Wausau area obituaries, Jan. 6, 2020

Keith Schroeder, 57, formerly of Wausau and Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, and the son of Jack (Teri) Schroeder and Joan (Jerry) Wood passed away on Jan. 4 after losing his battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed peacefully at his home in Cleveland, Tennessee, with his loving wife, Tammy, at his side.

James T. Tryba Sr., 84, of Wausau passed away Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, at Mount View Care Center, Wausau.

He was born July 23, 1935, in Rosholt, son of the late Felix and Mary (Kuklinski) Tryba. He married Mary B. Thomas in Wausau. She preceded him in death on April 10, 2018.

For many years Jim was a maintenance tech at Wausau Iron Works and later retired from Greenheck Fan as a lab tech. Some of his interests included hunting, fishing, gardening and working on old trucks.

Survivors include his children Christine (Christopher) Lynch, Bourbannais, Illinois, Michael (Tammi) Tryba, Wausau, James Tryba, Jr., Wausau; grandchildren Linsey, Chelsey, Nathan, Aryanna, Madelynn, Emmalynn; great-grandchild Brae and his brother, William Tryba, Wausau.

Besides his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings, George and Gabriel Tryba.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, at Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. The Rev. Samuel Martin will preside. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau, and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Kay Klamerus

Kay L. Klamerus, 70, of Post Lake died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, under the care of LeRoyer Hospice.

She was born Aug. 24, 1949, in Wausau, daughter of the late Clifford and Frieda (Krejci) LaFave. On June 20, 1997, she married Gary Klamerus in Wausau. He survives.

Kay was a 1968 graduate of Wausau High School. For over 25 years, she worked as a marketing specialist for Marathon Electric Corp. in Wausau until her retirement.

She enjoyed tending to her flower gardens, watching birds and wildlife at her home on Post Lake and most of all, spending time with her children and grandchildren. Kay loved traveling and vacationed in many states including Florida, Texas, Alaska and the Western United States; her most memorable vacations were fly fishing trips with Gary at Yellowstone National Park.

Survivors include her loving husband, Gary; four children, Daniel (Lora) Robinson, Eland, Sara (Jason) Hohenstein, Mosinee, Jeffrey (Cheryl) Klamerus, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Douglas (Melissa) Klamerus, Hugo, Minnesota; her grandchildren, Jack Hohenstein, Alissa Zaucha, Tyler (fiancée Brittney) Bierman, Tara Bierman; Hannah, Jena, and Sebastion Klamerus; Allie (Ryan) Ott; Caroline, Charlotte and Dalton Klamerus; one great-granddaughter, Rori; and one sister, Nancy LaFave, Schofield.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Gerald LaFave.

Funeral services will be at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau. Pastor Traci Koziczkowski will officiate. Visitation will be on Friday from 3 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to LeRoyer Hospice, 112 E. Fifth Ave., Antigo, WI 54409 or Volm Cancer Center, 501 Aurora St., Antigo, WI 54409.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Charlene Dering

Charlene K. Dering, 68, of Wausau passed away on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, at U.W. Health – University Hospital in Madison. She was born in Phillips on June 27, 1951, to the late Charles and Leona (Smith) Gura. She was married to Gilbert “Gib” Dering on Aug. 18, 1972, in Milwaukee. They spent many years together and enjoyed each other’s company and the experiences they had.

Charlene worked at the law firm of Ruder Ware from 1979 until her retirement in 2015. For 35 years, Charlene was the legal assistant for Attorney G. Lane Ware. Through their teamwork, she honed her legendary proofreading skills. A source of pride for Charlene was her perfect attendance at Ruder Ware over her 36-year career. She was the epitome of professionalism.

Charlene was direct and honest with an indomitable spirit. She was a friend that you could depend upon and the first person you’d think of if you were thirsty for a cold beer and looking for good company. She was smart, inquisitive and brave.

