Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Inez Grohman
Inez E. Grohman, 89, of Merrill passed away Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, at Ascension Good Samaritan Hospital, Merrill.
Inez was born Aug. 22, 1930, in the town of Maine, Marathon County, daughter of the late Victor and Alma (Rusch) Sturm. She married Milton Krenz on Jan. 28, 1950. He preceded her in death in September of 1955. She then married Orval ‘Red’ Grohman in August of 1960, and he preceded her in death in 2000. In her younger years, Inez belonged to a local Homemakers Club. She enjoyed crocheting dish rags, sewing quilts, making Christmas ornaments, flower and vegetable gardening, canning, and baking and cooking. Inez especially loved being a hostess to any visitor. She also liked fishing for anything that would bite and working on crossword puzzles.
Survivors include one daughter, Carla (Peter) Wade of Merrill; four sons, Bruce (Shirley) Krenz of the village of Maine, Barry (Cindy) Krenz of the village of Maine, Dale (Debby) Krenz of Wausau and Jay Grohman of Merrill; nine grandchildren, Jasmin (Lucas) Skerven, Brandon (Alyssa) Wade, Ryan (Anna) Marciniak, Paul Marciniak, Neil (Olivia) Marciniak, Heidi (Craig) Falstad, Heath (Tracey) Krenz, Rebecca (Curtis Roe) Krenz-Roe and Kari (Drew) Mizgalski; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-grandchild on the way; one sister, Doris (Eldon) Kleinschmidt of Racine; and one brother, Ralph (Rosemary) Sturm of Merrill. Inez was preceded in death by her husbands; parents; and son, Brian Krenz.
The funeral service for Inez will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, at Bible Presbyterian Church, Merrill. The Rev. Andy Perry will officiate. Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery, village of Maine. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at the church. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.
Mary Jo Hartwig
Mary Jo Hartwig, 90, formerly of Wausau, died peacefully in her sleep in Milwaukee on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019.
Born Mary Joan (JoAnn) Dunlevy Aug. 18, 1929, she married her loving husband, Robert, on June 25, 1954. They were reunited in heaven on his birthday.
After graduating from high school at the age of 16, Mary Jo attended the College of St. Theresa in Winona, Minnesota, graduating at 20 years old with a degree in piano and voice. She taught music for elementary and high school students for the next three years, before following her true passion, signing with Consolidated Artists and embarking on a career as an entertainer. She performed as a pianist and vocalist throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.
Following her career as a musician, Mary Jo met and married Robert, becoming a devoted wife and mother to four children. She played a critical role in the success of Hartwig Manufacturing Corp., a business founded by her husband. Mary Jo and Robert were tireless supporters of the Wausau community, not seeking recognition for their many contributions. Their gifts, both personal and through the Robert and Mary Jo Hartwig Family Foundation, were often given anonymously and benefited a variety of organizations and needs. Mary Jo’s passion for the arts continued as she served as president of the Performing Arts Foundation of Wausau.
Mary Jo was an outstanding cook and her chocolate cake was legendary. She enjoyed spending time with her family, weekends in Milwaukee and winters on Sanibel Island, Florida. She continued her love of music playing the piano for friends, family and others throughout her life. Mary Jo will be profoundly missed by those who loved her.
Mary Jo is survived by her children, Mary Elizabeth Hartwig of Milwaukee, James (Jori) Hartwig of Oconomowoc, Linda Hartwig (Jay Murray) of Franklin, and Daniel (Ellen) Hartwig of Wausau; three grandchildren, Elizabeth, James Michael and Daniel Casey; sister Catherine Rose (Dunlevy) Fitzpatrick; brother John Dunlevy; and several nieces and nephews.
Aside from her husband, she was preceded in death by her mother Mary Ethyl (Casey) Dunlevy, father Michael Joseph Dunlevy and sister, Colleen Annette Dunlevy.
The family would like to thank the staff of Eastcastle Place, Horizon Hospice and Stowell Associates who lovingly cared for MJ.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 229 South 28th Ave., Wausau. Father Peter Kieffer will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams St., Wausau, and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Burial will take place in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.
In lieu of flowers gifts may be made to The Salvation Army or a local music program of your choice.
Murill “Jake” Dahm
Murill “Jake” Edward Dahm, 94, of Wausau died Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, at Applegate Terrace, Wausau, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born Jan. 29, 1925, in Wausau, son of the late Walter and Lydia (Volkman) Dahm. On May 10, 1947, he married Eleanor Wesolowski at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cassel. This year, they celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.
