Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Florian Bradfish
Florian Leo Bradfish of Rothschild died Monday, Nov. 25, at Mount View Care Center, Wausau, under the care of Aspirus Hospice.
Florian was born July 20, 1935, in Rib Falls, son of the late Frederick and Mary (Reuter) Bradfish. He graduated from Wausau East High School in 1953. In 1957, Florian enlisted in the U.S. Army Ready Reserve for six months Active Duty for Training and then six years reserves. He married Lana Juedes Sept. 2, 1961, at St. Mark Catholic Church. He worked for France Sales and Service (during which time he attended many service schools) and Drott Manufacturing, which became JI Case. He retired from JI Case in 1992. He then worked for Ed Creske at Meritt Inn (Best Western) and Comfort Inn for 10 years.
Florian was the “handy man for many.” He liked repairing lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc. Anything that needed fixing or repair, Florian took on with his self-taught abilities without hesitation any time of day or night. It wasn’t unusual to see him headed out at 10 p.m. to fix a furnace. Amongst everything that Florian was, he also helped in any way for anyone that he loved, even if that meant dressing up as Santa Claus for local families for the holiday season. Florian also had served faithfully as an usher at St. Mark Catholic Church and helped many years with the June Bug Fest.
Florian is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lana; their three sons, Alan (Christina) of Weston, Arlin (Karen) of Rib Mountain and Darrell of Weston; and their daughter Carla (Todd Luedtke) Corazalla of Merrill; their nine grandchildren, Nicholas (Wendy) Bradfish of Framingham, Massachusetts, Justin (Stephanie) Bradfish of Kronenwetter, Matthew (Brittany) Bradfish of Mosinee, Kaylee (Derek Kurth) Bradfish of Weston, Caitlin Bradfish of Weston, Joshua (Alexa Kufalk) Corazalla of Kronenwetter, Cassidy Bradfish of Weston, Tyler Corazalla of Mosinee, Cooper Bradfish of Weston; and their two great-grandchildren Jackson and Meridith Bradfish of Kronenwetter. He is further survived by three sisters, Lucille VanderGeest of Wausau, Elizabeth (Billy) Stoltz of Schofield and Mary Jane (Keith) Cannon of Rothschild; and sister-in-law Barbara Bradfish of Kronenwetter. Florian was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Victor, Leonard and Norman, his brother-in-law Rich VanderGeest, and his sister-in-law Phyllis Bradfish.
Services will be Saturday, Nov. 30, at Brainard Funeral Home- Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with the funeral service at 11 a.m. The Rev. Allan Slowiak will officiate. Burial with Military Honors will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Pallbearers will be Florian’s six grandsons and honorary pallbearers will be his three granddaughters.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871, or a charity of your choice.
Brainard Funeral Home- Everest Chapel is assisting the family.
Darlene Crochiere
On Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, Darlene Crochiere passed away at the age of 87. Darlene was born Oct. 23, 1932, to the late Mary (Richards) and Richard Naug in Rhinelander. She was the youngest of seven children.
Darlene had three daughters: Marie (Perry) Dymora, Penny Crochiere and Cindi (Fred) Will. Darlene was blessed with eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one great great grandson. Darlene was looking forward to the arrival of one more great grandchild in December.
The family has a special appreciation for the love and care shown to Darlene by Goddaughter Rachel (Steve) Doran.
Darlene retired from the Commission of Aging as the food service manager. She was able to use her special talents of cake decorating and party planning. She enjoyed piano playing, embroidery and the annual Christmas candy-making with friends and family.
Brainard Funeral Home will be assisting the family. Per Darlene’s wishes, there will not be a formal service but the family will hold a celebration of life in the spring.
Mary Lou McEwen
Mary Lou McEwen of Schofield, formerly of Mesa, Arizona, went to her Heavenly Home at the age of 88 on Nov. 23, 2019, at Mount View Care Center.
Mary Lou was born on Sept. 16, 1931, in Halder, Wisconsin. She was the youngest daughter of the late John and Eleanore (Pecha) France. Mary Lou graduated from Wausau Senior High School and later received her teaching degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She married the love of her life, John “Jack” McEwen, on June 16, 1951, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Wausau. She enjoyed spending time with family and traveling with their tour group known as Jokes & Notes. She was a proud teacher at Mosinee Elementary School. She could sew and craft up almost anything, making anything turn into something great. Mary Lou was often involved in the community and St. Therese Parish. She will be remembered for her volunteering and caregiving in both Wisconsin and Arizona.
Mary Lou is survived by her three children, Cheryl (Robert) Schonscheck, Craig (Kaye) McEwen, and Colleen (William) Walters; grandchildren, Tarin Schonscheck, Ryan (Becky) Schonscheck, Cory (Lindsay) McEwen, Kimberly (Preston) Vande Voort, Chris (Jenny) Walters, and Tasha (Dan) Willens; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings.
