Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
John “Jack” Lorge
John “Jack” Lorge, 88, of Weston passed peacefully at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital on Oct. 31, 2019. John was born Jan. 6, 1931, in New London, Wisconsin, to the late John and Dorothy Lorge.
Jack graduated from Wausau High School in 1949 where he met the love of his life, Beverly “Bev” Hartwig. Both Bev and Jack looked up from where they sat in the library and spotted each other. When Bev got up to leave, Jack followed her out. They married on Aug. 26, 1950 at Grace United Church of Christ, Wausau.
Jack is survived by his children Karen Lorge, Stevens Point, John J. Lorge, Kronenwetter, and Ronda Simons, Seattle, Washington, and “special daughter” Elizabeth Zurawski; grandchildren, Rhonda (Tom) Koch, Kara (Scott) Stankowski, Jacob (Karina) Simons, Lucas (Nicole) Simons, Brandon Lorge, Chelsea (Jacob) Newton, Ciarra Lorge and John Jordan Lorge (Gabby Lauder); great-grandchildren Riley Kruger (Morgan Nevers), Anya Kruger; Lainey, Kacey and Carter Koch; Austin and Cade Stankowski; Elijah, Evelyn and baby boy Simons due in February; Sam and Levi Newton. His parents and only sibling, Sandy Stebbins, preceded him in death.
Jack’s employment career began as a lineman for Wisconsin Public Service in 1950. Climbing poles in Wisconsin’s freezing winters pushed him to take classes in business administration, marketing and advertising through the University of Wisconsin. He began his lifelong success in sales with Curtainwall in the late 1950s. His successes at Wilke Metal, Marmet Corp. and Greenheck of Wausau led to his biggest success as a self-employed franchised dealer for Wausau Homes for many years selling over 300 homes, five duplexes and four apartment buildings. He was most proud of a 97 residential acre subdivision he developed in the Weston area. He rounded off his career in sales by becoming self-employed in window replacements and owner of an apartment building and several duplexes.
He was a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves, member of the Elks Club, Wausau Country Club and American Legion. Jack was director of Inter-City Bank for many years and an avid member of several business boards.
Jack and Bev enjoyed their 69 years of marriage traveling in the U.S. and Europe with friends, camping, golfing, fishing, hunting, bowling, playing cards and most of all spending time with family. His sharp wit and memory kept him entertaining everyone with his jokes through the very last day of his long life.
Jack’s questioning mind and strong faith in God caused him to change Christian denominations several times in his life. He spent later years of his life within the Baptist faith. His personal Bible is full of underlining, highlighting and comments.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 at noon at Brainard Funeral Home-Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston. Visitation will be at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow.
Virginia Kurth
Virginia Kurth, 94, formerly of Rib Mountain, passed away on Friday, Nov. 1, 2019, at Riverview Rehabilitation and Care Center, Tomahawk.
She was born on Dec. 24, 1924, in Wausau to the late Stanley and Margaret (Tefelski) Likwarz. Virginia grew up in Tomahawk. On April 28, 1945, she married Adolph Kurth at the rectory of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tomahawk. They made their home in Rib Mountain, raising four daughters, Janet, Julie, Mary and Connie.
Virginia retired from Wausau Hospital North in 1978. Prior to that she worked at Marathon Rubber Co. for 12 years. Virginia enjoyed puzzles, embroidery and crocheting. She was also a member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church for 30 years.
Survivors include her daughters, Janet (James) Nelson of Fond du Lac, Julie (Robert) Czaplinski of Tomahawk, Mary (Dennis) Laurent of Tomahawk, Connie (Thomas) Geszvain of Waukesha, four grandchildren, Steven Nelson, Sarah (Philip) Wilk, John Nelson and Desirea Greene, two great grandchildren, Catherine and Aaron Wilk and one brother, James (Darlene) Likwarz of Tomahawk. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Adolph and two sisters, Bernice Likwarz and Regina Eaglekraut.
A private memorial service will be held at Memorial Chapel Mausoleum at Restlawn Memorial Park. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