Jake was a veteran of the United States Marines and served in the Pacific. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 388, Wausau and the American Legion Post No. 89, Minocqua. Jake was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 1069, Wausau and a charter member of The Church of St. Anne, Wausau.
For 37 years, Jake worked as a lineman for Wisconsin Public Service. He first began his career in Wausau, then moved to Minocqua, retiring in 1987. Jake and Eleanor then moved back to Wausau in 1999. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed golfing, traveling, bowling, reading, watching war and western movies and was an avid Packers fan and Brewers fan. Jake loved woodworking and either built or remodeled five different homes.
Survivors include his loving wife, Eleanor “Ellie”; children, Susan (Lawrence) Kutschenreuter, Minocqua and James (Catherine) Dahm, Wausau; son-in-law, LeRoy Plourd, Arbor Vitae; grandchildren, Jacob (Jennifer Kormanik) Kutschenreuter, Joseph (Danielle) Kutschenreuter, Michael Dahm, Brittany (Michael) Curtis and Bradley (Melissa Schroeder) Dahm; great-grandchildren, Jase and Tanner Kutschenreuter, Preston, Landon and Owen Curtis; sister-in-law, Betty Albert; special cousin, Warren Eschenback and family; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Arthur Pieper; two daughters, Patti Dahm and Carol Plourd; and one brother, Russell Dahm.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Tom Lindner will preside. Visitation will be on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau, with full military honors conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Burns Post No. 388, Wausau.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Church of St. Anne, Wausau, or the Never Forgotten Honor Flight.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Applegate Terrace, Wausau Manor Nursing Home and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the wonderful care and support given to Jake and his family.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Edward Vondrasek
Edward Frank “Ed” Vondrasek, 89, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, under the care of Heartland Hospice Care and Mount View Care Center, Wausau.
Ed was born on Sept. 9, 1930, in Marathon to the late Joseph and Sophie (Sykora) Vondrasek. Ed married the love of his life, June Busko, Oct. 1, 1949, at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Wausau. She preceded him in death on Sept. 27, 2003.
As a young man, Ed worked in logging and helped on his parent’s dairy farm. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Rib Mountain Fire Department. Later, Ed worked at Underwood Veneer Mills before working as a welder at Marmet Corp. until his retirement. While he was working full time, Ed and June started dairy and ginseng farming in Marathon.
Ed worked very hard, but often enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, playing cards, polka dancing, going to the casino and hunting. He even played the concertina and drums. He enjoyed watching the Brewers and the Packers, and spending many hours with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ed is survived by his seven children, Judy (Jeff) Smith, Karen (Bryon) Lemanski, Rose (Jim) Knauf, Allan (Deb) Vondrasek, Joanne Knoeck, Mary (Randy) Salber and Theresa (Dave) Nordlund; 24 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
Ed was preceded in death by his wife, June; son-in-law, Jim Knoeck; his brothers, William, Rudolph (Alida), Emil (Rosalie) and George (Mary); his sisters, Marie (Adam) Szemborski and Lydia (Oscar) Seehafer.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Visitation will be on Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church.
The family would like to thank the staff at Mount View Care Center and Heartland Hospice Care for the wonderful care they provided.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Ed’s memory.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Edward Kralcik
Edward E. Kralcik, 93, died Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born at Cherokee on Aug. 4, 1926, son of John and Veronica (Hurak) Kralcik.
He attended public school at Cherokee and Dixon School, town of Johnson and was a graduate of Abbotsford High School.
On August 16, 1947, he and Lorraine Pfeffer were married at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Fenwood, Wisconsin. She preceded him in death on May 18, 2018.
The couple resided in Wausau where he was employed at Pied Piper Shoe Co. In 1952, the couple moved to the town of Wien, where they operated a dairy farm, retiring in 1988.
Edward had served on the council at St. Peter Lutheran Church and was a member of the Fenwood Public School Board.
He is survived by children, Sharon (Ken) Hopp, and Bruce Kralcik; grandson, Josh (Laura) Kralcik; great-granddaughters, Jordyn Kralcik and Haley Kralcik; step great-granddaughter, Lauren West.
