Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Therese “Terri” Markstrum
The Lord called the soul of Therese (Terri) Markstrum home at the young age of 67 in Rothschild, Wisconsin, on Oct. 7, 2019.
Terri was born in Wausau on Nov. 3, 1951, to the late John and Genevieve (Gorecki) Green. She graduated from Newman Catholic High School in 1969; it was there that she met her best friend and soul mate, Tim Markstrum. They fell in love during their time in Milwaukee, where Terri was earning a bachelor’s degree in special education from UW Milwaukee. After graduation, she earned management roles at McDonald’s restaurants, being one of the first women to hold such a role. She retired after 37 years in the banking industry, having spent those years as a human resources manager for First American, M&I, and BMO Harris Banks. Terri and Tim were married on Oct. 8, 1977, at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothscihld.
Faith held an incredibly important role in Terri’s life. Having been named after the St. Therese Catholic Church in Rothschild, she found her calling to take care of the church and the parishioners. She spent much of her life at St. Therese, devoting her talents and leadership skills to every facet of the church. Her favorite memories included trips she would take with Tim and Father Janusz to Europe, The Holy Land, Peru, and especially The Vatican. It was there where she was able to read during Mass; a memory she treasured forever.
Outside of her church life, Terri was a caring individual who could make everyone feel comfortable. She was the light in the life of those who knew her. She could be outgoing and sassy, but also share her compassion and love to a stranger. She was an excellent cook, enjoyed to bake, and loved Friday night fish fry. She cherished watching sunsets with her family on pontoon rides at the cottage in Tomahawk. She held a special place in her heart for each of her nieces and nephews – they were her everything. Terri’s selfless and giving spirit leaves a legacy beyond her death, being a donor to help save the lives of others.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Tim Markstrum; brother, Dick Green; sister, Rita (LeRoy) Suske; sister in laws, Bev Green, Julie Scesniak, Paula (Richard) Barnes and Michele Pickerill; and brother-in-law, Jeff Markstrum. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Donald J. Green, and great-nephew, Kyle Suske.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 113 W. Kort St., Rothschild. The Rev. Joseph Albert and The Rev. Rev. Janusz Kowalski will officiate. Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com
“Quite the girl.”
Barbara Brace
Barbara J. Brace, 73, Wausau, fought her failing health bravely then went to be with her Lord on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, with her loving husband and daughters by her side.
Barbara Corbiel/Chvosta was born on March 29, 1946, in Escanaba, Michigan, the daughter of the late Benjamin and Louise (DeCook) Chvosta. She married Allan Brace on Sept. 12, 1963.
Barbara’s unconditional love for her family and complete loyalty to her friends was what she strongly believed in and she never wavered. Barb’s love of racing took her from coast to coast, border to border to every track that had the smell of racing gas and the roar of engines.
She raised her daughters with class and etiquette (some payed more attention than the others) and each developed a unique relationship with Barbara.
Throughout Barb’s life with us she had so many interests ranging from maintaining a huge garden to canning the bounty to tasteful interior design to developing dinners fit for royalty. She loved to hear how Dr. Phil would resolve peoples problems and watch the Brewers beat the Cubs and the Packers kick the Bears.
Her family was blessed by the the strong family bond that Barbara instilled in each of us and we will continue that bedrock philosophy during our lives in her honor.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 56 years, Al; Daughters Laurie Brace (Math Buttke), Yvonne Poppy (Paul) and Sherry Brace (That T Guy); Grandchildren Curtis Meinholdt (Nakicha) and Dane Poppy; Great Grandchildren Julius, Gabriel, Meika, and Aleina; Brothers Rob Chvosta (Gloria) and Teddy Chvosta (Linda), Sister Theresa Fry (Mike); Sisters-in-law Shirley Liegl (Dick) and Kathy Sorens (Roy). Barbara cherished each and every of her many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Bernie Chvosta, Janet Albright, Midge Stone, Joe Corbiel and Larry Corbiel.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will take place on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, at 4 p.m., at Brainard Funeral Home Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston. Pastor Jenn Collins will officiate. Visitation will be held from 2: p.m. until the time of service all at the funeral home. A private family burial will take place on a later date at Restlawn Memorial Park.
Barbara’s family would like to give a shout out to the nurses at Aspirus, room 0-507 for the wonderful care that they provided Barb. We also want to thank the caregivers at Azura Memory Care, they treated Barbara with the most personal, loving care, the same care that they would have given their own loved one.
In lieu of flowers donations in Barbara’s name can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association | Donate To Fight Alzheimer’s Disease act.alz.org.
Janice Denfeld
Janice Denfeld, Wausau, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at Azura Memory Care at the age of 84.
