Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Margaret “Margie” Heil
On Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, Margie (Schug) Heil of Edgar completed her 78-year journey on Earth and was welcomed into heaven. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Azura Memory Care.
Margie is survived by her husband and soulmate of 50 years, Gerry, and five children, Joe Heil, Edgar, Gerlyn (Matt) Brasic, Bangor, Al Heil, Edgar, Jen (Kevin) Underwood, Marathon, Mary (David) Stroupe, Racine, as well as her 11 grandchildren, Nevin Smith, Lexy Belter, Colton Heil, Ethan Heil, Danika Brasic, Elizabeth Brasic, Carlee Dahlke, Katelyn Underwood, Tyler Underwood, Parker Stroupe and Olivia Stroupe, her former daughter-in-law, Jane Heil, her siblings, Ray (Betty) Schug, Gertie (Bud) Guralski, Charlie Schug, Joe (Carol) Schug, Norbie (Evelyn) Schug, Judy (Jim) Halik and Albie (Betty) Schug. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marie (Risch) Schug, and siblings, Sister Anna, Tony Schug, Angie Robinson and Davie Schug.
At the age of 12, Margie was called to religious life and joined the Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis which led to her religious vows as Sister Tonya. Through the order, she completed high school and college and become a registered nurse. In her late 20s, after much prayer and reflection, she knew she could best serve God by focusing on her nursing career and decided to leave the religious order. Margie’s nursing career took her to the cardiac unit at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, the former Memorial Hospital in Wausau, as the head nurse of the ICU, then back to Saint Joseph’s Oncology unit until 2004. From 2005-200,7 she was the school nurse in Edgar and Marathon. Unfortunately, the progression of her Alzheimer’s disease lead to her retirement from her nursing career. The disease never took her caring spirit and passion for serving others, she maintained these through her last breath.
Margie met her soulmate, Gerry, at a wedding dance in 1969. They were married on June 27, 1970, and God blessed them with five children. Together they farmed near Edgar and Margie, never one to sit still, tended to her many flower and vegetable gardens. She loved baking bread, freezing and canning fruits and vegetables, watching the birds and making fabulous desserts and cookies! She was a member of the homemaker’s club, a CCD teacher, Mass lector, member of the Christian Mother’s Society, team member at St. Anthony Spirituality Center and founder of Edgar’s Circle of Joy, just to name a few. Needless to say, her calling to serve others was a focal point all through her life. She shared this calling with her children and grandchildren.
Margie was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother! Her grandchildren have fond memories of her reading books, playing hide and seek, picking raspberries, sneaking them cookies and always ready with hugs and kisses and a Band-Aid for an ouchie even if it wasn’t visible. Family meals and birthday celebrations were very important to her. She had a huge heart and her contagious giggle will never be forgotten by those who knew her.
A special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at Azura Memory Care Facility. Margie was welcomed into the Azura family and Lynda Novitzke and her team provided love, support and hugs along with their outstanding care. They were an extended family to Margie and Gerry every day up until her peaceful passing.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. Rev. Thomas Huff will preside. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2 until 6 p.m. at the church and again on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be a prayer service at 6 p.m. Sunday evening at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Robert “Bob” Gwidt
Robert “Bob” J. Gwidt, 90, passed peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, at North Central Health Care, Wausau.
He was born Dec. 16, 1928, in Wausau, son of the late John and Helen (Lake) Gwidt. On June 25, 1952, he married Cecilia Holzem at St. Mary Catholic Church, Wausau.
Bob began working at Marathon Box at the age of 17 moving up the ladder to retire as a plant manager and salesman 50 years later. During those younger years he served as the mayor of Schofield for 12 years and then two years as mayor in Bloomer. After his ‘retirement’, Bob started to drive a school bus and continued until he was 80. Never a man to sit still, Bob spent the last 12 years of his life collecting scrap metals from people and businesses, which he used to help a variety of charities. He raised over $140,000 alone for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. He received the Jefferson Award for his work.
In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and he loved to travel with his family around the United States.
