Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Belvajean Tritten
Belvajean M. Tritten, 88, Wausau, died Wednesday, Octo. 9, 2019, at her home under the care of Heartland Hospice.
Belvajean was born April 21, 1931, in Wausau to the late Charles and Mayme (Kittel) Schwede. She married Vernon Tritten on Oct. 20, 1951, in the town of Texas.
She was an active member in Mission Evangelical Church, joining the church book club, serving in the Ladies Aide, and as a cook for Camp Blessing. Belvajean was a member of the Town of Texas Homemakers Group, an excellent quilt maker, and loved to garden and fish. She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She especially loved a good game of Skipbo, Rook, or Yahtzee.
Survivors include her children, Judi (Ron) Pecha, Wausau, Jeffery (Dawn) Tritten, Merrill, and Sara (Paul) Lenzner, Daniel (Ann) Tritten, Lynda (Dean) Novitzke and Donna (Greg Zempel) Klismith, all of Wausau; grandchildren, Tyler Pecha, Ryan (Chelsey) Pecha, Jeremy (Ashleigh) Tritten, Amy (Chuck) Brooks, Jessica (Jeremy) Switlick, Jaydon Lenzner, Brett (Beth) Tritten, Breanna (Matthew) Tritten, Kyle Novitzke, Sarah (Ryan) Piel, Joshua Klismith, Hanna (Tony) Salberg, Kyle Zempel, Kristin (Nick) Hall, Kevin Zempel, David (Kristy) Baumgart, Erin Hall, and Ryan Knippel; and great-grandchildren, Andrew, Madisyn, Dustin, Aaliyah, Mason, Natalie, Elijah, Wyatt, Blake, Brock, Noah, Grayson, Hazel, and Nora. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon; son-in-law, George Klismith; and granddaughter, Nicole Lenzner.
Funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 14, 2019, at Mission Evangelical Church, 243734 Camp Blessing Road, Wausau, 54403. Elder Richard Ostwald will officiate. Burial will be in Mission Evangelical Cemetery, town of Texas. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Mission Evangelical Church or Camp Blessing.
Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Special thank you to Heartland Hospice and Interim Healthcare for their special care.
Darrel Durham
Darrel Allen Durham, 71, Kronenwetter, passed away peaceful on Oct. 8, 2019, with his wife Mary by his side.
Darrel was born April 22, 1948, son of the late Alvin and Charlotte (Walker) Durham. He married Mary Ellen Miller on Oct. 9, 1970, she survives.
Darrel’s hobbies and interests included hunting and fishing, along with pretty much anything outdoors. One of his greatest interests was working on cars in his spare time.
Besides his wife of 49 years, Mary, survivors include; three sisters, Norrine Steiake, Joan Waltemate, and Laura Kutcher; one brother, Keith (Betty) Durham; and a sister-in-law, Carol Miller. Besides his parents, Darrel was preceded in death by; one sister, Nadine Durham; and one brother-in-law, Arnold Miller.
A private family service will take place at a later date. Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.brainardfuneral.com.
A special thank you to Shanna and Jesse, Aspirus Hospice, Brainard Funeral Home.
Ronald Schuster
Ronald R. Schuster, 78, Wausau, died Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019, at Our House Assisted Living in Wausau.
He was born June 25, 1941, in Wausau, son of the late Herbert Jr. and Stella (Dahlke) Schuster. On Aug. 30, 1964, he married Sandra M. Peterson at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Wausau. She preceded him in death on Aug. 13, 2012.
Ronald worked at Wausau Homes for 33 years, until his retirement. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, golfing and archery. In 1971, he was the Wisconsin State Champion for indoor archery.
Survivors include, two sons, Jonathon (Tami) Schuster, Riverview, Florida, and James Schuster, Wausau; four grandchildren, Janessa, Mariah, Austin, Jennifer Schuster; one great-grandson, Channing; and one sister, Lila (Eugene) Viegut, Wausau.
Besides his parents and wife, Sandra, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry and Gene.
Funeral services will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, 2019, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau. Rev. Raymond Connor will officiate. Visitation will be on Monday from 3 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Susan Meyer
Susan M. Meyer, 70, died Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019, at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston.
She was born May 18, 1949, in Green Bay, daughter of the late Willard “Pat” and Isabelle (Schreiner) Pierce. On July 22, 1978, she married Edward Meyer Jr. in McHenry, Illinois. He survives.
For 47 years Susan worked as a teacher, 41 of those were spent at St. Mary School, Marathon. She had an interest in rocks and minerals and American history. Susan enjoyed being outdoors, hiking and camping.
Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Edward, Marathon; daughter, Maria Meyer, Wausau; siblings, Rev. Patrick (Leone) Pierce, Mosinee, Kathleen Pierce, Marshfield, Jeanne Featherstone, Colorado, Mary (Larry) Vitek, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Dr. Michael (Mary Jane) Pierce, Portland, Oregon, Ann (Terry) Tiffany, Merrill, Willard “Tim” (Ruth) Pierce, Indiana and Thomas Pierce, Lake Tomahawk; many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Gore.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:30 p.m. until the time of services, all at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Orrie Wolf
Orrie Wolf, 73, of Wausau passed away on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born Aug. 27, 1946, to the late Abraham and Dorothy (Schulman) Wolf. Orrie was a graduate of Wausau High School and later worked at Wausau Battery. Orrie loved learning through reading. Throughout his life, he read hundreds of mostly nonfiction books.