Janice was born on July 10, 1935, to the late Isadore and Theo (Douglas) Emenecker in Mosinee. She was a 1953 graduate of Antigo High School. Janice married David J. Denfeld in 1955. They shared many Sunday drives together and were great dance partners. He preceded her in death on Aug. 25, 2008.
Janice was an exemplary homemaker who loved gardening and canning. She also was the bookkeeper for the family farm. She would make every birthday special for her four children, including giving them a break from their chores. She loved having dogs as pets, but above all, enjoyed reading just about anything. Family was especially important to her and her huge heart shared extra love to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her Scrabble game, love for crossword puzzles, and company at the dinner table will be deeply missed.
Survivors include her children, daughter Carmen Siegel (Bob Thorpe); son Scott (Eileen) Denfeld and their family, Brent (Jamie) Weiland, Shanna Denfeld, Cati (David) Quiros, and Kara Weiland; daughter Lisa (Steve) Hansen and their family, Nicholas Zeleski, Billy Hansen, and Jackie Hansen; son Doug (Michelle) Denfeld and their family Alex and Ashley; great-grandchildren, Ella, Anna, Tucker, Javier, Natalia, Chase, and Achaius, and siblings, Doug (Connie) Emenecker, Rachel McCoy, Linda (Duane) Besaw. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, David; brother, Jerry Emenecker; grandson, Jason Weiland; and great-grandson, Adonis Hansen.
A Celebration of Life visitation will be held on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, from 3 – 6 p.m. at Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston. A private family service and interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Humane Society of Marathon County.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Azura Memory Care and Heartland Hospice for their tender care of Janice in her final days.
Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Marian Price
Marian Margaret Price (née Moore) died peacefully at Pinecrest Nursing Home, Merrill, Wisconsin, on Oct. 2, 2019, at the age of 96.
Marian is survived by her sister, Beverly Fuhrman, Park Falls, Wisconsin, two daughters, Susan Price-LaSalla (Joel Parker) of Bastrop, Texas, and Merriebeth (Mike) Russ; four grandchildren, Sara (Paul) Bowker, Rockford, Illinois; Leah LaSalla, Austin, Texas; Jamie Elton (Gary Bunting), Sylvania, Ohio; and Patrick (Mollie) Ryan, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; five great-grandchildren, Abigail LaSalla-Young, Nickolaus and Hanna Elton, and Isabella Bowker, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by several much loved friends including Ruthell Mason (Casa Grande, Arizona), Judy (David) Ware, Rockford, Illinois; Bonnie Owens, Loves Park, Illinois, Sybil Davis, Rockford, Illinois, and Joyce (Jim) Bergstrom, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Marian was born on April 2, 1923, in Park Falls, Wisconsin, to Marie (Stein) and Steven Moore. She graduated from Lincoln High School, Park Falls, Wisconsin, in 1941. Marian joined the war effort and moved to Rockford, Illinois, to work during Wolrd War II. She met James H. Price on the job at National Lock and they married at St. James Catholic Church in 1947.
Marian worked for Amerock Corp. from 1959 until her retirement in 1988. There she made many life-long friends. After her retirement, she traveled, spent time with her grandchildren and enjoyed many birthday lunches with her cousins at her favorite restaurant, Stockholm Inn.
Marian’s children remember her as a strong and loving mother who was always ready to help. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was very proud of their accomplishments. Marian was also a faithful and dedicated member of St. Edward Catholic Church for over 60 years.
Marian is preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Steven Moore, her husband, James Price, a son, Steven J. Price, and two brothers, John Moore and Robert Moore.
A funeral Mass is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 14, 11 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, Rockford, Illinois. Visitation will take place one hour before Mass. Interment at Calvary Cemetery at a later date. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Marian’s life.
Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Pinecrest Nursing Home of Merrill WI and Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice, Wausau, Wisconsin, for their kind and loving care.
Leroy Ovel
Leroy H. Ovel, 96, Wausau, died Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, at Applegate Terrace, Wausau.
He was born April 29, 1923, in Tomahawk, son of the late Herman and Rose (Fehringer) Ovel. On Sept. 28, 1946, he married Ruth Bean at St. James Catholic Church, Wausau. She preceded him in death on June 12, 2001.
Leroy was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving in the South Pacific during World War II and was a Purple Heart recipient.
For many years, Leroy worked for the United State Postal Service until his retirement.
Survivors include, three daughters, Patricia (Jack) Wunsch, Barbara (Robert) Pfaff and Kathleen (Mike Sewell) Johnson, all of Wausau; one daughter-in-law, Ann Ovel, Wausau; nine grandchildren, Jennifer (Joe) Bonke, Suzanne Ovel, Gary Ovel, Brian Wunsch, Rebecca (Rob) Domrese, Cynthia Pfaff, Laura Pfaff, Lucas (Kelsey) Johnson and Matthew (MyReeah) Johnson; and eleven great-grandchildren, Jared, Justin, Jenna, Kyle, Alex, Maya, Averie, Jonah, Emma, Liam and Alistair.