Bob leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Cecilia; children, Diane (Ron) Mohr, Sue (Mark) Wiskowski, Roberta Gwidt, Sister Petra Rose (Mary) Gwidt I.S.J. and Paul (Sarah) Gwidt; grandchildren, Karen (Jon), Amy (Kurt), Chris (Samantha), James, Karla (Zac), Casey, Katelin, Gabby and Zach; great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Brandon, Dylan, Evan, Brauley, Rocky, Rusty, James Joseph, Lizzie, Charlie and Cate; great great-grandchildren, Braxton and Michael, siblings, Dorothy, John, Roger, Jerry, Wally, Frank and Tom.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Donald, Lucy, Jim and Charles.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild. Rev. Joseph Albert Saleth will preside. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Visitation will be Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at St. Therese Catholic Church. The rosary will be said at 9 a.m. on Monday at the church.
Roy Williamson Jr.
Roy Allen Williamson, Jr., 83, Wausau, died on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2019, at Mount View Care Center under Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services surrounded by the love of his family.
He was born March 19, 1936, in Windsor, Wisconsin, son of the late Roy and Evelyn (Dorman) Williamson.
Roy joined the Marines when he was 17 years old and served for three years during the Korean War as a sharpshooter. In 2012, he enjoyed taking part in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., with his daughter, JoAnn Draeger, as his guardian. After returning from Korea, he married Florence Lodholz on Nov. 1, 1958, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Hamburg, Wisconsin. Despite leaving school after the eighth grade, Roy was a successful dairy farmer and ginseng farmer. In later years, he owned and managed rental properties in the central Wisconsin area.
After retiring, Roy stayed busy delivering parts for David Williamson, his son’s manufacturing business, and helping Dennis Draeger, his son-in-law’s dietary supplement lab. Roy and Florence enjoyed overnight trips to casinos, country music concerts and taking trips to visit their daughter, Jane Winge. His hobbies included playing cards, fishing, doing jigsaw puzzles, raising a garden and mowing the lawn. He especially enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was loved and will be missed by family and friends.
Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Florence; his children. Jane (Paul) Winge, McKinney, Texas, David (Amy) Williamson, Marshfield, Wisconsin, and JoAnn (Dennis) Draeger, Marathon, Wisconsin; his grandchildren, Mitchell Draeger, Stephanie Draeger and Mya Williamson; his brothers, Burt, Lavern (Kathy) and Wally (Pearl) Williamson; sisters, Lavonne Conklin and Cindy (Bob) Krueger; along with many nieces and nephews.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Barbara Burmeister, Lucille Stevens and Cheryl Strehlow; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Beyersdorff and Laura Lodholz;, brothers-in-law, Harvey Lodholz, Orville Thurs and Orville Peter Lodholz; and nephews, John Lodholz, Lyle Beyersdorff and Robert Burmeister.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Mount View Care Center for their compassionate care. The family would also like to thank Debbie and Karl Blank for their ongoing support.
A celebration of life service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 15425 S County Road K, Merrill, WI 54452 at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, with visitation starting at noon. Rev. Donald Love and Rev. Gary Lodholz will co-officiate. Full military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Montgomery Plant Dudley Post No. 10, Wausau. A private burial will be at Friedenshain Cemetery, Berlin, Wisconsin. Memorials can be directed to St. John Lutheran Church, 486 County Road F, Athens, WI 54411.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Sharon Seubert
Sharon A. Seubert, 83, died Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Wausau Manor.
She was born Sept. 19, 1935, in Merrill, daughter of the late Charles and Verna (Huven) Burger. On Aug. 10, 1957, she married Allan Seubert at St. Mary Catholic Church. They recently celebrated 62 years of marriage.
