Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Sharon Engebrecht
Sharon J. Engebrecht of Wisconsin Rapids passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Oct. 20, 2019, surrounded by family.
Sharon was born on Aug. 26, 1955, in Marshfield, and was 64 years of age. She grew up in Wausau.
She had many hobbies, including coloring, crocheting, puzzles, and occasionally chasing storms. She also loved a local band, Hyde. She accepted Jesus Christ into her heart as her Savior. She loved her daily devotions and Bible scriptures.
She also started up a women’s NA meeting group and kept it going for five years. She also loved stuffed animals and the two family dogs, Smokey Joe and Tweeky Girl.
Sharon is survived by her son David (Tia) Engebrecht, and grandsons Robert and Michael. She is further survived by three other grandchildren, Jacob and Aleashia Feeherer and Sophia Kel; three brothers, Lyle (Susan) Klemp, Jr. and family of Bryant, Gary Klemp and family of Kiel, Allen Klemp of Menasha; two half-brothers, Roger Engel and family of Marshfield, Harvey (Jennifer) Sischo and family of Arizona; sister, Diane Reinhart and family of Medford; and her boyfriend of 27 years, Andy Young of Wisconsin Rapids. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle Sr. and Ella Klemp, her daughter Lorie Kel, and sisters Joanne Lake and Carol.
A Celebration of Life visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel, 522 Adams St., Wausau. All family and friends are welcome to share their memories. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Kenneth “Kenny” Damitz
God gives each person a number of days. Ken’s number was 27,388.
Kenneth J. “Kenny” Damitz, 74, Weston, passed away Monday, Oct. 21, 2019, while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Mount View Care Center, Wausau.
Ken was born Oct. 26, 1944, in Antigo, son of the late George and Cecilia (Wilhelm) Damitz. He grew up on the family dairy farm north of Hogarty with nine siblings.
Ken married Darlene Bruski on Feb. 14, 1971. She preceded him in death in 1977. Ken married Tess Camomilli on Dec. 12, 1981. She survives.
Ken worked at various jobs, including his brother John’s gas station in Rib Mountain and Mercury Marine, bartended at Oscar’s in Fond du Lac, excelled as a salesman for Schwan’s, ran the family farm for many years, and ended his working years at Hatley Veneer.
Ken enjoyed the outdoors, including deer and turkey hunting, running coyote and bear with friends, fishing with his best buddy Dave or brother Joe, and spending time in the woods with his canine best friend Vixie, who died three days before him. He enjoyed woodworking and building things. He had multiples of every hand tool because he could never find what he needed when he wanted it. As a result, he was always asking his wife or kids to get him the which-a-macallit or thing-a-majig. He was quite the jokester and often ordered a “timber float” when we went out to eat. (For those not in the know, that’s a glass of ice water with a toothpick floating in it.)
Ken always enjoyed old country western music, and a highlight of his life was meeting Waylon Jennings at one of his son’s high school football games. In his later years, he loved reading books by Louis L’amour and Stephen Coonts. Ken was a lifelong Cubs fan and was thrilled when they won the World Series in 2016.
Survivors include his wife, Tess Damitz, Weston; children, Lee (Pam) Damitz, Crawfordville, Florida, and Jody (Lori) Damitz, Cooksville, Tennessee; stepchildren, Amie Leonoff, Wausau, and Brenda Leonoff, Wausau; two grandsons, Christopher Damitz, North Carolina, and Taddum Damitz, Tennessee, and granddaughter, Arganie Leonoff, Wausau, whom he helped raise and who was the apple of his eye; three sisters, Patsy Damitz, Schofield, Marion (Richard) Meidl, Arizona, Barbara Paxton, Indiana; three brothers, Joe Damitz, Schofield, Jim (Sue) Damitz, Aniwa, and George (Lou Anne) Damitz, Texas; brother-in-law, Richard (Cindy) Camomilli, New Holstein; sister-in-law, Suzzette Camomilli, Kiel; and many nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his best friend of nearly 40 years, Dave (Carol) Callovi of Iron River, Michigan.
