Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Ann Gibson
Ann Gibson, 85, of Rib Mountain passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born on July 3, 1934, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Growing up in Worcester, she enlisted in the U.S. Marine Reserves after graduating from high school. She served stateside as a USO Hostess where she met the love of her life, Larry Gibson, who was serving the in the U.S. Army. They were married on Nov. 11, 1955, in Worcester. Ann had a spirit for adventure and travel. For 45 years, Ann and Larry toured the lower 48 in their motor home buying antiques and collectibles especially blue glass. Known as the “Blue Glass Lady,” Ann sold her various antiques at flea markets throughout the state. She loved the art of the deal, prided herself in “dickering,” and never met a coupon she didn’t like. In her younger years, Ann enjoyed baking, sewing and knitting. But she loved nothing more than being with her grandchildren, especially at Christmas.
Ann is survived by her husband, Larry, of Rib Mountain, four daughters, Kathy (Clark) Anklam of the village of Maine, Jeri (Robert) Roddy of LaCrescent, Minnesota, Cindy Weix (Glen Steeno) of Green Bay, Laura (Chuck) Carbert of Ranchester, Wyoming, six grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, two sisters, Patty and Joan and nieces and nephews. Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Duhamel, and brother, Bobby McGraw.
Memorial services will be Nov. 23, 2019, at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St. Wausau. Rev. Wes Jedras will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date at Big Hill Cemetery, town of Berlin. Visitation will be from noon until the time of services on Nov. 23. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.
Georgetta “Georgia” Cirese
Georgetta “Georgia” Cirese, 94, of Weston died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by her family.
Georgia was born on Jan. 18, 1925, in Adolph, Kentucky, to the late George and Martha (Hayes) Cooper. She married Salvatore Cirese Nov. 27, 1944, together they had three children. He preceded her in death in 1998.
Besides her husband, Salvatore, Georgia is preceded in death by daughter, Maria L. Dunow. Georgia is survived by: son, Michael (Patricia) Cirese; daughter, Sharon Bees; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private family service will be held 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.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Georgia’s name can be directed to Disabled American Veterans at secure.dav.org.
Jean Wisnewski
Jean V. Wisnewski, 86, of Edgar passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, at her home.
She was born on July 17, 1933, in Wausau, daughter of the late Norman and Loma (Strei) Rusch and is survived by her son, Lyonel Wisnewski; her brother, Gary (Joan) Rusch; her grandchildren: Seth (Sandi) Dahlke, Erin (Brent) Speetzen, Anthony Wisnewski; and Jean’s five great grandchildren: Braeden Dahlke, Caleb Dahlke, Blake Speetzen, Ginny Speetzen and Autumn Speetzen. Jean is further survived by her sisters-in-law: Lorraine Nowicki, Jane Rusch, Lorraine Rusch and Mary Karlen, as well as her special friend and cousin, Betty Imhoff. She is survived and fondly remembered by many other relatives and friends.
On May 29, 1954, she married Donald Wisnewski at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski, after which Donald and Jean soon started a family and continued to live and create a home in the Poniatowski community. Donald preceded Jean in death on June 29, 2015, which was a loss she felt deeply until her own passing into God’s loving embrace.
Jean was also preceded in death by two of her three children: daughter, Brenda Dahlke and son, Darrell Wisnewski; her brothers: Thomas, Cyrus and LeRoy Rusch as well as an infant sister, Bonnie Rusch.
For many years Jean worked outside the home at Marathon Electric and Marathon Cheese. Jean and Donald also raised ginseng for many years as a family business with their children. When not working, they enjoyed traveling and cherished the time they spent together in Alaska, Hawaii and Germany. Some of Jean’s favorite pastimes later in life were praying, cross stitching and baking. Jean was known to be a great cook and made the best apple bars around. She also treasured her time spent taking trips with dear friends and spending special moments with her great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home in Edgar; after which there will be a parish rosary service at 7 p.m.
Visitation will also be available on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, from 10:30 a.m. until the Funeral Mass at noon, on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. The Rev. Thomas Huff will preside. Burial will immediately follow in the parish cemetery.
Friends and family are cordially invited to all services.
Luella Mueller
Luella Mueller, 87, of Wausau joined the heavenly choir on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019.
