about her family. She was full of laughter, sincerity and grace, and was always up for a card game. She will be remembered with a beautiful smile on her face.
A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Ruth is survived by her husband of 72 years, Earl; children Sandy (Bruce) Melco, Gary Uecke and Tammy (JC) Estensen; grandchildren Christopher Uecke, Laurie Ruesch, Lacey Melco, Christian Estensen and Gunnar Estensen; and great grandson Jordan Ruesch. She was preceded in death by sons Terry Jon and Denis; and grandson Hunter Melco.
A funeral service will be held at noon, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, at Zion Lutheran Church, 709 N. Sixth St., Wausau, Wisconsin. Rev. Christopher S. Johnson will preside. Family and friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A reception will immediately follow the service at the church. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery at a later date.
Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Danielle Dahlquist
Beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend, Danielle Marie Dahlquist left this world unexpectedly at the age of 31 on Aug. 25, 2019. Born in Wausau, Wisconsin, on Jan. 18, 1988, to Dave Dahlquist and Marie Lyman, she grew up in Genoa, near La Crosse, where she attended elementary and middle school before relocating back to Wausau, graduating from D.C. Everest Senior High School in 2006.
Danielle was a caring and compassionate person who loved her family and friends dearly. She enjoyed spending time with her cherished dog, Nanny “Nanny Goat” and watching her niece, Kynslei, perform at dance recitals and school functions. Danielle had a lifelong love of singing, that recently turned into amazing nights of karaoke with her friends. Those who knew her will forever remember her beautiful smile, kind heart and infectious laugh that could light up a room. She will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her.
When you think of Danielle, celebrate the good memories you have of her. Remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived to the fullest.
Danielle is preceded in death by her grandfather, Gordon Dahlquist, and her grandfather, Bill Lyman.
She is survived by her mother, Marie Lyman; father, David Dahlquist; her brother Matthew (Megan) Dahlquist; niece, Kynslei, grandmother, Claire Dahlquist; grandmother Mary Lyman, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A memorial service will take place on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, WI 54476. Father Greg Bohren will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service, all at the funeral home.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Kevin Pomasl
Kevin K. Pomasl, 60, died unexpectedly, Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019 at his home.
He was born July 29, 1959, in Eau Claire, son of Douglas Pomasl and the late Rosemary (Mayer) Pomasl. On Oct. 11, 1980, he married Debra Klueckman in Wausau. She survives.
Kevin worked for 32 years at Wausau Chemical and recently transferred to Roadready Transfer Services. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, bowling, fishing, hunting and camping.
Survivors include his wife, Debbie Pomasl; children, Heather (Scott) Brown and Rachel Pomasl; his pooh bear and buddy, granddaughter, Morgan; dad and step-mom, Doug (Irene) Pomasl; sister, Stephanie (Darin) Pagel, brother-in-law, Jeff (Candy) Klueckman; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gerald (Betty) Klueckman; nieces and nephews and his childhood friend, Kurt Pospychala.
Besides his mother, Rosemary, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Jerry Klueckman.
Memorial services will be 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau. Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 p.m. until the time of services all at the Sixth Street funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Joan Kolbeck
Joan Kolbeck, 85, Weston, passed away on Aug. 23, 2019, at Renne’s Rehabilitation Center in Weston. Joan was born on Oct. 16, 1933, to the late Leonard and Dorothy (Jahnke) Krueger in Wausau. She married Jerome (Jerry) Kolbeck on Nov. 22, 1952, in Augusta, Georgia, before Jerry was sent to serve in Korea. He preceded her in death on Dec. 7, 2009.
During Joan’s early years, she helped support the family company, Krueger’s Cycle Center, which was founded by her parents. She enjoyed the business of selling and servicing Harley-Davidson and BSA motorcycles. It was through the business’s association with the Rib Mountain Riders that Joan met Jerry.
Joan had numerous jobs throughout her lifetime. Of particular note is the time she spent as a crossing guard at Franklin Elementary School, a teacher’s aide at Grant Elementary School, and as head cook at St. Michael’s Catholic School. She had a strong desire to serve others and did so through her volunteer work through St Michael’s Catholic Church and other community programs.
A wonderful cook and baker, the delicious apple squares she made were always a big hit with her family. She was also a talented seamstress. Family was the center of Joan’s life. She loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and other activities. She and Jerry enjoyed traveling and spending quality time with family at the cottage on Blue Lake.