Besides his parents and first wife, Ken was preceded in death by infant son James, brother John Damitz, and sister Claire Martzahl.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on what would have been his 75th birthday, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Rothschild. The Rev. Allan Slowiak will preside. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Interment will be at 11 a.m. the following day in St. Florian Catholic Cemetery, Hatley. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Ken’s family wishes to thank the staff of Aspirus Wausau Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, and Mount View Care Center for their compassion and excellent care in his final days.
Patrick Wirkus
Patrick P. Wirkus, 53, Orfordville, formerly of Richland Center, met the Lord on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019.
He was born Jan. 12, 1966, in Wausau, son of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Meyer) Wirkus. He graduated from Northwestern High School and furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering. In May of 2005, he married Nancy (Ewers) Weitzel. She survives.
For many years, Patrick worked as a quality control engineering specialist in Richland Center, before moving to Orfordville, where he was currently employed at Fairbanks, Morse-EnPro Industries.
Patrick was co-founder of the Richland Center Ridge and Valley Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He was an avid golfer on a league at Quail Run Golf Links, and one week every year in March, Patrick enjoyed traveling to Kentucky to golf with friends. Among his favorite pastimes, he liked bowling, hunting, attending country music festivals and was an avid Badgers and Packers fan.
Most of all he loved time spent with his family and friends, especially his camping trips with Nancy and his granddaughter, Erica.
Survivors include, his loving wife, Nancy Wirkus, Orfordville; step-daughter, Diane (Michael) Weitzel, Lebanon, Indiana; granddaughter, Erica Weitzel, Greenwood, Indiana; sisters, Carol (James) Streveler, Brule; Marjean (Jim) Bomski, Denmark, Patty (James) Nowak, Stratford, Rosemary Bohman, Stratford, Jane (Glen) Dickson, Marshfield and Betty (Dave) Krall, Marshfield; brothers, Donald (Anna) Wirkus, Chile, John (Barb) Wirkus, Wausau, Joseph Wirkus, Stratford, Charles Wirkus, Las Vegas, Nevada, Frank (Sandy) Wirkus, Wausau, and Mike (Jackie) Wirkus, Marshfield; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Wirkus, Stratford and Gloria Wirkus, Edgar; brother-in-law, Michael Kuyoth, Edgar; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Sharon Heckal and Joan Kuyoth; brothers, Robert and James Wirkus; and brothers-in-law, Lyle Heckal and Clifford Bohman.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, at St. John Catholic Church, 103 North Fourth Ave., Edgar. Rev. Robert Streveler will preside. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9 a.m. until time of services at the church. Private burial will in the parish cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the donor’s favorite charity in memory of Patrick.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
James Dickinson
James R. Dickinson, 70, Wausau, died Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born June 30, 1949, in Marshfield, son of Catherine (Wilson) Dickinson, Merrill, and the late Russell Dickinson. On March 1, 1975, he married Beth Sandberg in Mount Prospect, Illinois. Survivors include, his loving wife of 44 years, Beth; his mother, Catherine Dickinson, Wausau; his daughter, Mary Dickinson, Oak Forest, Illinois; his siblings, Michael (Carol Heller) Dickinson, Merrill, Barbara (Mark) Tuft, Wausau, Timothy (Julie) Dickinson, Weston, and Richard (Shari) Dickinson, Merrill; his brother-in-law, Lloyd Jacobs, Athens, Texas; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Russell; and one sister, Rachele Jacobs. All of whom he loved very much.
James was a graduate of UW-Platteville in civil engineering. Previous to retirement, he had worked at Chicago Bridge and Iron, Marathon County Highway Department and Central Wisconsin Engineers and Architects.
Jim enjoyed watching football and rooting for the Packers. He really loved going “up North”. He enjoyed the peace and quiet, good times with his family and friends, going on ATV and pontoon rides, doing various home projects, and watching the wildlife, especially the hummingbirds at his feeder there.
Jim’s second family was the Elks. He loved the local lodge, went through the Chairs and truly believed in their guiding principles of justice, brotherly love, and fidelity, as well as the importance of service and charity. He recently served on two state committees, went to the state conferences and several national conventions.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at the Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Tom Lindner will preside. Visitation will be on Friday from 9 a.m. until time of services at the church. The services will begin at 10:30 a.m. with an Elk’s Lodge of Sorrows ceremony, and lunch to follow the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in James’ name with the Wausau Elks Lodge 248.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Kenneth “Ken” Peterson
Kenneth “Ken” M. Peterson, 75, Edgar, died unexpectedly Monday, Oct. 21, 2019. He was born July 9, 1944, in Abbotsford, son of the late Lawrence and Rita (Schmitt) Peterson. On July 4, 1964, he married Judith “Judy” Szemraj at St. John’s Catholic Church, Edgar. She survives.