She enjoyed a variety of activities with her husband, Gib. They attended all the openings at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum and would delight in the creativity of the featured artists.  ogether, they enjoyed sports, especially the Packers, Brewers, Bucks and Badgers. Other activities included traveling with friends, reading, listening to Neil Diamond, feeding the hummingbirds, and fishing. Gib and Charlene also enjoyed the Marathon County Public Library and their book sales.

Charlene is survived by her husband, Gilbert “Gib” Dering of Wausau.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Leona Gura; and brother, LeRoy Gura.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, with Rev. Jason Bridge from Word of Life Family Church, Phillips, officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 9 a.m. until the time of service in the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Phillips, Wisconsin, in the spring.

You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.

Shirley Hannemann

Shirley Mae Hannemann, 83, of Rib Mountain passed away Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Born Sept. 18, 1936, in the town of Stettin to the late Reinhard and Elsie (Zahn) Oelke, Shirley grew up on the family farm with her sister, Arlene, and brothers, Lyndon and Glenn. After attending Marathon High School, Shirley graduated from UW-Stevens Point in 1956 with a teaching degree and in 1985 with a Master’s in education. She began her career at Greendale School in Lincoln County. On Oct. 28, 1961, Shirley married Martin Hannemann at Trinity Lutheran Church in the town of Stettin. She decided to take time off from teaching to stay at home where they raised their three sons, Karl, Paul and Eric. Shirley then returned to education where she taught for the Wausau School District until her retirement from Franklin Elementary School. Known as a kind and generous person who was very involved in the community, Shirley was active as a Sunday school teacher, church librarian and a member of the sewing group. She volunteered at Wausau Hospital and participated in local genealogy and book clubs. Shirley loved to sew, quilt, read, set puzzles, knit, and play card games.

Survivors include husband Martin of Rib Mountain, sons Karl (Diane) of Ft. Atkinson, Paul (Jennifer) of Green Bay, Eric (Desiree) of Plattsburgh, New York, two grandchildren, Natalie and Mason, and brother, Glenn Oelke of Wausau. Shirley was preceded in death by a brother, Lyndon Oelke, sister, Arlene Teske, and her beloved cat, Smokey.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 600 Stevens Drive, Wausau. Pastor Eric Hauan will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., Wednesday at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, and again at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Marathon County Literacy Council or PBS.

Nicolas “Nick” Peterson

It is with great sadness the family of Nicolas ‘Nick’ John Peterson, announces his unexpected passing on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020, at the age of 45. Nick will be lovingly remembered by his six brothers and two sisters and many friends he held dear.

Nick was born Nov. 11, 1974, in Chilton, Wisconsin. His family moved to Wausau in 1979, where Nick spent the remainder of his life. As a youngster Nick enjoyed the outdoors, often fishing with his brother Joe and nephew Jonathon. Hunting, fishing and exploring were Nick’s passions. Nick was extremely intelligent and knowledgeable of many topics, always seeking to learn more.

As a young boy he aspired to be a police officer, this was a dream held dear to his heart. He started his career as a dispatcher with the Wausau Police Department and later went to work for Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department for many years. Most recently, Nick was a local taxicab driver for Northwoods Cab. He had a great loyalty to his friends and people he cared for. His sense of humor and wit were unmatched, often being the prankster. He will be missed dearly by many friends and family he cared for.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Garnett and Corinne Peterson.

Nick is survived by his six brothers and two sisters, Mark (Debbie Bandoch), Rothschild, Mary, Wausau, David, Weston, Tom (Sarah), Marcia, Terry (Tina), Wausau, Tim (Sandy), Mosinee, Joe (Kelly), Wausau, nieces and nephews Christopher, Angela, Jonathon (Jenni), Joshua, Ryan, Jennalee (Nate), Amanda, Taylor, Lindsey, Adam, Brianna, along with many great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Ave., Schofield, Wisconsin.

The family would like to thank everyone for their kind words and condolences.

John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences maybe expressed at www.HonorOne.com.