Orrie was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Steven, and sister, Beverly Kluge.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, at the Hebrew Cemetery, Wausau. You may sign our guest book at helke.com.
Irma Smrstick
Irma Jean Smrstick, 87, Wausau, died Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, at her home surrounded by her loving family under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
Irma was born March 23, 1932, in Ladysmith to the late Guy and Rosella (Burns) Charmley. Following her graduation from high school, Irma married her sweetheart Eugene Smrstick on Nov. 18, 1950, in Ladysmith. The couple was blessed with four children: Pamela, Cynthia, Michael and Laurie. Irma and Eugene celebrated 67 wonderful years together prior to his death on Dec. 14, 2017.
Irma was a dedicated wife, mother and grandma to not only her family but also to her neighborhood family. She dutifully cared for all those in her neighborhood providing free daycare for the kids before and after school and looking after the elderly who needed assistance. Her generous spirit continued with her faith and service at St. Anne Parish where she was a member of St. Jude’s and helped serve many funeral luncheons. Irma’s gentle heart was also witnessed in her love of all animals and her willingness to take in any stray and keep the squirrels and birds well fed throughout her life.
Irma is survived by her loving children, Pamela (Terry) Hesse, Cynthia (Allen) Habeck, Michael Smrstick and Laurie (Dan) Mjelde; grandchildren, Shane (Mandy) Mesenberg, Sarah (Patrick Thornton) Mesenberg, Travis (Amanda) Hesse, Melanie (Shane Cassidy) Smrstick, Megan Smrstick and Zachary Richardt; grand puppy Alfie; step-granddaughter, Janice Byal; great-grandchildren, Lizzy, Easton, Emerson and Wyatt; step-great-grandchildren, Kay and Josie; adopted family, Dave and Kelly Schultz and their daughter, Rachel (Youa Koua Xiong) Schultz; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Bill, Jack, Guy Jr, Doris, Bev, Harriet and an infant sister.
There will be a private family memorial service at a later day.
Sincere appreciation goes to the nurses and staff of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their compassionate care for Irma and her family.
Harriet Doerr
Harriet Marcella Doerr (nee Ekker), 84, went to be with the Lord on Oct. 8 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Benedictine Living Community of Wausau.
Harriet was born on Nov. 7, 1934, in Spring Grove, Minnesota, to the late Ida (Ofstedahl) Ekker and Ingvald Ekker.
She married Floyd Wilbur Doerr on Feb. 27, 1954, in Rock Springs, Wisconsin.
Harriet worked for 25 years at Wausau Hospital (Aspirus) in the housekeeping department. After her retirement, she enjoyed traveling and spending time with her many family and friends.
She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church – Wausau where she participated in Bible studies, Widows Club, Homemakers Club and helping serve meals at funerals.
Harriet is survived by seven of her loving children, Karen (Chris) Gremban of Spring Hill, Tennessee, Virginia (Mark) Feucht of Tacoma, Washington, Michael (Najhmi) Doerr of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Brian (Dede Richards) Doerr, Sandra (Michael) Kyle, Susan Doerr and Pamela (Steven) Grunenwald all of Wausau; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Betty (Doerr) Lange of Merrill and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Floyd; daughter, Jeanette; four sisters and two brothers.
The funeral service for Harriet will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Stewart Avenue. Rev. Zach Holdorf will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Saturday. Entombment will be at Restlawn Garden of Eternal Rest. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
Special thanks goes to the nurses and staff of Our House Living Center, Benedictine Living Community and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their kind and compassionate care for Harriet over the last years of her life.
James Britz
James A. Britz, 55, Rudolph, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 8, 2019, at home.
A funeral service will be held Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, at 11 a.m. at St. Philip Catholic Church in Rudolph. Visitation will be held at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 631 East Grand Ave. in Wisconsin Rapids, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and an hour before the service at church.
James was born on March 20, 1964, in Stevens Point, to the late Anthony and Theresa (Eron) Britz.
On April 1, 2000, James was united in marriage to Lynette Linzmeier.
James graduated from Assumption High School in 1982. He continued his education attending Lincoln Electric Welding School in Ohio, and also received a degree from MSTC in instrumentation technology in 1985. In December of that year he started his apprenticeship as a steamfitter, continuing as a journeyman from 1985 to 2004. James was the proud owner of Central Machine & Welding. He took great pride in both the quality of his work as well as taking care of his customers.
Anyone who knew Jim would tell you he was a good man. He was a man of great integrity and humility. He was always willing to spread his wisdom and teach those who were willing to learn. Jim was good to everyone, and found the good in everyone, loving and caring unconditionally. Jim enjoyed getting away with his wife, spending time with his family, his fur-boys Willie and Henry, but especially his grandchildren, Alexah and Carsen. We will all miss him dearly.
James is survived by his wife, Lyn of 19 years; stepson, Kyle (Kristin) Ule of Marshfield; grandchildren, Alexah and Carsen, brother, Peter (Dilly) Britz, Rudolph; sisters, Rose Britz, Junction City, Mary (Mark) Bushmaker, Rudolph, Sue Britz, Junction City; mother-in-law, Sandra Linzmeier, Arpin; in-laws, Lenore (James) DeVore, Sedona, Arizona, Lance (Amanda) Linzmeier, Milladore; numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Theresa Britz; brother, Joseph Britz; and father-in-law, Kenneth Linzmeier.
The family would like to thank the Rudolph Fire Department first responders and EMTs for their quick response and tireless efforts to help Jim, and to all family and friends for their kind words and comforting prayers.
The John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
