Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
David Neumann
David Ray Neumann, 75, of Wausau died on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital Palliative Care Unit surrounded by family.
David was born on Oct. 8, 1944, to the late Clemans and Loretta (Stahnke) Neumann, in Wausau, Wisconsin.
He enjoyed many years spent with Reta, listening and dancing to old time music, completing puzzles, being outdoors, camping and Tuesday night horseshoes. He also enjoyed shooting pool, watching NASCAR, the Iola Car Show and tinkering on his 1956 Mercury.
David is survived by his children, Steven (Karla) Neumann, Bridget Neumann and Christopher (Cary) Neumann; five sisters, Gloria Neumann, Donna (Dale) Rhinehart, Pamela Bonnell, Sally (Mark) Scheidemann, Lisa Hill; two brothers, Donald (Eileen)Neumann, Tim Neumann; five grandchildren Aaron, Lauryn, Zofia, Hannah and Kaden and one great-grandchild Hunter.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers and sister; Michael, Larry, Darryl and Betty; one granddaughter Dylana.
A celebration of David’s life will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1901 Kowalski Road, Kronenwetter, WI 54455 on Friday, Dec. 20, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Iola Doescher
Iola M. Doescher, 92, of Wausau was called to Eternal Life on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, at home and in the comfort of her loving family.
Iola was born on Aug. 2, 1927, to the late Peter and Mathilda (Frickenstein) Spindler in Stratford, Wisconsin. She married Marlin Doescher on Sept. 13, 1947, at Ebenezer United Church of Christ, Stratford. He preceded her in death on June 10, 2004.
For over 20 years, Iola was actively involved in the family business, Doescher Electric. She also prepared income taxes for numerous clients who always became friends.
She enjoyed bowling, gardening, traveling, casino trips, and was an avid fan of the Brewers, Packers, and Badgers. She was active in attending all the kids’ sports and musical activities. She especially enjoyed the weekends at her cottage on Silver Lake in the Tomahawk area.
Iola was a loving, caring individual. She always put others ahead of herself, valuing family and friends. Her unconditional love and acceptance of others made everyone feel special. Sunday mornings, after church, family and friends gathered at her house for brunch. She was an active member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ since 1947.
Survivors include two daughters, Susan Raab, Wausau, Jane (Terry) Karcher, Aniwa; two sons, Dale (Charlotte) Doescher and Scott (Linda) Doescher, Weston; son-in-law, Jim Maguire; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marlin Doescher, her daughter, Julie Maguire, her son-in-law, David Raab, her parents, Peter and Mathilda Spindler, seven brothers, and one sister.
A memorial service will held be on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 426 Washington St., Wausau. Rev. Dr. Philip C. Schneider will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.brainardfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.
The family expresses their sincere gratitude to Rev. Dr. Philip Schneider and Comfort Care and Hospice Services for guidance and compassion these past few days. A very special thanks is extended to relatives and friends for all their visits and prayers.
Hedwig Schleyer
Hedwig (Heidi) Schleyer, 77, entered Heaven early Thursday morning, Dec. 12, 2019, from the Mount View Care Center in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Heidi was born on July 26, 1942, in war torn Munich, Germany. during World War II to Joseph and Georgine Staudacher. She was one of 12 children, having nine sisters and two brothers. Many other siblings were lost prematurely.
She came to the United States from Germany with her husband, Wilhelm (Bill), having been transferred to the United States as Bill served in the U.S. Army. Knowing very little English, she taught herself the language reading ingredients from the grocery store and watching TV.
Heidi’s passions included crocheting and gardening, and she was an amazing cook. Her ultimate passion was serving her Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ, who she came to personally know in 1980 at Merrill Bible Church. She later became a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, serving in Sunday School ministries, as well as attending women’s bible studies. Weekly services at Immanuel, followed by Wausau Bible and then Highland Community church was a priority until her health wavered. She continued her love of the Lord watching sermons at home and enjoying gospel programs.
Heidi was very musically inclined, playing the accordion as a child, then playing harmonica and was involved in church choir for many years. She also adored animals, owning dogs in her younger years and cats as she got older.
Heidi was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother (Oma), and great-grandmother. Her world revolved around her husband, children, and family. Her 57 years of marriage to Bill showed her kids was devotion meant. Her love for her children, Susan (husband Mark), Sabine (husband Kurt), and Chris (fiance Heidi); her grandchildren Ciara (husband John), Arielle (beau Tim), Josiah (wife Caterina), Isaac, Alora (beau Adam), and Dillan; her great-grandchildren Graham, Gianna, and Brett, was unmatched by most. She would scour the world to care for those she loved, nourishing them with kindness and wisdom. She influenced many lives with her genuineness, comedy, beauty, and gentleness.
Heidi was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and her beloved son, Ronni.