Lou was born in Wausau to the late August and Marie (Prast) Treichel on Nov. 15, 1932. She was joined in marriage to Frank Mueller at Trinity Lutheran Church on July 11, 1953. He preceded her in death on Aug. 4, 2014. Lou was never alone as she had a special feline companion, Patches.
To her surprise Lou was happy with the move to the “farm.” She enjoyed walking through the woods, gardening or even raising pigs and chickens with her husband. She was disappointed when she needed to move back into Wausau. Lou made friends at her new home at Island Place, looking forward to Bingo on Tuesdays, and you could find her putting together puzzles day or night. She was active with the V.F.W. Burns Post 388 Auxiliary both as a Chaplain and helping with or playing Bingo. Lou remained active until the time of her death, whether it was going to church, monthly casino bus trips, visiting with her sister and friends, or Friday fish fry with her daughters, when she would catch up on all the news of the week.
Survivors include her daughters, Kathy (Jim) Miller and Chris (Bob) Schiefelbein; sisters, Lorraine Sagstetter and Diane Geisel; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law; aunts; cousins; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Ave., Wausau, with Rev. Timothy Smith officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 11 a.m. until the time of service at the church. A luncheon will follow the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
James Brown
James Edward Brown, 81, of the town of Bergen passed away at home on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019. He was born March 29, 1938, in Escanaba, Michigan, to Edward and Bernice (Forest) Brown. After graduating from Holy Name Catholic High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force serving in weather services supporting U.S. atomic testing. After serving, he enrolled at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin, where he met and married his wife Andrea Carlson. They moved to Wausau in 1962 and Jim completed his bachelor’s degree at UW-Stevens Point, where he later received his master’s degree in education.
In 1965, Jim began his teaching career at Horace Mann Junior High, Wausau, and moved to Wausau West High School when it opened. He taught American history and economics and was advisor to the Key Club and Photography Club. He was well regarded as a caring and supportive educator which led to his involvement in the foster care system for 16 years, supporting over 20 children.
During his time in education, Jim received several awards such as: Robert A. Taft Institute of Government Award, Macalester College, St Paul, Minnesota; UWSP Secondary Teacher of the Year, 1983; Economic Teacher Award, Japan, 1984; National Endowment of Humanities, Japanese Studies, 1987.
Throughout his life, Jim had an incredible passion and love for sports with a special fondness for baseball and hockey.
There wasn’t a moment where Jim wasn’t involved with baseball. As a player, he began in the All-star Babe Ruth and Little Bigger League and continued to play in high school, three years Legion, and two years in the U.S. Air Force (Anacostia, Maryland; Kinross FB, Michigan; K.I. Sawyer AFB, Michigan; Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands). Jim found great success as a baseball coach. He was the first baseball coach at Wausau West High School and also coached for the Wausau American Legion, Wausau Babe Ruth and Wausau Little League, and was on the board of directors of the Wausau Little League. Jim served as the director of WIAA state high school tournaments from 1973 to 1997 and brought the WIAA state high school tournament to Wausau in 1974. Jim also served as the general manager of the Wausau Mets in the Midwest League, and was a scout for several Major League teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies and Kansas City Royals. Jim was celebrated greatly for his involvement with baseball and was inducted into the Wisconsin High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1983, as well as the Central Wisconsin Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.
Hockey was another great love for Jim. He grew up playing in Escanaba, Michigan, and played three seasons of semi-pro hockey for the Escanaba Hawks where he played in the Gibson Cup Upper Peninsula Semi-Pro Hockey Championship in 1956. Jim continued his hockey career while serving in the U.S. Air Force at his base in Sault Saint Marie, Michigan, where his team won the USAF championship in 1958. After his service, he played for Northland College in Ashland from 1960 to 1962, and on Wausau Senior Men’s Team from 1962 to 1963. Much like baseball, Jim served as Wausau West High School’s first hockey coach. He also coached for Wausau Youth Hockey from 1965-1986. Jim’s officiating career started early on with Escanaba Youth Hockey from 1957 to 1960 and continued for decades. He was a United States of America referee from 1963-2000, WIAA referee from 1971-2000, USHL, officiated in 17 WIAA state tournaments and was a referee for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. His career in hockey inspired his children and grandchildren to not only participate in hockey but begin their officiating careers as well. Jim served the hockey community greatly by being the North Central High School Hockey Conference Commissioner from 1980-1992, a WIAA Rule Interpreter from 1980-2004, and was a WIAA Hockey Consultant from 1980-2009. He served on the board of directors of Wausau Youth Hockey and a Charter Member in 1967. Jim was also the president of the Central Wisconsin Hockey Officials Association from 1999-2008. He received the Award of Excellence at the High School Hockey Unlimited Hall of Fame in 1998 and was inducted into the Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.