Besides his parents and wife, Ruth, he was preceded in death by his son, Daniel; and two infant children, Linda and Thomas.
Private burial services will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.
Roger Brendemuehl
Roger Lee Brendemuehl, 80, of Bear Creek passed away Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, at home in Bear Creek, under the care of Ascension Hospice.
Roger was born in Wausau on June 26, 1939, son of the late Elgart and Adela (Rick) Brendemuehl. Roger served his country honorably in the U.S. Army National Guard 32nd Infantry (Red Arrow Division). On June 17, 1961, he married Judith Ann Zimmerman at St. John Lutheran Church in the town of Easton. She preceded him in death on May 25, 2004.
Roger worked hard and loved spending time outdoors. He farmed in the town of Easton, worked for Nolan Sales Marion and Miller Supply Clintonville, and later enjoyed being his own boss in the recycling business in Bear Creek.
From childhood on, Roger never missed a deer hunting season. Collecting and restoring classic vehicles and tractors was something he enjoyed. His hobbies also included going to dirt track races, playing Sheepshead, and watching football.
Survivors include a daughter, Tammy (Neil) Koenig, Ringle, two sons, Ronald (Pauline Chapman) Brendemuehl and Lee (Beth) Brendemuehl, all of Bear Creek, four grandchildren, Katie and Krista Koenig, Rylee and Adela Brendemuehl; special friend, Ruth Rothenberger, Bear Creek and daughter, Laurie; one sister, Elvira “Vi” Kell.
Besides his parents and wife, Roger was preceded in death by brother-in-law Harold Kell.
Funeral services will be held at noon, Saturday Oct. 12, 2019, at St. John Lutheran Church, town of Easton. Rev. John Stransky will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Irene King
Irene M. King, 103, formerly of Athens, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at Rennes Health & Rehab Center, Weston, Wisconsin. Irene was born on Oct. 16, 1915, to the late Peter and Anna (Nowicki) Murkowski, in the town of Rietbrock. She married Allen J. King on Sept. 2, 1935, Redondo Beach, California. He preceded her in death on June 22, 2002.
Irene was blessed with a long life, filled with love, family, outdoor adventures and travel. She and her husband had a farm for over 35 years in Medford, WI and retired in Athens, WI. They also lived in Los Angeles, California, Superior, Whittlesey, and Neillsville, Wisconsin. During that time, they raised a family and made many wonderful friends. Hunting with her husband, sister and brother-in-law, was always a good time. She loved to fish whenever they had a chance and also enjoyed square dancing. Gathering with friends and family to play cards was certainly, cause to smile, especially Sheepshead. Irene was happy tending her flowers and garden. She has traveled throughout the United States and even to Germany. She always enjoyed her grandchildren who brought her much joy.
Survivors include her two daughters, Gloria Drewek, Athens, and Carol (Robert) Schultz, Nashotah, Wisconsin; six grandchildren; Dennis (Darlene) Drewek, Lynette (Ray) Brunke of Athens, Diane (Tom) Saindon of Kaukauna, Carla Leonhardt of Pewaukee, Jeanne (Scott) Herman of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Lisa Schultz of Warwick, Rhode Island;16 great-grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; and a sister, Terry Berens, Wausau, Wisconsin. She was also preceded in death by her six brothers, Frank, Tom, Tony, Ray, Roman and an infant brother Edward; four sisters, Marcella, Leona, Mary and Joan (Jane). Irene was blessed with wonderful godchildren and many nieces and nephews that brightened her life.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Rev. Robert Streveler will be officiating. Visitation is at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be at Athens Calvary Cemetery after the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, Irene would appreciate donations to be given to St. Anthony Catholic School, Athens, Wisconsin; due to her love of reading and education.
Irene’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Rennes Health and Rehab Center for the loving care given to her during her stay.
Laura Scott
Laura Jayne Scott, 69, of Mosinee, Wisconsin, passed away Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, at House of the Dove Hospice House in Marshfield, Wisconsin, after battling breast cancer.
She was born on May 5, 1950 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Fabian Belonge and Verl Jane Beyer. She grew up in the Green Bay area with one sister, Cheryl and four brothers, Kurt, Kevin, Jeff and Larry. In 1968, she graduated from East De Pere High School.
She went on to become a co-owner of Brite-Way Window Cleaning, Inc. and retired in 2010 after 30+ years. During her time with Brite-Way, Laura served as a board member on the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA). She was well respected for her work ethic and will be remembered for her vibrant personality.