Mary Lou’s sense of humor and jokes brought a smile to everyone she met. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Cedar Creek Manor for their care, dedication and compassion shown to Mary Lou.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Saint Therese Parish, Schofield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saint Therese Parish. Brainard Funeral Home-Everest Chapel is assisting with arrangements.
Betty Straub
Betty Straub, 85, of Rothschild died Friday Nov. 22, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday Dec. 17, 2019, at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild. Rev. Allan L. Slowiak will preside. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Visitation will be on Tuesday Dec. 17, 2019, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Lorna Rietz
Lorna Rietz, 102, passed away Nov. 25 under the care of St. Croix Hospice and the Athenian Assisted Living staff. She was the first resident of her beloved new home.
She was born July 29, 1917, in Holloway, Minnesota, to Henry and Ida (Callies) Mattheisen and graduated from Stanley High School and Chippewa County Normal School and taught in the Loyal area.
She married George W. Rietz in 1938.
They farmed in the town of Bern until retiring in 1979.
They especially enjoyed raising and showing their registered Belgian horses at state and local fairs. They participated for many years in the Circus World Parade and took part in the Bicentennial Wagon Train in 1976, traveling to Portage in their covered wagon.
They also enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, gardening, playing cards and making and selling their crafts.
She is survived by sons, Gordon (Jan Carroll) Medford and Gary (Janice Strunk) Fifield; grandchildren, Wilber, Athens, Wendy (Delbert) Ford, Springfield, Illinois, and Cindy, Medford; great-grandchildren, Clint Spreen, and Dawson and Dylan Ford; and great great-granddaughter, Kaylee Spreen.
She was preceded in death by her husband George, three brothers and five sisters and grandson, Adam Rietz.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, at Christ United Church, Athens. Rev. Teri Hanson will officiate. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of services all at Christ United Church, Athens.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Charles “Chuck” Augustine
Charles “Chuck” H. Augustine, 66, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, doing what he loved, being outdoors and hunting.
He was born Feb. 1, 1953, in Wausau, son of Eleanor (Boruch) Augustine and the late Victor Augustine. On Nov. 2, 1974, he married Jan Fermanich at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. She survives.
Chuck graduated in 1971 from Wausau West High School. In the years that followed, he was involved with the Rib Mountain Lions Club, coached Little League and served on the board for the Marathon County Youth Hockey program. Prior to retirement, most of his working career was spent at Mid-Wisconsin Beverage. Chuck was a great man, but an even better husband. As a father he was extremely proud of his children and their accomplishments. His grandchildren were deeply embedded in his heart and he loved spending time with them and teaching them new things. Chuck could also fix anything and enjoyed his projects.
One of Chuck’s favorite pastimes was spending time at the hunting shack with his buddies. He embraced technology and really enjoyed having the latest electronic devices. He was also an avid Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers fan. Chuck will be remembered as a generous, patient, kind and gentle person whose family and friends were most important to him.
Survivors include his wife, Jan Augustine; sons, Chad Augustine and Dan (Michelle) Augustine; grandchildren, Callie and Blake Augustine; mother, Eleanor Augustine; brothers, David Augustine, Donald (Bev) Augustine and Ken (Lori) Augustine; sisters, Rainy (Frank) Lepisko, Sue (Dave) Mohelnitzky and Karen (Jeff) Davis; and brother-in-law, Bruce Fermanich.
He was preceded in death by his father, Victor Augustine.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson St., Weston at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.
Visitation will be Friday from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau and again on Saturday at Mount Olive Lutheran Church from 10 a.m. to the time of service at 11 a.m.
The family prefers that flowers not be sent. However, remembrances may be made in the form desired by friends and family.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Constance “Connie” Dellenbach
Constance “Connie” Jane Witter Helke Dellenbach, 93, formerly of Wausau, currently of Oregon, Wisconsin, died Sunday, Nov.24, 2019, at BeeHive Homes of Oregon under the care of Agrace Hospice Care.
Connie was born Aug. 31, 1926, to the late Jeremiah and Amelia (Abraham) Witter in Wausau. She grew up as one of 20 children in a house bustling with activity. Early on, she began work for Marathon Battery during World War II before meeting Franklin Helke at Rib River Ballroom. The couple was married on July 19, 1947, and they adopted Stuart and Jackie. Tragedy struck the family in 1983 when Franklin died unexpectedly. Connie persevered and supported herself by working in the laundry at the Exel Inn. Love found Connie once more when she met Elmer Dellenbach at a dance at the Labor Temple. The couple was married on June 30, 1992. They were blessed with 22 wonderful years together prior to Elmer’s death on Jan. 15, 2015.