Though Jim had a passion for baseball and hockey, it seemed like there wasn’t a sport that he couldn’t master. He played basketball in school in Escanaba, Michigan, coached for Wausau West from 1970-1972, and officiated WIAA basketball from 1965-1992. During high school, Jim played football for Holy Name High School and played in the Michigan State Championship, he also played for Northland College from 1960 to 1962. He coached for Newman High School in Wausau from 1962 to 1964 and at Horace Mann Junior High School from 1965 and 1969. Jim also officiated WIAA football from 1965 to 2014, Wausau Area Youth Football and was on their Board of Directors. Jim also found success as a boxer. He was the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin welterweight golden glove champion in 1956, regional Air Force middleweight championship, and qualified for the 1960 Olympics. In his later years, Jim participated in the Badger State Games, winning awards in speed skating.
Aside from sports, Jim also had a love of the arts. He participated in theater at Northland College, as well as Wausau Community Theater where Jim served one year as president. He was a talented artist and enjoyed photography, painting, sculpting and wood carving. One of the loons he created was on display at the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau.
Jim had a wide array of interests. He had a love for animals, especially Siberian Huskies, and participated in sled dog racing. He served as president of the Marathon Humane Society. He was always a friendly face and loved to greet visitors at the Wisconsin Valley Fair front gate for 50 years. Jim was a lifelong learner and always sought out opportunities to experience new things. Always up for an adventure, Jim would often take any chance he could to travel to historic sites and sporting events. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and his passions with his family, friends, and anyone who’d listen. Jim had a deep-rooted love for the water, whether it was on the Great Lakes or pontooning on a summer day with a fishing pole in his hand and the baseball game on the radio. Though he had many hobbies, Jim was happiest when he was spending time with his family.
Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Andrea, daughter Carol and her husband, Bill Lee; son Jim and his wife, Connie (Dahlke); and son Dan and his wife, Jill (Dykema); grandchildren Lindsay (Brett) Allgeyer, Brianna Lee, Caitlin Lee, Felicia (Matt) Long, Zach (Nikki) Brown, Tucker Brown (Ben Crew), Bono Brown, and Katelyn Greguire; great-grandchildren Logan Long and Zyra Brown; brother Jerry (Karen) Brown, sisters-in-law Tina Brown, Arlene Brown, Charm Fournier and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents and brothers, John and Bob.
Funeral services will be held following visitation and officiated by Deacon Mark Gribowski of Buckeye, Arizona, foster son of Jim and Andrea.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, 225780 Rib Mountain Drive, Wausau, WI 54401.
Nancy Kratz
On Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, Nancy Kratz passed away at the age of 65.
Nancy was born June 12, 1954, in Belvidere, Illinois, to Donald and Jean (Tarman) Trimble. She studied business at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. She raised three children: Brandon, Megan and Kristen.
Nancy loved to spend time with family in northern Wisconsin water skiing, boating and relaxing. She loved Jon Bon Jovi (he was her Hunka Hunka) concerts and music. She had an extensive Snoopy collection and decorated for every holiday.
Nancy is survived by her parents, Donald and Jean (Tarman) Trimble; her brother, Bruce and wife, Nancy; her K9 brother, Putter; her son, Brandon and wife, Robin, and their sons, Jeremy, Caleb and Cameron; her daughter, Megan and husband, Ian and one bun in the oven; her daughter, Kristen; her niece, Melissa; and grandnephew, Rigas.
Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
Helen Grosskopf
Helen Grosskopf, 92, of Wausau passed away peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 19, 2019, at North Central Health Care Center. She was born on April 6, 1927, to John and Mary (Balek) Cider in Chicago, Illinois. Helen was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandma and friend. She loved spending time with her family and camping with Cal.