Sharon worked as an underwriter at Wausau Insurance for 29 years and also worked for the Chamber of Commerce and the Wausau Center mall. She was on the Marathon School Board for 27 years, the Marathon County Special Ed Board, counselor for Badger Girls State, clerk for Cents of Reality and chaperone for Wausau Story Drum and Bugle Corp. Sharon held all of the offices for the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, volunteered at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, ushered at the Grand Theater, and was a master gardener. Sharon and her husband were charter members of St. Matthew Catholic Church and very active members serving as Eucharistic Ministers and money counters. She enjoyed square dancing, ceramics, reading, puzzles, knitting and gardening as well as Wisconsin Badgers, Packers and Marathon Red Raiders sporting events. She created over 2,000 baby hats that she donated to Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Survivors include her husband, Allan Seubert; children, Michael (Brenda) Seubert, Greg (Ruth) Seubert and Sue (Michael) Matthiae; grandchildren, Matthew, Sara and Daniel Seubert, Allison (Brandon) Oliphant, Laura (Jared) Morris, Thomas (Olivia) Seubert, Melissa (Scott) Sigmund, Kristin (Bryant) Natzke, Kaitlyn (Bradley) Bernarde and Ryan Matthiae; great-grandchildren, Derrek, Molly, Henry, Norah, Jordan, Rosalie, Hailey and Brady; brothers-in-law, Lester Seubert, Don (Jane) Seubert and Roger Stoltz; sisters-in-law, Gail Dustin and Janet (Lyle) Morien; and her favorite dog, Rascal.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Chris Seubert, brother and sister-in-law, Chuck (Jackie) Burger, sisters-in-law, Nancy Stoltz, Florine Seubert and brother-in-law, Wyman Dustin.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Peter Kieffer will preside. Burial will be in St. Michael Cemetery, Wausau. Visitation will be Friday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services all at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. There will be a parish rosary service Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the church.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Abrego, Dr. Blonsky, and the staffs at Divita Dialysis, Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Wausau Manor for their kind, compassionate care given to Sharon.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Constance Winter
Constance D. Winter, 82, went to be with her heavenly Father on Sept. 1, 2019.
Connie was born to Lloyd and Eleanor (Dvorak) Bourget on May 9, 1937, in the village of Stanley, Wisconsin, and became a baptized child of God shortly thereafter. Connie started school in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and after moving to Cornell, Wisconsin, in 1945 graduated from Cornell High School in 1955. Later that year, she moved to Wausau, Wisconsin, to work at Employer’s Insurance Company. Connie also worked at Memorial Hospital in Wausau for a short time before beginning her career caring for residents at the Sunnyvale Infirmary.
On Dec. 4, 1956, she married Donald F. Winter in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. After settling down in Wausau, they started their family. Over the course of the next four years they were blessed with four children and a place to call home just north of Wausau. After working the better part of two decades at what is now Mount View Care Center, Connie retired during the early 1990s. Following her retirement, Connie served the children at Daisy Mae Childcare for several years before providing private childcare during the early 2000s.
It brought Connie great joy to knit mittens and hats as well as bake for others throughout her entire life. She was a long time and active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where she enjoyed serving others by teaching Sunday School, working with the youth, quilting, as well as many other activities over the years. Her servant heart and smile was always appreciated by all who met her. It brought her such enjoyment to feed and watch the wide variety of song birds out her window every day, she particularly loved her cardinals. Each spring, Connie took great delight watching and caring for her plants and flowers, especially her tulips.
Connie is survived by her three children, Dan (Mashelle), Patti (Gary) Weden, Jeff (Belinda). She is preceded in death by her husband Donald, 2016, and her son Alan, 1984.
Connie is also survived by her sister Jackie (Eddie) Brummond. She was blessed with 13 grandchildren, Andy (Erin) Wendorf and Adam Wendorf, Jenny (Vince) VanRixel, Chris (Kristi) Winter, John (Jocelyn) Winter, Randy (Kristen) Winter, Richard (Kelsi) Winter, Sarah Winter, Curt (Kathy) Weden, Steven (Kim) Weden, Andrew (Julianna) Weden, KC Winter, Hannah Winter, and 24 great – grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her brothers David and George and her sisters Janet Zinda and Ann Hickey.
Visitation will be Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, from 9 a.m. to noon with service to follow at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 930 Edgewood Road, Wausau. A light lunch will be served after the service.
As an expression of sympathy, memorials may be made to the family.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Jerome “Jerry” Bradfish
Jerome “Jerry” L. Bradfish, 84, Weston, passed away on Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born June 8, 1935, in Rib Falls, Wisconsin, son of the late Lawrence and Lydia (Rauen) Bradfish. On Aug. 25, 1956, he married Patricia Jablonski in Wausau. She survives.
For 28 years, Jerry worked for Wisconsin Public Service until his retirement. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed, camping with his family, hunting, fishing and loved the outdoors and living on the lake.
Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Patricia; four children, Mary (Gary) Dettmering, Rothschild, Mark (Ann) Bradfish, Weston, James (Valerie) Bradfish, Knowlton and Sue (Dale Below) Schmelzer, Wausau; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, H. Sue Wiskowski-Fair, Illinois.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Dale; and two sisters, Virginia Martin and Gladys Gibberd.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild. Rev. Allan Slowiak will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Donna Holleran
Donna M. Holleran, 87, died Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Rennes Health and Rehab Center, Weston.
She was born ?on ?Oct. 30, 1931, in Wausau, daughter of the late Orville and Beatrice (McDonald) Westberg. ?She met her husband, Earl Holleran, at a local roller skating rink and wed on ?July 16, 1949, at St. Mary?’s ?Catholic Church? in Wausau.? They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
Donna was a ?loving and kind daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great great-grandmother. She was a wonderful cook and baker who loved to share her gift with family and friends. She was the happiest when her family got together for holidays, parties, and other celebrations. Donna was a caregiver in every sense of the word. She cared for her mother in her home for over 30 years and when her brother needed a kidney, she donated hers.
In her earlier years, she ?enjoyed ?play?ing ?cards and? dancing with her friends? to the music her husband Earl performed, as he played drums for area Polka band?s. Although she never obtained her drivers license, she was always excited to attend family trips, graduations, and get-togethers in and out of town. She loved to shop, often closing stores down, and was always up for a good garage sale. Donna was the biggest Elvis fan and also loved the Green Bay Packers. She was a devoted Catholic, and her faith was at the center of her life. Donna was witty and had a great sense of humor. She will truly be missed by all who had the wonderful fortune of knowing her.
Survivors include her husband, Earl Holleran; children, Sandra (Terry) Swanson, Perry (Julie) Holleran, Timothy (Karen Anderson) Holleran, Peggy (Tom) Karcher and Cindy Dykema; grandchildren, Lisa, Al, Josh, Stephanie, Robin, Shawn, Stacie, Kimberly, Ashley, Jennifer, Vicki and Jayson; 23 great-grandchildren and 4 great great-grandchildren.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, ReeNa and brothers, Jerry, Jackie and Eugene Westberg.
The funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau. Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce presided. Entombment was in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation was Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of services, all at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Ronald Hinker
Ronald M. Hinker, 81, Wausau, died Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, at Mount View Care Center under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born Feb. 1, 1938, in Greenwood, son of the late Sylvester and Barbara (Pink) Hinker. On July 22, 1961, he married Audrey Hendricks at St. Hedwig Catholic Church, Thorp. She survives.
Ron attended St. Mary Catholic School, Greenwood and graduated in 1957 from Greenwood High School after which he joined the Army serving overseas in Germany. While overseas, he played football for the Stuttgart Stallions. Following his military service, he had been employed with General Telephone Company for 32 years, prior to his retirement.
For many years, Ron played softball and baseball. He also coached boys Little League, Senior League and a women’s team. He enjoyed the Brewers and Packers and always looked forward to a yearly trip with Polka Productions, through Bull Falls Brewery to a Packer game. Ron regularly took walks in the morning where he would end up at McDonalds with the whole group. He totally enjoyed life and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his wife, Audrey, three children, Duane “Jake” (Nancy) Hinker, Crystal Lake, Ill., Diane (George) Gering, Columbia, Missouri and Dori Gerber, Wausau, two grandchildren, Jacob Hinker and Samantha Gering; siblings, Eugene (Marilyn) Hinker, Loyal, Jo Ann (Lester) Kaiser, Marshfield, Allen (Sandy) Hinker, Greenwood, Robert (Donna) Hinker, Greenwood; sisters-in-law, Marlene, Caroline, Corraine and Sharon Hinker; many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Jerome, James, Francis, Lawrence and William Hinker.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Peter Kieffer presided. Entombment was in Holy Angels Mausoleum, St. Michael Cemetery, Wausau. Visitation was on Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services and North Central Health Care for the great care given to Ron during his time with them.
Rev. Robert Firary
Reverend Robert J. Firary, 88, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, while on a family vacation in Cooke City, Montana.
He was born on Nov. 30, 1930, in Beaver Dam to the late Harley and Frances (Kopplin) Firary. On June 26, 1954, he married Yvonne A. Zamzow in Ripon.