Funeral services will be 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar. Rev. Gail Sowell will officiate. Burial will be in Fenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 p.m. until the time of services, all at the Edgar funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Ruth Barwick
Ruth P. Barwick, 69, of Wausau passed away on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, at her home. She was born in Wausau on Nov. 16, 1949, the daughter of the late Walfrid “Curly” and Marion (Otto) Johnson. Ruth grew up in Wausau and graduated from Wausau East High School. She married Ronald Barwick on Sept. 19, 1970, at St. Therese Parish in Rothschild.
Ruth worked at the Wausau Daily Herald in advertising and also was employed by Eastbay in the call center. Ruth loved her family, and the gatherings and reunions at the house were her favorite times. She enjoyed being out and about riding her scooter. Ruth and Ron enjoyed taking casino trips, camping and league bowling in their early years. She always loved the companionship her pets, Maggie, Smokey and Bandit provided.
Survivors include her nephew, David Hawro (Carrie Perry) of Mosinee; nieces, Christine (Andre) Warner and Julie (Jeff) Herron, all of Mosinee, and Sarah Cayo of Appleton; and sisters-in-law, Beverly Hawro of Schofield and Susan Johnson of Appleton.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald; parents, Walfrid and Marion; and brother, Donald Lee Johnson.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, with Rev. Jess Wakefield officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 9 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Margaret Bird
Margaret L. Bird, 80, passed away on Sept. 13, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was born to the late George and Elizabeth (Hilton) Adams in Illinois on Jan. 3, 1939. She married Bartlett Drake on Feb. 2, 1957. He preceded her in death on Feb. 15, 1979. Together they had two sons. Lynn married Donald Bird on Aug. 7, 1982. She was a fun loving person who enjoyed life and will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her husband Donald, two sons; Michael Drake, Lake Geneva, Scott (Penny) Drake, Kronenwetter, three step children; Shawn (Paula) Bird, Webster, Shane (Corrine), Drake, Green Bay, Shannon (Amy) Drake, Wausau, and two very dear friends, Norma Nelson and Jeanette Woodward, both of Wausau.
She is preceded in death by her parents, first husband Bartlett, siblings; Georgine and James.
A private family service will be on Sept. 18, 2019, at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to cancer research.
Online condolences maybe expressed at www.HonorOne.com.
Mary Alexejun
Mary Helen Alexejun of Wausau passed away on Sept. 12, 2019, at the age of 97 while residing at Wausau Manor. Mary was born in Menominee, Michigan, to her parents George and Helen (Hessel) Juranek. She graduated from Menominee High School. She married Albert John Alexejun on Oct. 18, 1947, in Stephenson, Michigan, her husband for 47 years. Mary and Al resided in Green Bay and Schofield, Wiscconsin.
Mary had worked as a telephone operator and a U.S. Postal mail carrier in Schofield. She and Al were best known for their dancing, especially the polka, with many trophies to show for it. They were extensive travelers around the world and the U.S. Their motor home was well suited for their lifestyle, which included camping and fishing.
Mary enjoyed cooking for her family and spoiled her three sons by always waiting on them. She loved to read, play pinochle and scrabble, bicycling into her 80s and always picking berries. Strawberries were her favorite as she enjoyed eating them in the patch. She instilled competitiveness in any game she played.
Mary is survived by her three sons, Dr. Robert (Jeanne) Alexejun – Wausau, William (Cindy) Alexejun – Hancock, Wisconsin, and Donald (Nancy) Alexejun – Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin; seven grandchildren, Amanda (Roger) Kulstad, Christa (Mike) Carr, Matt (Halina) Alexejun, Brooke Alexejun, Bryan (Chasity) Alexejun, Brad (Stacy) Alexejun, Andrea (Aaron) Huggett; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Al – 1994; and her brother, George Juranek – 1993.
A private family Life Celebration will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s name to Wausau Aspirus Hospice Comfort Care and/or The Salvation Army.
Our family would like to thank the caring staff at Primrose, Wausau Manor and Wausau Aspirus Hospice Care, as well as the many friends and neighbors who showed support.
The Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Kenneth Marschke
Kenneth L. Marschke of Weston, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sept. 11, 2019. He was born on Nov. 26, 1939, son of the late Fred and Helen Marschke.
Ken proudly served his country in the United States Army and is a retiree of the United States Postal Service. He enjoyed photography, music, the Green Bay Packers and his family.
Survived by daughter Lorraine Bellisle, Missouri, and son Jim Zick, Oregon. Preceded by wife Janet and Beata.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Colby, Wisconsin.