On July 8, 1969, Ken began driving a truck for 3M Corp. and drove for them until his retirement on April 1, 2005. Among his favorite pastimes, he liked gardening, yard work, fishing, baking and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was also an avid Brewers and Badgers fan and enjoyed playing cards, especially sheepshead, with his best friends, Bill and Nancy.
Survivors include, his loving wife of 55 years, Judy; four children, Shane (Laura) Peterson, Stratford, Shelly (Terence) Kafka, Wausau, Shawn Peterson, Green Bay and Shad Peterson, Edgar; three grandchildren, Dylan, Brooke and Sonia Peterson; three brothers, Duane (Rosie) Peterson, Brian (Marla) Peterson and Arden (Marie) Peterson; five sisters, Priscilla (Narcis) Dugenske, Beth (James) Panten, Theresa (Ray) Sobeck, Ann (Larry) Sundermeyer and Charlotte Peterson; one sister-in-law, Joyce Dirksen; and many nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Gerald “Jerry” Kitzrow Jr.
Gerald “Jerry, Grub” T. Kitzrow Jr., 68, of Wausau passed away on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital with his wife at his side.
He was born in Stevens Point on Sept. 7, 1951, to the late Gerald Sr. and Shirley (Hanson) Kitzrow. Jerry grew up in Wausau attending John Marshall Elementary School, graduating from Wausau Senior High in 1969, and Northcentral Technical College in 2002 with a degree in applied engineering technology. He married Sallie Leubner on July 31, 1976, in Wausau.
Thanks to the NFL Network, Jerry was able to watch football continuously. In 2012, Jerry finally got his Packers season tickets after being on the wait list since 1975. Jerry could provide any statistic about the Packers, past or present. He was a die-hard Packers fan!
Survivors include his wife, Sallie; brother, John (Mary) Kitzrow; mother-in-law, Carol Leubner; brother-in-law, Mark (Cindy) Leubner; sister-in-law, Lori Nestrud; nieces and nephews; and beloved four-legged friends, Lexi, Ben, and Joe.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald “JT” and Shirley; and father-in-law, Lowell “Bill” Leubner.
A memorial service will be at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Ave., Wausau, with Rev. Zach Holdorf officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 5:30 p.m. until the time of service at the church.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established.
A special thank you to Dr. Rezazadeh, and the staff of the Cancer Center and Oncology Unit at Aspirus. Also, a special thank you to Pastor Holdorf and longtime friend Sandy (Huehnerfuss) Nemec for support given to Sallie over the past week.
Randall Schuh
Randall “Randy” Schuh, 93, of Wausau passed away on Saturday, Octo. 19, 2019 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born May 30, 1926, in Chicago to the late Tobias and Martha (Seliger) Schuh. After moving to Marathon, Randy graduated from Marathon High School. On July 21, 1948, Randy married Gladys Hall in Marathon. He worked as a lineman for Wisconsin Public Service retiring in 1988. In his younger years, Randy enjoyed working in his shop, reading, camping, boating and traveling. He and Gladys loved to go square dancing and playing Sheepshead with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Gladys of Wausau, four children, Claudia Schreiner of Waukesha, Daniel of Wausau, David (Kathryn Crawford) of Andover, MA, Jeffrey of Portland, OR and eight grandchildren, James (Brandy) Schreiner, John (Yuling Jiang) Schreiner, Jennifer Schreiner, Rebecca and Rachel Schuh, Cameron, Jordan and Carter Schuh and one great granddaughter, Daisy Schreiner; and other extended family. Randy was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Dennis Schreiner, brother, Lowell and sister, Gloria Brusky.
The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1104 S. Ninth Ave., Wausau. Father Sam Martin and Father Tom Huff will concelebrate. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Marathon. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau. Visitation will resume on Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
We would like to thank the nurses and staff at Aspirus Hospital Palliative Care and Mount View Rehab Services for the care and kindness they gave Randy and our family.
