Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Alinda Gilray
Alinda Lilas Gilray (Gast) was born in the town of Birnamwood on Dec. 6, 1919, to the late Gustave Albert and Ida Augusta (Heiman) Gast. She became a child of God on Feb. 8, 1920. Alinda was united in marriage to Oliver Gilray on Dec. 15, 1951, and lived in Schofield.
A member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, she was active in Women’s Bible Studies, the Altar Guild, and the World Relief Quilting groups. In addition, her garden and flowers were her passion.
Alinda is survived by her children, Roxanne (Richard) Kenitzer and Steven Gilray; grandchildren, Matthew (Emily) Kenitzer, Rev. Aleese Kenitzer, Chad (Krisi) Gilray; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Margaret, Cain and Carson; sisters-in-law, Carla Gast and Adele Gast as well as nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver, one sister, and five brothers.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 503 Schmidt Ave., Rothschild. Rev. Rich Block will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place at Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood. Brainard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Allen “Al” Johnson
Allen Earl Johnson (Al) stepped quietly into his Heavenly home on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. He had been looking forward to meeting His Savior and seeing the “place that Jesus had prepared for Him!” John 14: 2-3
Al was born on Jan. 19, 1931, in Stoughton, Wisconsin, to Julius and Beatrice Johnson. He grew up with four brothers, (Duane, Robert, Richard and Jack). He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict. On Jan. 31, 1953, he married his high-school sweetheart, Mary Onsrud. After serving his country he attended Stout State University in Menomonie, Wisconsin, where he earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in industrial education.
For over 30 years, Al excelled in teaching tech ed at both Wausau East and West high schools. After retiring, Al and Mary enjoyed their winters in Englewood, Florida, and summers at their lake home in Conover, Wisconsin.
All aspects of his life included a profound ability to challenge those with whom he taught and worked, to think beyond the status quo. He pushed the boundaries with innovative thinking, determination, hard work and high standards, all the while seeking the greater good and benefit of all. His peers recognized these qualities by honoring Al with his selection as Wisconsin Teacher of the Year award during his career. He was the only teacher in the Wausau School District to ever be recognized at this level.
His building prowess was embodied by artistic creative craftsmanship. All of his projects were evidence of that, from homes he built with fieldstone fireplaces to log furniture. Quality flowed from his hands.
When it came to adventures, Al led the way! He enjoyed fishing expeditions to Northern Wisconsin and Canada, numerous trips to Alaska, hiking in the Canadian Rockies, and a 54-day excursion through Mexico with Mary and three young boys! He traveled the world and gave his skills to help build churches with Mary and work teams. People were drawn to follow his “can-do” optimism and passion.
Al was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, in 2018. He is survived by his brother Robert, two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law. His legacy lives on through three sons David (Joyce), Michael (Roxann) and Thomas, five grandchildren and their spouses, and two great-granddaughters, along with nieces, nephews, former students and countless friends. Undoubtedly, he will be greatly missed by his family as well as everyone who had the good fortune to know him.
A celebration of life service will be held at noon on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, at First English Lutheran Church in Wausau, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the church. A light lunch will follow the service. Memorials will be directed to a scholarship in Al’s name to go to students pursuing a career in tech ed or building trades.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Carole Schurter
Carole J. Schurter, 78, died Oct. 29, 2019, under the care of Ministry Hospice at Mountain Terrace, Wausau.
She was born June 6, 1941, in Butternut, daughter of the late Spencer K. and Florence J. (Meindl) Bockin. She was raised in the Medford area and moved to Wausau in 1975. On Sept. 16, 1989, she married Gary L. Schurter at St. Anne Parish, Wausau.
After raising her children, Carole worked several part-time jobs to put herself through Northcentral Technical College, graduating as a surgical technician. Carole had a passion for music, singing 25 years with the Pro-Musica Choir and playing baritone almost 40 years for the Wausau City Band. She also played with the Mosinee City Band, UW Marathon Band and the Bavarian Band at the Big Bull Falls festival. Another of her talents was painting, especially oil painting and she enjoyed the classes she took at UW Marathon County to improve her skills.
Survivors include her husband, Gary; Wausau; children, Michael (Beth) Denzin, Lake Mills, Michelle (Jake) Trussoni, North Prairie and Marc Denzin, Wausau; grandchildren, Nathan and Samuel Denzin, Lake Mills and Natalia Swatloski, Mosinee; stepchildren, Ted (Kim) Schurter and Paul Schurter, Wausau; siblings, Ruth Grewe, Michigan, Shirley Fritsche, Wausau and David Bockin, Mondovi; many step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents she was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Colette Schurter.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, at St. Anne Parish, Wausau. Rev. Tom Lindner will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services all at St. Anne Parish, Wausau.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