Robert was raised in the Fall River area. He went on to further his education at the UW-Oshkosh; earning a degree in English. He went on for his Master of Divinity from Garrett Theological Seminary at Northwestern University. He was ordained in the United Methodist Church in 1956 and served at various United Methodist Churches around the State, including Poy Sippi, Merrill, Sun Prairie, Neenah, and Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist, where he retired from the ministry in 1994.
Robert was well known for his powerful and thoughtful sermons; and for his wonderful sense of humor. In his free time, he loved spending time outdoors hunting and fishing and sharing the outdoors with others through youth camping trips to Canada and Montana and birding trips in the U.S. and Central and South America. He also enjoyed traveling and reading and was a dedicated life learner. He was an avid fan of Wisconsin Sports team.
Survivors include his wife, Yvonne of Rothschild; children, Mark Firary of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mary Firary of Milwaukee, James Firary of Cynthiana, Kentucky; his sisters, Elizabeth (Ervin) Oelke of Shoreview, Minnesota, Patricia (Jerin) Frey of Fond du Lac; brother-in-law, Fred (Joan) Zamzow of Johnson Creek; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; as well as three brothers, John, Donald, and Richard.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019, at First United Methodist Church, 903 Third St., Wausau, at 11 a.m. Visitation will take place from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Burial of remains will be at Wanderer’s Rest Cemetery between Randolph and Columbus, Wisconsin. Family and friends may go to helke.com to sign the family guestbook.
Eldine Zunker
Eldine Helen (Utecht) Zunker was born Aug. 28, 1929, She died Aug. 30, 2019, peacefully in her sleep with her family by her side.
Eldine married Wayne Zunker on Oct. 2,1948. They operated a dairy farm before moving to Illinois where Wayne worked as an iron worker. They moved back to the Wausau area when they purchased and ran Zunker’s Bar. They later moved to the Rib Mountain area where they lived when Wayne died in 2004. Eldine enjoyed being a wife and homemaker.
She is survived by their four children: Stanley (Eileen)Zunker, Rothschild; Catherine (Joe) Servais,Richey, Montana; Randall Zunker, Wausau; Mark Zunker, Zion, Illinois, 11 grandchildren: Kara (Jeff) Priem; Shawn (Hillary) Zunker; Hannah (Wade) Whiteman; Elisa (Jason) Sigmundstad; Sarah (Nathan) Fatzinger; Seth (Danielle) Servais; Caleb Servais; Ryan Zunker; Stephen (Chaka) Zunker; Erika (Travis) Hunter; Morgan (AJ) Liegl, seven great-grandchildren; Daniel, Aubree, Allison, Ella, Caden, Graham, Dannica, one sister-in-law Arlene (George) Schreier, Edgar; one brother-in-law Clyde (Jan) Zunker, Tennessee.
A private family service was held on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019.
John Jablonski
John R. Jablonski, 94, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away Aug. 29, 2019. He was born Aug. 7, 1925, to John and Laura Jablonski and married Mildred Juedes on Dec. 15, 1945, in Crystal Falls, Michigan. They had five children.
John was a World War II Army veteran, machinist and truck driver before retiring from Lotz Sand & Gravel in February 1980. He was a lifetime VFW member and enjoyed traveling in his motorhome, gardening, fishing, polka music and playing card games.
John is survived by his spouse, Mildred; two sons, Michael (Bonnie-deceased), Mesa, Arizona, and Russell (Debra), Land O’Lakes, Wisconsin; one daughter, Nancy (David) Voigt, Tomahawk, Wisconsin; eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sons, Richard (Sally), and David; brother George and sister Sylvia.
The family will hold a private gathering.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences maybe expressed at www.HonorOne.com.
Gerald Ashenbrenner
Gerald E. Ashenbrenner, 85 of Tigerton died on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2019, at Evergreen Nursing Home in Shawano, under the care of his family and Theda Care Hospice.
Gerald was born on June 3, 1934, in Pella, the son of the late Ernest and Ethel (Salzman) Ashenbrenner. He was a U.S. Marine veteran, serving from 1956 to 1959.
On Aug. 5, 1961, Gerald was united in marriage to Doris Kubicki at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Milwaukee. She survives.
Gerald was employed at American Motors for many years until his retirement in 1982. The family then moved to the town of Morris. Gerald could not stay retired and needed to keep busy so he worked at Schoepke’s Farm and also drove garbage and recycling truck for the former DSI, now Harter’s Disposal.