Melisa “Missy” Big John

Melisa Lyn ‘Missy’ Big John, 54, of Shawano passed away on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Shawano.

She was born on Dec. 1, 1965, in Wausau, the daughter of the late Maurice Big John and Dolli (Hopinka) Big John.

Survivors include three sisters, Miriam Johnson of Wittenberg, Marcia Big John of Arbor Vitae and Melanie (Corwin) Roth of Eland, as well as many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Michael Hopinka, Maurice Beson, Michelle Big John, Mary Big John and Muriel Big John.

Commitment services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, at the Native American Church, Wittenberg. Mr. Kelly LaMere will officiate. Burial will be in John Stacy Memorial Cemetery, Wittenberg. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the church.

Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.

Brian Seefeldt

Brian K. Seefeldt, 63, of Wittenberg died on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born on Dec. 15, 1956, in Wausau, the son of the late Kenneth and Harriet (Riderbush) Seefeldt.

Brian was a graduate of Wausau West High School and went on to the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, obtaining his degree as a pharmacist in 1980. He currently was a pharmacist at Gwidt Pharmacy, Wittenberg, where he has worked for many years. Brian was an avid Wisconsin sports fan and enjoyed the Packers, Brewers, Bucks and Badgers. He especially enjoyed visiting and socializing at Tavern Front in Wittenberg.

Survivors include two sons, Benjamin (Michelle) Seefeldt of Wittenberg and Daniel (Katelyn) Seefeldt of Wausau and a brother, Jeffrey (Laurie) Seefeldt of Wausau.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents and his former wife, Debra Seefeldt.

A celebration of Brian’s life will be celebrated at a later date.

Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.

Donald Karcz

Donald Karcz, 81, of Birnamwood, formerly of Bowler, died on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, at his home under the care of his family and Interim Hospice.

Don was born on March 6, 1938, in Two Rivers, the son of the late John and Angeline (Wijas) Karcz.

Don was a U.S. Air Force retiree and lived in all parts of the U.S. and world for over 20 years.

On Nov. 30, 1957, Don was united in marriage to Venita Piekkola in Marble, Minnesota. She preceded him in death on July 8, 2018.

The couple purchased the Melody Mill in Aniwa in June of 1967 and also owned Karcz Home Sales. For the past 25 years, they owned and operated V’s Star Campsite in Bowler. Don enjoyed going on trips, especially cruises and enjoyed baseball, the Green Bay Packers and loved to watch game shows.

Don was a blue jean and T-shirt man. The family invites all those attending to wear blue jeans and T-shirts in his honor.

Survivors include his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Donna (Tom Lex) Karcz of Bowler and her children, Joey (Keleigh) Baretincic and their children Anna and Jackson, and Andrea (Chris) Mrozinski and their children Clara and Clayton ‘Zane’, Cindy (Jerry) Geiss of Merrill and her children, Stephan Miller and Alex (Kim) Miller, Rodney (Shelly) Karcz of Birnamwood and their children, Matthew (Kandi) Karcz and his son Jayden, and Adam (Kaylin) Karcz, the late Gary Karcz’s daughter Amanda (Mark) Hein and her son Donaven, Mike (Connie) Karcz of Birnamwood and their daughter Jennifer Quinn Hegewald and her children, Kaden and Kennlie and Bonnie (Bradley) Resch of Birnamwood and their children, Brooks, Braydin, Brogan (Eric Engle) and Braxton Resch; siblings, Myron Karcz of Pulaski, Mardell Wirtz of Sobieski, Carol Walla of Green Bay and Larry (Donna) Karcz of Sobieski and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Vee; a son, Gary; parents; brother Leonard Karcz; son-in-law, Gordy Miller; a sister-in-law, Carol Karcz and brother-in-law, James Wirtz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Birnamwood. Fr. Vicente Llagas will officiate. Burial will be in St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Aniwa, with military rites conducted by the Darling Gunderson American Legion #341, Birnamwood. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church.