Funeral services will be as followed: Visitation on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, from 5-8 p.m. at Brainard Funeral Home in Weston, Wisconsin.
Visitation on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, at 10 a.m. followed by the memorial ceremony at 11 a.m. at Highland Community Church in Weston, Wisconsin.
A family gathering of her bodily resting place will take place at Restlawn Cemetery in Wausau on Monday, Dec. 23 at 1 p.m.
Flowers and arrangements are welcomed and appreciated.
Thomas “Tom” Giese
Thomas W. Giese, 88, Marshfield, formerly of Athens, died Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, while under the care of Heartland Hospice at Aster Assisted Living, Marshfield.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, at Christ United Church, Athens. The Rev. Teri Hanson will officiate. Burial will be in the Athens Village Cemetery, where full military honors will be conducted by the Athens VFW and American Legion. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, and again on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
The family wishes to express a sincere thank you to Heartland Hospice, Aster Assisted Living and VA at home care for the outstanding care and devotion they all gave to Tom.
Elizabeth “Betty” Hintz
Elizabeth (Betty) C. Hintz, 82, a long-time resident of Schofield, Wisconsin, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 13, 2019, at UW Hospital in Madison surrounded by her loving family.
Born on July 21, 1937, in Lyndon Station, Wisconsin, to Hugo and Genevieve (Borcyckowski) Hinrichs, Betty was raised on a farm with her loving parents and four siblings. After high school, she lived in Milwaukee and met her husband Robert A. (Bob) Hintz, at a root beer stand in Amherst, Wisconsin. They married on Aug. 20, 1960. In their early years together, they traveled to various parts of the world and country as Bob’s Naval Service required. In 1973, they settled in Schofield where they continued to raise their five children. Betty and Bob celebrated 59 years of marriage.
First and foremost, Betty was a loving and dedicated wife and mother. She treasured her five children and embraced every moment with them, especially at the family cottage on Crescent Lake in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. She especially loved her role as Grandmother to her 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Her high energy, kind and spirited personality, and caring heart, provided for many happy times with family and friends. Betty was an excellent cook and a passionate fan when attending her kids and grandchildren’s events. Her faith and religion were paramount and guided her path in life.
She is survived by her loving husband Robert A. Hintz, two daughters; Cynthia Sorenson, Wausau, Lora(Michael) Fritz, Oconomowoc, three sons; Robert J. (Jennifer) Hintz, Glendale, Kevin Hintz, Menomonee Falls, Brad (Sabrina) Hintz, Pewaukee, 11 grandchildren, one great grandchild and one sister Mary LouSchwartz, Montello. She is preceded in death by one sister Patricia Silbernagel and brothers, HubertHinrichs and Francis Hinrichs.
Services will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church, Schofield, Wisconsin, on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, with visitation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Interment will follow directly after Mass at Gate of Heaven cemetery.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Palliative Care unit at UW Hospital, Madison, for their compassionate care in Betty’s last days.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed atwww.Honorone.com.
Alice Deckelman
Alice L. Deckelman passed Dec. 7, 2019, at home in Wausau with her family by her side at the age of 83.
She was the daughter of the late Alfred John Haasl and Mary Edith Haasl (Sorensen). She was born Jan. 7, 1936, in Park Falls, Wisconsin, the third child of six. She was class valedictorian and awarded a full scholarship for college.
She was a beautiful woman who did some modeling and posed for the well-known portrait of a half nude woman displayed at Pinewood Supper Club for decades. She graduated and was an accountant for the Wausau School District until she got married and had three children. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis slowly declining and became wheelchair bound in 1973. She was an enigma, brilliant, incredibly funny, caused a lot of trouble, and was seriously loved for her unique and unusual personality. She loved going out to eat, reading, crossword puzzles, her six grandchildren, watching “M.A.S.H.” and “Everybody Loves Raymond” reruns, and bluntly telling you how to fix your appearance. She made the best raspberry pie ever.
She is survived by her husband Ray of 56 years, her son Steven (Crystal) Menoninee, daughter Diana Schira, Mosinee, and her four children Rae, Hazel, Iris and Max Schira, and her son David, Wausau, and his children Kelly and Samuel Deckelman. Two of her sisters survive, Sylva Bush and Marilyn Jurgens, Mosinee, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Mavis Magrecke, her sister Doria Mayer, and her brother John Haasl.
There will be a Celebration of her life in the spring of 2020. We love you mama.
The Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assiting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.
Mitchell Hefty
Mitchell Lee Hefty, 57, of Eland died unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston.
He was born on Feb. 18, 1962, in Madison, the son of the late Claude and Blanche (Berg) Eggerstaffer.
On Aug. 7, 2001, Mitchell was united in marriage to Kristi Rosenow in Madison. She survives.