She is survived by two sons Wayne (Laura) Grosskopf, and Dan (Heidi) Grosskopf and seven grandchildren Christopher Brugel, Jennifer Grosskopf, Stephanie Grosskopf, Nicholas Grosskopf, Caleb Grosskopf, Jacob Grosskopf and Lauren Grosskopf, and several great and great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 wonderful years Calvin, one son Dennis Grosskopf, and four siblings Mary Pogwicz, John Cider, Jean Marino and Irene Pieczynski.
Private family services will be held on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, at John J Buettgen Funeral Home with Pastor Jesse Smith officiating following with burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Bowler, Wisconsin.
Magda Baar
Magda Baar, 79, of Plover passed away on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, at the Bethany Home in Waupaca.
She was born on June 3, 1940, in Germany, to the late Paul and Maria Thienel. Her marriage to Paul Baar took place on July 31, 1971.
Magda was a registered nurse/day care provider and enjoyed helping people learn about the Bible, as well as dancing, gardening, thrift store shopping, going to rummage and estate sales, camping and spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include her husband, Paul; sons, Jamie Michael (Dawn) Thienel of Menasha, Raymond (Beth) Baar of Wautoma, and Charles Baar of Oshkosh; daughters, Monica (James) Hunkins of Bancroft, and Christina (Jason) Schilling of Evanston, Wyoming; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild, Hadley Hunkins; brother, Peter Thienel of Cologne, Germany, and sister, Irmgard (Richard) Holweg of Dortmund, Germany.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Maria Thienel.
Memorial service for Magda will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 3600 Northpoint Drive, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481.
The Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Gene Brasel
Gene L. Brasel, 80, of Stevens Point died on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019, at Willowbrooke Point Senior Living, Stevens Point, under the care of Ministry Hospice and his family.
Gene was born on April 9, 1939, in Kewanee, Illinois, the son of the late Hayden and Irene (Wallums) Brasel.
On Dec. 24, 1963, Gene was united in marriage to Betty Bailey in Stillwater, Illinois. She survives.
Gene was a salesman for many years. He enjoyed bowling, fishing and was a car racing fan.
Gene is survived by his wife, Betty; three children, James (Angie) Brasel, Jeff (Chris) Brasel and Mary (Roger) Krause; four grandchildren, Kelsey and John Brasel, and Michael and McKenize Krause, as well as other relatives and friends.
A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at a later date.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home of Wittenberg is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Beatrice Easker
Beatrice M. Easker, 98, formerly of Hatley, died on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, at Rennes Health and Rehabilitation Center, Weston.
Beatrice was born on April 26, 1921, in the town of McMillan, Marathon County, the daughter of the late Adam and Helen (Gliniecki) Gawlikoski.
On Oct. 25, 1947, Bea was united in marriage to Ernest Easker at St. Adalberts Catholic Church, town of McMillan. He preceded her in death on Nov. 10, 2011.
Bea was a beautician in Chicago and Wausau for several years. The couple also farmed in the town of Norrie. She was a very active member of St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley, and it’s Rosary Society.
Bea cooked for the church picnic for over 20 years, was active in the St. Florian HSA and led the Rosary for many events. Beatrice once had a private audience with Pope John Paul II. She was an excellent seamstress, enjoyed gardening and picking berries. Bea was a “Big Gamer” and enjoyed cards, dice and board games. She loved fishing, traveling and the occasional trip to the casino.
Bea is survived by her three daughters, Phyllis (Harley) Baumann of Weston, Cathleen (Tony) Zanghi of Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, and Helen (Ralph) Damask of Hatley; three grandchildren, Nicole (Eric) Budleski, Ann Baumann and Victoria (fiancé Bryan Nelson) Zanghi; two great-grandchildren, Sonja and Lauren Budleski; four siblings, Sylvia Gawlikoski, Angeline Meyer both of Stratford, Eleanor (John) Callahan of Bristol, Gary (Charlene) Gawlikoski of Spencer; one sister-in-law, Ruth Gawlikoski of Stratford and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Bea was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and siblings, Julian, Edwin “Wrangler,” Roman “Buba” and Virginia “Linda” Schoen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, at St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley. Fr. Jerzy Rebacz will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
A special thank you to the staff of Rennes for their tender loving care of our mother over the past three years. Also thank you to Tim, Nancy, Joy and Monica from Interim Hospice Care for her comfort in her final days.