Laura always had a smile on her face. She would make a gesture or say something silly to make you laugh. In her younger years, she enjoyed listening to Loretta Lynn and Pasty Cline. Laura loved to bake and play cards. She enjoyed traveling, boating and dancing. During retirement, she started crocheting and enjoyed spending time at home.
Laura is preceded in death by her parents, Fabian and Verl, and sister Cheryl. She is survived by her son, David Meyer, Mosinee, Wisconsin, and daughter, Sarah (Guy) L’Esperance of Wausau, Wisconsin, and four brothers, Kurt (Chris) of Tennessee, Kevin (Karen) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Jeff of Shawano and Larry (Anne) of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau, WI 54401. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
William Walters
William J. Walters, 75, Eland, died Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019, at his home under the care of Ascension Home Hospice.
He was born April 28, 1944, in Wausau to the late Arnold and Evelyn (Jachowicz) Walters. On Oct. 2, 1965, he married Audrey Furmanek in Wausau. She survives. For many years, William worked as a section foreman for the railroad.
Private family services will be held.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Irene Zaitz
Irene Zaitz died peacefully Oct. 4, 2019, at her home in Wausau, Wisconsin. She was born the daughter of Martha and Irvin Schmelter in Watertown, Wisconsin, on Oct. 21, 1919. She was raised on a farm near Mattoon, Wisconsin. She married John Zaitz on Nov. 11, 1939, in Antigo, Wisconsin. They were later divorced. They had five children that she raised in Antigo before moving to Wausau, Wisconsin, in 1969.
Irene retired from Crestline in Wausau in 1984. She enjoyed family functions, traveling, doing the daily crossword puzzles, word games, jigsaw puzzles, reading and TV game shows. After retirement, Irene enjoyed tending to her beautiful floral garden, which she continued to do up to her passing. She also enjoyed spending time with her close companion, Ray Krueger.
Irene is survived by her brother, Dale; her children, Phyllis Ness, Darlene Boyles, Sandy (Steve) Weisgarber, Allen (Janice) Zaitz and Randy (Sue) Zaitz; grandchildren, Tami, Marty, and Stacy Ness, Paul (Martha) Boyles, Kevin (Jennifer) Zaitz, and Jennifer (John) Zaitz-Lederle; great-grandchildren, Rod Carlson, Ashley Mantor, Hannah Ness-Cavallaro, Myah, Norah, Judah, and Ellah Ness, Elsah Boyles, Lauren, Logan and Lillie Zaitz, and Samantha and Sophie Lederle; great-great-grandchildren Arianna and Winter Carlson and Ava and Bella Ness-Cavallaro.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Esther, Louise and Emma; brothers, Bud, Irvin, Sonny, and Lindy; and her granddaughter, Sara Boyles.
A memorial service will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau. Rev. Wes Jedras will officiate. Family and friends may go to helke.com to sign the family guestbook.
Ivanette Johnson
Ivanette Johnson, 90, of Wausau passed away on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, at Benedictive Living Community, Wausau.
She was born March 30, 1929, in Brokaw to the late Raymond and Lila (Duranceau) Johnston. In 1949, Ivanette married Dr. Earl Johnson in Wausau. Ivanette assisted her husband at their veterinary clinic in Wausau for over 55 years.
Survivors include her son, David (Jana) Johnson of Merrill, daughter, Jill (Dale) Helmke of Wausau, two grandchildren, Julie Barger of Bentonville, AR, Alexandra Johnson of Merrill and two great grandchildren, Sienna and Emma Barger. Dr. Earl preceded Ivanette in death on Jan. 18, 2013.
As per Ivanette’s wishes, no services will be held. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
We would like to thank the staff at Benedictine for all the care and kindness they gave our mother during her stay.
Nancy Melang
Nancy L. Melang, 86, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, at Mount View Care Center in Wausau, Wisconsin.
She was born on Dec. 19, 1932, in Minocqua, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late William and Wave (Allen) Melang. Nancy retired from Wausau Insurance.
Nancy lived a full and joyful life, always busy with traveling to Minocqua/Woodruff, where she grew up. She continued to hike, bike and take her canoe out on Squirrel Lake, at her family’s lake home; as well as skiing on Rib Mountain. Nancy enjoyed her church communities, researching her family tree and creating binders for her family to have for future generations, and working as a docent for the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. She was a loving sister and aunt who will be missed by her family and friends.
Nancy is survived by her sister, Carol (Melang) Semple of Elk Grove Village, Illinois; as well as one niece; three nephews; one great-niece; two great nephews; one great-great nephew; and one great-great niece.
Private family services will be held.