Mitch was a self-employed auto body repairman and once owned Rural Auto Body in Daleyville, Wisconsin. Mitch moved to the area in 2001. He loved spending time with his family, friends and dogs, and loved anything automotive.
Mitch is survived by his wife, Kristi; children, Jeremy (Kassara Kirker) Hefty, Chad Downs, Alexander (Danielle Mattson) Downs, Trevor Hefty and Travis Hefty; grandchildren, Kyler and Kiara Hefty and Evan and Elaina Downs; siblings, Duane Hefty, Larry (Rita) Hefty and Jeff Hefty and niece and nephew, Tori and Dylan Hefty.
Mitch was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Michael.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Robert Soper Sr.
Robert Lee Soper Sr., 62, of Wittenberg died on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison, surrounded by his family.
He was born on Sept. 14, 1957, in Tigerton, the son of the late Harold and Bernadette (Gauthier) Soper.
Robert was a mechanic for many years working for Walmart, Wittenberg Auto Sales and Wittenberg Ford. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his dog Sweet Pea.
Survivors include his children, Ruth (Monroe) Weso, Rebecca (Brandyn) DeHart, Robert (Melissa) Soper Jr. and Rachel Landowski; stepchildren, Aaron (Harmonie) Tuszkowski, Ashley (Kyle) Tuszkowski and Austin (Summer) Tuszkowski; 22 grandchildren; siblings, Billy Soper, Sheryl (Al) O’Malley, Mary Jane (Javiech) Janhzou, Charles (Kathy) Soper and Julie Holbrook.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Dustin Washburn Jr. and a brother, Kenneth.
A funeral service will be held at noon on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Mr. Christian Roth will officiate. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Tigerton. Visitation will be on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
David Resch
David Roger Resch, 78, passed away peacefully in his home on Dec. 11, 2019, after a courageous battle with bile duct cancer. His loving family was by his side as he left this world.
David was born on April 30, 1941, in Mattoon, Wisconsin, to the late Charles and Margaret (Keough) Resch. David grew up on the family farm and enjoyed playing sports in his youth. He graduated from Birnamwood High School in 1959 and went on to work at Wausau Tile as a tile setter.
On Sept. 1, 1962, he married Priscilla Ostrowski and they began their life together in Wausau. They treasured many moments together in their 41 years of marriage. The highlights being raising their three children, spoiling grandchildren and David starting his own business, Resch’s Tile, Inc in Birnamwood, Wisconsin. He took great pride in the tile work they did around the country, as well as the relationships he built with his employees; who he considered part of his family.
David found great joy in playing, coaching and watching baseball over the years. He said his favorite place to be was on the pitcher’s mound in a close game. He was a fierce competitor and led his Birnamwood team to several championships. He also enjoyed trips to Lac Seul, Canada, to fish for walleye and throwing craps at the casino. His favorite time of the year was the nine day deer gun hunt season spent at his cabin in Birnamwood. He loved entertaining family and friends there. Telling stories, making pancakes and frying venison were his specialty.
David lost his beautiful wife to cancer in 2003 and bravely moved forward, always keeping her in his heart and a smile on his face. He retired in 2006 and remained active in supporting organizations in his community. He was a St. Philomena church member and councilmen and a 50-plus year member of Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers. Special to him were his grandchildren. He loved cheering them on in their sports; as well as spending quality time with them over a meal or teaching them how to hunt and fish.
David was a faithful servant of the Lord. He was a loving, hardworking and generous husband, father, grandfather, brother and son. He will be greatly missed.
David was survived by three children; Bradley (Bonnie) Resch and their children, Brooks, Braydin, Brogan (Eric Engle) and Braxton of Birnamwood, Richard (Saundra) Resch and their children Kersey (Amanda), Michael, Katarina, Kristina, Sean, Lucas, Nicholas, Adam and Kasaundra of Weston, and Carrie (Andy) Seubert and their children Lauren, Jack and Grace of Excelsior, Minnesota and two great-grandchildren Carson and Milo. Also survived by his sisters Mary Ellen Mackawgy, Ocala, Florida, and Joann Rucinski, Weston, and brother Floyd (Gloria) Resch, Birnamwood.
In addition to his parents and his wife, David was preceded in death by his sister, Phyllis Lex, brother, Jerome “Jiggs” Resch; brothers-in-law Donald Ostrowski, Jim Rucinski, Jim Matsche, sister-in-law Marion Resch and nephews Richard “Joe” Carlson, Sidney “Sid” Matsche, and Jimmy Resch.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Birnamwood. The Reverend Vicente Llagas will officiate. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, at the Schmidt-Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, and again from 9:30 a.m. Friday until the time of the services at the church.
Memories may be shared at schmidtschulta.com
In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in David’s name for the Birnamwood Ballpark.