Connie was a good and loving mother, always making sure her children got what they needed. She took time to read to her children fostering a love of reading in them and along with Franklin emphasized the importance of a good education to Jackie and Stuart. Connie was an excellent baker, seamstress and embroiderer. She loved living in the country for most of her life and enjoyed the simple things, like working in her garden, canning countless jars of vegetables and playing cards with family and friends. Connie was also very active with the VFW Auxiliary and St. Paul UCC where she had been a member her entire life.
Connie is survived by her children, Stuart L. (Johna) Helke, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Jacquelyn M. Helke, Wausau; stepchildren, Michael (Rosalie) Dellenbach, Summerville, South Carolina, and Deb (friend, LaVonne Akey) Coerper, Wausau; grandchildren, Brett Coerper, David (Blair) Dellenbach, Samantha Dellenbach and Linda (Eric Maldonado) Stewart; great-grandchildren, Henry and Isla Dellenbach and Sierra Mount; great-great-grandson, Damarous; brother, Lee (Mary Ellen) Witter; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by nine sisters and nine brothers.
The funeral service for Connie will be at noon on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 426 Washington St., Wausau. Rev. Dr. Philip Schneider will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Monday. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign the family guestbook at helke.com.
Heartfelt thanks and appreciation go out to the staff of BeeHive Home of Oregon and Agrace Hospice Care from Connie and her family.
Arthur Schulrud
Arthur W. Schulrud, 88, of Wausau passed away peacefully on Nov. 23, 2019, at his home under the care of Ministry Hospice. He was born on May 11, 1931, in Wausau to the late Clarence and Meta (Marks) Schulrud. Arthur married Ramona Fust on Aug. 27, 1955. They were married for 62 years until her time of death on Nov. 8, 2017.
He served in the United States Navy for 23 years, 6 months, and 18 days, (17 years at sea). He served in Korea and Vietnam. He served on the USS Valley Forge 48-52, reenlisting in 1958 and serving on the USS Cascade, USS Enterprise and the USS Mansfield. Arthur retired in 1973 from Great Lakes, Illinois, at the rank of E7, Electricians Mate Chief. During his time in the service Arthur and Ramona lived and raised their children in Wisconsin, Illinois, Rhode Island and California, and moving back to Wisconsin in 1975.
They owned Wet and Dry Arts and Crafts Ceramic Shop in the late ’70s, late ’80s. He also worked for Wausau Insurance, Kolbe & Kolbe, and CWA Auto Auction. After officially retiring, they loved taking walks and trips to Texas and Oklahoma visiting relatives. They also enjoyed many ship reunion parties in various states.
He is survived by his children, Keith (Jean), Randy, Terry, Jeff (Vicki), and Tim all in the Wausau area. Two granddaughters, Mariah and Jessica (Autumn), four step-grandchildren and three step-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews in Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Texas, California, one brother Roger (Mississippi), and one sister Kathy (Rich) Feirn (Mississippi), two sisters-in-law, Kathy Gartmann , Wausau, Deb (Glenn) Tessmer, Rib Mountain, one brother-in-law Ron (Joanne) Fust, OKlahoma.
He is preceded in death by his wife Romana of 62 years, brother Ron (Annette), Texas, one sister-in-law Sandy Schulrud, and one brother-in-law Donald Fust.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Ministry Hospice for all the wonderful care they gave Dad.
Services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 703 Fleith St., Wausau. Visitaiton will be from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m., with Pastor Joel Suckow officiating.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences can be expressed at www.HonorOne.com.
Lester Umland
Lester R. Umland, 77, of Birnamwood, died on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston.
He was born on May 24, 1942, the son of the late Robert and Milda (Krull) Umland.
On April 23, 1966, he was united in marriage to Joyce Klopotek at St. William’s Catholic Church, Eland. She survives.
Lester was a Birnamwood High School graduate and attened University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He then worked for Hatley Veneer for a short time prior to purchasing the family farm that had been in the family for over 100 years.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and reading farm and financial magazines. He enjoyed the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers, as well as driving his Ford 5000 tractor. He is a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Birnamwood, and a former member of the Rural Rider Snowmobile Club.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce; children, Linda (Chris) Barber of Weston, Robert (Amy) Umland of Weston, James Umland and William Umland, both of Birnamwood; grandchildren, Jordan (friend Johanna Kluck) Umland, Tabitha (Sam) Erlandson and Sierra (friend Fred Borntreger) Barber; great grandchildren, Aniah Poitra and Boe Erlandson; siblings, Shirley (Weldon) Swanson and Sharon (Bill) Hunter, both of Wausau and Ronald Umland of Weston and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Thomas and stepfather, Walter Scholz.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Birnamwood. Rev. Bil Sutlief will preside. Visitation will be on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Andrew Beine Jr.