Joan’s world changed drastically in early 2000 due to a major head injury she incurred while ice skating, causing her to lose the majority of her vision. Jerry became her caregiver for the next 10 years until his own health failed. Although she never lost hope that her vision would return, Joan always kept her positive attitude and, thankfully, her very limited vision still allowed her to maintain her love of reading. Her sense of humor never wavered and she had a smile and a thank you for anyone who came to visit her.
Joan is survived by her six children, Jamie (Neal) Treu of Phillips, Wisconsin, Jay (Julie) Kolbeck of Wausau, Jill (Randy) Forer of Wausau, Joy (Steve) Henrich of Rothschild, Jeff (Missy) Kolbeck of Wausau, and John (Mary Jo) Kolbeck of Weston; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers; Gilbert and Richard Krueger, and two infant sons.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau. Rev. William Grevatch will officiate. Visitation will be on Friday from 9 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Marathon County Public Library or the Marathon County Humane Society.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Adeline Mortensen
Adeline (Addie) V. Mortensen, 95, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019 at Aspirus Hospice House.
She was born June 13, 1924, in the village of Fenwood, the daughter of the late Andrew and Alvina (Wiesman) Hager. She was baptized and confirmed at the Fenwood Lutheran Church. Addie married Rexall Mortensen on May 25, 1951, at the High Steeple Church in the town of Wien.
After graduation from Wausau Senior High, Addie attended the Stevens Point Teachers College. After graduating, she taught at various elementary schools throughout the state, and spent 17 years at St. Frances Cabrini Elementary School prior to her retirement. Addie enjoyed traveling, fishing and gardening with her husband.
Survivors include her husband, Rex; son, Craig (Deb) Mortensen; daughter, Cheryl (Steve) Benson; four grandchildren, Tara Sperry, Dana Mortensen, Brooke (Josh) Klingbeil and Christopher Mortensen; two step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Barbara Peterson and Janice (Clarence) Dumke; as well as her sister-in-law, Opal Steinfeldt.
She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Gust, Warren and Marvin Hager; four sisters, Ella Weisenberger, Florence Zahn, Melba Jacobitz, and Verna Wetterau.
Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 600 Stevens Drive, Wausau. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park.
The family wishes to thank all of the staff at Aspirus Palliative Care and Hospice House for the outstanding care of Addie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, c/o Aspirus Health Foundation; 425 Pine Ridge Blvd., Wausau, WI 54401. Family and friends may go to helke.com to sign the family guestbook.
Robert Barske
Robert Barske of Antigo passed away peacefully, Friday, Aug. 23, 2019. He gave up his long battle with Parkinson’s at home under the care of his wife, Theresa, and LeRoyer Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.
Bob was born July 3, 1934, the youngest of four children, to parents William and Nelly (Spigelski), Barske who moved to Antigo from Iowa to buy a fox farm. They operated the farm eventually turning it into a dairy, where Bob grew up and lived all his 85 years.
When Bob was just 19, his father died leaving him to run the farm for his mother. In 1956, he married Theresa Prasalowicz of Ackley and the two of them farmed together from then on, also starting and operating Elm Haven retirement home for many years on Elm Street.
Bob graduated from Antigo High School, class of 1953. He enjoyed basketball, baseball and always the many horses that he raised along with his dairy cattle. He was part of Triple R, and enjoyed horse racing at the Langlade Fairgrounds and working as a farrier, shoeing and trimming horses for many years. He enjoyed hunting and his trips out West hunting with family and friends. Bob loved a good joke, teasing the kids and giving them “whisker rubs.”
Bob was a member of the Antigo Seventh Day Adventist Church. He took pride in working with other good friends in helping to construct the new church building on the corner of Third and Hogan, where he served for many years.
Bob battled with illness much of his adult life, nearly dying different times, but due to the care of his devoted wife and by the grace of God, he lived a long full life. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William, and wife, Delores; sister, Ramona Eswein, and husband, Robert; brother-in-law, Arthur Luttig; and several other sisters & brothers-in-law. His sister, Lola Luttig of Richland Center, survives.