An avid outdoorsman, Gerald enjoyed working in the woods, woodworking, deer hunting and making maple syrup. He knitted and made many quilts and built doll houses. Gerald was an avid Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers fan.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Doris Ashenbrenner of Tigerton; three daughters, Rebecca “Becky” (John) Kleczka of Green Bay, Ramona “Mona” Ashenbrenner of Shawano and Ronda Fudge of Birnamwood; five grandchildren, Lucas Ashenbrenner, Danielle Fudge, Charles Fudge III, Ashley Ashenbrenner and Johnny Kleczka Jr.; two great-grandchildren, Jazlyn and Coletyn Herrera and six siblings, Jeanette Konkol of Maribel, Ronald (Joanne) Ashenbrenner of Wittenberg, Shirley Marshek of Maribel, David (Dorothy) Ashenbrenner of Galloway, Leon “Tony” (Virginia) Ashenbrenner of Tigerton and Julane (Elroy) Matz of Pickeral. He is also survived by his aunt, Baeda Ashenbrenner of Shawano; Marine Buddy, Ronald (Pat) Formella of Pleasant Prairie and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Samuel Jordan Fudge and two brothers in infancy, Wayne and Arlen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, at Holy Family – St. William Catholic Church, Wittenberg. Father Matt Settle will officiate. Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery, Wittenberg, with military rites conducted by the Bloecher-Johnson American Legion Post #502. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, with a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
The family would like to thank the staff at Evergreen Nursing Home in Shawano, as well as the Theda Care Hospice for all of the loving care that was provided to Gerald and his family.
Garald Smith
Garald J. Smith, Jr., 49 of Birnamwood, died on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on Nov. 5, 1969, in Antigo, the son of Magdaline (Servi) Smith and the late Gerald J. Smith.
On Feb. 27, 2004, Garald was united in marriage to Lori Uttecht in Shawano. She survives.
Garald and Lori owned and operated The G Spot in Bowler beginning in 2012. Garald had previously worked at Matsche Farms for a number of years. He enjoyed socializing with his family, friends and patrons at the bar.
Garald loved Ford trucks and was rebuilding a ’65 Mustang. He enjoyed shooting pool but mostly spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren.
Garald is survived by his mother, Magdaline Smith of Birnamwood; his wife, Lori Smith of Birnamwood; his daughter, Brianna (Josh) Beran of Birnamwood; grandchildren, Koleton and Aubree; siblings, Sharon (Larry) Cleapor of CO, Diane Stoltz of Weston, Dennis (Gina) Thielman of Birnamwood, Mary (Chris) Steinhauer of Mattoon and Patti Smith of Wausau; Lori’s children, Joshua Dudzik of Birnamwood, Aaron Dudzik and Brook Rubio, both of Wittenberg and their children, Angel, Emilio, Dimitri, Odin and Uriel.
A Funeral Service will be held at Noon on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood. Rev. Wes Jedras will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. A Celebration Gathering will be held at The G Spot in Bowler from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. following the service on Friday.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Ben Christianson
Ben Christianson was taken from us through a random act of violence on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. He was working at a job site near Greenfield, Wisconsin, when slain.
Ben was born to Don and Jane Christianson, Sept. 2, 1969, in Wausau and grew up in the John Marshall neighborhood on Wausau’s southeast side, graduated from Wausau East and the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in hydrogeology.
He worked for Ramaker & Associates, an engineering firm in Sauk City, and lived in Madison for the past 26 years.
Summers were filled with fishing trips to the Turtle Flambeau Flowage with his friends, with kayaking, biking, jogging and other activities. Being a typical Wisconsin male, fall meant deer hunting trips to his land for good times with his brother, uncles and cousin in an old fashioned log cabin. Winter meant downhill skiing and racing at Cascade Mountain or cross-country skiing wherever the snow was best.
Ben is survived by his parents, Don and Jane (Rand) Christianson of Wausau; brother, Jay Christianson of Stevens Point; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Ben’s memorial service is planned for Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 504 Grant St. in Wausau. Visitation will be at 10 a.m.. The 11 a.m. service will be followed by a lunch for those who wish to stay.
