Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Zada Falk
Zada Marie Falk, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, at Cedar Ridge in Schofield.
Zada was born Aug. 22, 1938, to the late Arnold and Edith (Caskey) Severson in Phelps, Wisconsin. She married William Earl Falk on Sept. 15, 1962.
They moved to Spooner Wisconsin in 1969, where they managed an L.P. Gas business for 31 years before retiring. After retirement they spent their Winters in Yuma, Arizona.
Zada loved gardening, spending time on Spooner Lake fishing and boating, testing her luck at the casino and going out with family and friends to Friday fish frys.
She is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Steve) Reif, daughter, Susan (Greg) Ayres, and son, Bill (Kelly) Falk along with seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and four siblings. She is further survived by a special friend, Mark Wilson. She was preceded in death by her husband, William, and sisters Mabel and Bobbie.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, at Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston. Rev. Wes Jedras will officiate. Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home on Sunday. Internment will occur at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Cedar Ridge and Aspirus Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.
Dwane “Big Ed” Stoelting
Dwane “Big Ed” O. Stoelting, 87, died Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Mount View Care Center, Wausau.
He was born April 16, 1932, in Merrill, son of the late Ora and Eldora (Bushor) Stoelting. On May 27, 1978, he married Beverly Dahm at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Wausau. She survives.
Dwane retired from Brokaw Paper Mill and served 2 ½ years in the Red Arrow Division, Merrill, followed by two years in the United States Army 2nd Division at Fort Washington during the Korean War. He was discharged ranking as a corporal.
He enjoyed trout fishing, deer hunting and was an avid Chicago Bears fan. Dwane and Beverly enjoyed trips to Mackinac Island, several cruises and occasional trips to the casino.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly; brother-in-law, Carl Dahm and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ora Stoelting, mother, Eldora Borchardt and a brother, Gerald Stoelting.
Funeral services will be at noon Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, at Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Rev. Dr. Philip Schneider will officiate. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum. Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of services, all at Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Evelyn Jeske
Evelyn Emeline Jeske, 96, Schofield, died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, at Copperleaf Assisted Living of Schofield.
Evelyn was born May 13, 1923, in Unity, Wisconsin, to the late Matthew “Ed” and Thea (Williamson) Winkler. She married the love of her life, George F. Jeske, on May 12, 1943, in Spencer, Wisconsin, and the couple were blessed with two sons, Jay and Jerome. After nearly 70 years together, George died on March 26, 2013.
Evelyn was a very independent woman who preferred to keep to herself. She was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother, enjoying cooking and baking many wonderful meals and treats, especially around the holidays. In her free time, Evelyn enjoyed working in her garden growing flowers and vegetables and reading throughout her life.
Evelyn is survived by her son, Jay (Jeri) Jeske of Wausau; grandchildren, Jason (Angela) Jeske, Lynn (David) Nest and Jordan (Denelle) Jeske; great-grandchildren, Cassandra, Emma and Evan Haack and Kaden Jeske; great-great-grandson, Vincent Haack; step-grandchildren, Eric, Cory, Brandon and Jessie Drost and Shane Jeske; brother, Edward (Darlene) Winkler of Tomahawk; and many beloved nieces and nephews whose visits she cherished so very much. She is preceded in death by her son, Jerome Jeske; and siblings, John and Norman Winkler and Emily Wolfe.
Per Evelyn’s wishes, she will be cremated with no attending services. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
Sincere appreciation goes to the staff of Copperleaf Assisting Living of Schofield where Evelyn has been living the past couple years for their kindness, warmth and compassionate care.
Lillian Krause
Lillian Jeanette Krause, 90, Wausau, died Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, at Rennes Health and Rehab Center, Weston, under the care of Ascension Hospice Services.
Lillian was born Oct. 9, 1929, in Wausau to the late Carol “Shorty” and Zadith (Lane) Salvador. She attended Wausau High School and began working at the Marathon Rubber Plant early in life. Lillian married William W.E. Krause on Jan. 10, 1953, at the First Presbyterian Church in Wausau. The couple were blessed with two children, Paul and Penny. Lillian stayed home to raise their children and William worked; as the children got older, she went back to school to brush up on her secretarial skills leading to work at the Monroe Calculator Co. and Ethan Allen Carriage House. She also worked in the deli at County Market for many years where she made many great and lasting friends. After 51 loving years together, William died on Dec. 12, 2004.