Andrew T. Beine, Jr., 88, of Bevent passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, with family and Sr. Mary Ellen by his side at Ascension Saint Clare’s Hospital, Weston.
He was born on March 7, 1931, in Hartford, the son of the late Andrew Sr. and Eleanor (Kraemer) Beine.
Andy was a U.S. Army veteran serving during the Korean War and was a life member of the Elderon Memorial Post #8068 VFW.
On Dec. 1, 1951, Andy was united in marriage to Evelyn Swedowski at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Milwaukee. She preceded him in death on April 15, 2017.
Andy was a former employee of Hartford Corning, Libby Canning and Cedarburg Dairy. He also farmed in the town of Bevent and owned and operated Andy’s Grocery in Bevent until 1989. Andy was a member of St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent, and its Men’s Society. He also worked for the church for over 20 years and helped at any church function where he was needed. He was a charter member of the Bevent Lion’s Club and could always be found heading up the food booth at the Rosholt Fair. Andy would help anyone who needed help, expecting nothing in return.
Andy is survived by his sons, Glenn (Sue) Beine of Wisconsin Rapids and Gene (Marge) Beine of Hatley; four grandchildren, Melinda (Steven) Glodowski, Cassandra (Rich) VanHorn, Crystal (Joshua) Tessmer and Nicholas (friend Jessica Stewart) Beine; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Richard (Karen) Beine, Fred (Donna) Beine, Helen (Jerry) Koepp, Marion Martin, Wally Beine and Norman (Diane) Beine as well as other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, Andy was preceded in death by his daughter, Suzanne Beine and siblings, Reuben, Dorothy Marks and Sally Wondra.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent. Rev. Augustine Bentil will preside. Military rites will be conducted by the Elderon Memorial Post #8068. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
The family would like to thank the Ascension Home Care Team for all of their loving care.
Robert Koehler
Robert E. Koehler, 87, of Wittenberg died on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston.
He was born on Nov. 21, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of the late Edwin and Gladys (Enk) Koehler.
Bob was a U.S. Marine veteran and a member of the Bloecher Johnson American Legion Post #502, Wittenberg. He was also a past commander of the post and was grateful to be able to participate in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight.
On June 9, 1956, Bob was united in marriage to Gail Larson at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Morris. She survives.
Bob had worked at Walrich Insurance of Shawano as well as the Shawano Paper Mill. He ran Grosskopf Bussing and worked at Buss Motors. In 1974, Bob co-owned and operated the Wittenberg Ford Garage until his retirement in 1999. Retirement was too quiet for Bob and he needed something to do, so he worked at Jerry’s Hardware and Hanke’s Sentry Foods.
Bob was a member of the former Wittenberg Fish and Game Club, Ducks Unlimited and The Wittenberg Chamber where he received the ‘Man of the Year’ Award. He enjoyed fishing, especially fly fishing. Bob was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wittenberg.
Bob is survived by his wife Gail; children, Todd (Ana) Koehler of Green Bay, Dilynn (Tom) Nowak and Brent Koehler, both of Wausau; grandchildren, Kaileah and Zachary (Jessica ‘Evelyn’); step-grandchildren, Maria (Craig) Martin, Spencer (Brianna) Baranczyk and Eli Baranczyk Engels; great grandchildren, Kynslei and Kaedence; sister, Cheri Koehler of Shawano and other relatives and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Lychelle, and parents-in-law Einar and Irene Larson.
A Christian Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wittenberg. Rev. Clifford Kessen will preside. Burial will take place in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, town of Morris, with military rites conducted by the Bloecher Johnson American Legion Post #502. Visitation will be on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home of Wittenberg is assisting the family. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Marjorie Toshner
Marjorie L. Toshner, 92, of Wausau died on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Service at Mount View Care Center, Wausau.
Marjorie was born on June 12, 1927, in Wittenberg, the daughter of the late Arnold and Edna (Matson) Diestler and baptized on July 17, 1927. She was confirmed on March 29, 1942, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Wittenberg.
On Oct. 25, 1947, Marjorie was united in marriage to Dale Toshner in Antigo. He preceded her in death on April 8, 2005.
Marjorie had various jobs throughout her life but her most cherished was being a wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed taking care of her home and family, as well as feeding and watching the various birds that would come to her feeders.
Marjorie is survived by her son, DuWayne (Darlene) Toshner of Wausau; two grandchildren, Dale (Vira) Toshner and Angela Toshner, both of Wausau; two brothers, Richard (Delores) Diestler of Wausau and Robert (Janette) Diestler of Antigo as well as other relatives and friends.
A Christian Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood. Rev. Erik Olson of First English Lutheran Church of Wausau will preside. Burial will take place in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