Robert and Theresa had 14 children (eight daughters, six sons), all who survive along with their spouses and many kids. We are overwhelmed by God’s blessings! 1. Oldest daughter Lisa (Dave) Slattery of Deerbrook and their kids Brenda (Lance) Bricko, Carol (Paul) Tonie and Adam (Melissa) 2. Daughter Lila (Mike) Bares of Fargo, North Dakota, and their kids Michelle (Alec) Kores, Eric, and Ryan 3. Oldest son Loren (Diane Gallenberg) Barske of Antigo and their kids Jennifer (Derek) Kolpack and Emily (Josh) Warren 4. Daughter Linda (Mark) Williamson of Antigo and their kids Holly and Mark Jr. 5. Son Leonard (Julie Schmit) Barske of Madison and their kids Elizabeth, Jack, and Luke 6. Daughter LeeAnn (Duane) Haakenson of Antigo and their kids Brittany, Brook, and Brett 7. Daughter Lana (David) Hickman of Antigo and their kids Justin and Tyler. 8. Son Leslie (Luanne Schroepfer) Barske of Antigo and their kids Levi, Ashton, and Olivia. 9. Daughter Lois (Mark) Fick of Antigo and their kids Dustin (Christine), Kalie, and Westley (Suzy) 10. Son Lynn Barske of Canon City, Colorado, and his kid Skielur 11. Son Lon (Cindy Carlson) Barske of Antigo and their kids Michael (Jenna), Jacob, April, and Matthew 12. Son Lance Barske of Antigo 13. Daughter Leah Barske of Antigo 14. Daughter Lydia (Brian) Engen of Antigo and their kids Marshal and Elsa.
Bob was very proud of his children, their accomplishments, and his grandchildren.
He also leaves behind sisters-in-law, Joyce Prasalowicz, and Janet (Raymond) Heckert; nephews, Kim Riley, Arthur Luttig, Tom, Phil, Greg, and Donald Barske; and nieces, Kerry Weber, Pamela King; nine great-grandkids; and many more wonderful relatives, church family, and friends.
Bob and Theresa are very thankful for the help and support of his family, along with the lovely people from LeRoyer Hospice. Special thanks to Nurse Sue who came at the end to be with us, when Bob fell asleep. And thanks to Pastor Tom for his support and performing Bob’s funeral service.
Please join us at the Antigo Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1515 Third Ave., to celebrate Bob’s life and life to come. Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 30, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 31, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., funeral service will follow at 5 p.m.
The Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Victor Grube Jr.
Victor William Grube Jr. of Spencer, Wisconsin, passed away on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, at the age of 68.
Victor was born to parents Victor Sr. and Helen Grube on April 13, 1951, in Marshfield, Wisconsin. He grew up as one of 12 children and attended Owen/Withee High School. In 1976, he married Deborah Haskins. He worked at several area cheese factories; the last Beatrice Cheese of Marshfield until its closing. His last position was with Storm-tite Windows in Mosinee.
Victor is survived by his wife, Deborah, his daughter and son-in-law Laura and Tim Krause of Spencer. He is survived by his brothers; Lavern (Joyce) Grube, Roger (Rosmary) Grube, Richard Grube, Ken Grube, Douglas (Miki) Grube, sisters include; Marlene (Jim) Schill, Marcella (Roy) Sobeck, Marilyn (Edward) Bruger. Surviving sister-in-laws; LuAnn Grube and Diane Grube. He also has many nieces and nephews. As well as sister-in-law and brother-in-laws Trish (Ronald) Pawlowicz and David Haskins.
He is preceded in death by his parents Victor Sr. and Helen, bothers; Elden, Gerold, Randy Grube also by sisters-in-law; Karen and Stella Grube.
His hobbies included hunting, fishing and watching the Packers. He also enjoyed shooting pool and playing softball.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Sept. 7, 2019, at 1 p.m. at the Spencer Municipal Building in the meeting room. Interment will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church cemetery Curtiss, Wisconsin.
Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society of Schofield, Wisconsin, is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences maybe expressed at www.HonorOne.com.
Betty Wetzel
Betty Lou Wetzel, 81, of Wittenberg died on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019, at Atrium Post Acute Care, Shawano.
She was born on Feb. 12, 1938, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the daughter of the late Leland and Agnes Gracy (Cratiers) Stanley.
In September of 1966, Betty was united in marriage to Adolph John Wetzel in Elkhorn. He preceded her in death on July 28, 1998.
Betty worked as a clerk at several stores and was a homemaker. Gardening was her passion and she was truly gifted at it. She enjoyed hunting, loved dogs and especially the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Betty is survived by her children, Lorretta, Linda (Joe), Debbie (Tom), Bob (Deanna), Geno (Adele), Tammy, Karl (Lois), John (Angel) and Vicki; 22 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and a sister, Barbara Jeanne.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband; parents; three brothers; one sister and sons-in-law, Steve and John.
Private family services will be held.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com
The family wishes to especially thank Deanna Wetzel and Lois Anderson for the care given to Betty during this difficult time.