Lillian was a “sweet” woman, devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her baking skills were unparalleled with her apple pies, almond jam cookies and pecan fingers were the stuff of legends. She enjoyed attending activities that her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were involved in. For many years, she volunteered at Lincoln School listening to the children read until her eyesight prevented her from doing so. This led to her receiving the Friend of Education award from the Wausau School District in 2014 in recognition for her years volunteering at Lincoln School. Lillian also enjoyed embroidery, sewing, knitting and doing word search puzzles. One of her favorite things to do was to give a gift of embroidered dish towels to all the soon to be brides in her family.
Lillian is survived by her loving children, Paul (Lisa) Krause of Wausau and Penny (Robert) Dudley of Ringle; grandchildren, Adam (Jennifer) Krause of Ringle, Megan (Josh) Spatz of Schofield, Alex (girlfriend, Willow) Krause of Wausau and Courtney (boyfriend, Cory) Dudley of Kronenwetter; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Bailey, Aaliyah and Connor; sister, Maribeth Schulz of Clancy, Montana; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her great-grandchildren, Hailey and Lucas Spatz; sisters, Dona (Larry) Butenhoff, Bettie Dustin, Virginia (Eddie) Crotteau, Jane (Fred) Raymond and Terrie Kordus as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The memorial service for Lillian will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020, at Restlawn Memorial Park Chapel, Wausau. Pastor Julie Goranson will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at Restlawn Memorial Park Chapel. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
Lillian’s family wishes to thank the staff of Marshfield Clinic, Saint Clare’s Hospital, Rennes Health and Rehab Center and Ascension Hospice for the great care provided to our mom.
May God always bless you as you have blessed us.
Cherrie Lasky
After a long battle with cancer, Cherrie Lasky passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Jan. 12, 2020.
Cherrie was born Nov. 17, 1952, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, to Vernon and Mary (Yager) Forseth. She worked for many years at UW Hospital in Madison and completed her career as a CNA at the King Home and caregiver for adults with disabilities. She enjoyed quilting, gardening and all animals. Family meant the world to her.
She is survived by her husband Bryan Lasky, former husband Tom Kruger, children Jesse (Cheryl Fry) Kruger and Chad (Theresa) Kruger, her mother Mary Forseth, Siblings Sue (Terry) Voigts, Michael (Lynn) Forseth, Sheila (Gene) Fischer, Teresa (Jerry Ballweg) Steele, Mitchell Forseth, Yvonne (Mark) Vils, Tim (Nancy) Forseth and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father Vernon Forseth, siblings Patrick, Shelley and Harold Forseth.
The family wishes to thank the doctors and nursing staff at Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids. A celebration of life is planned for late spring 2020.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to:
Chad Kruger
P.O. Box 72
Belleville, WI 53508
Jack Rude
Jack Marten Rude Sr., 79, died Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, at the Veterans Home at King, Wisconsin.
Jack was born Dec. 9, 1940, in Eau Claire Wisconsin, to Evelyn and Roy Rude Sr. His family lived in Eau Claire until he was about 5 years old when they moved to Washburn, Wisconsin. He went to Washburn High School but left early to join the U.S. Navy in 1958. He finished his high school education by taking night classes at the Claremont Adult school and graduating in June 1975.
He enlisted in the Navy in 1958 and was stationed in many different ports around the world. He was praised for his initiative, hard work and leadership and received letters of commendation over his years of service. He continued his Naval Career until he retired in 1977 as a Senior Officer Boiler Technician, and from 1978 to 1988 was in the Naval Fleet Reserve. In 1977 until 1981, he was a plant foreman at Southern Indiana Gas & Electric. And in 1981 he became a salesman at John Crane in Omaha, Nebraska, transferred to Green Bay office in 1994 but lived in Wausau, Wisconsin, until he went to the Veterans Home in King, Wisconsin, in September of 2019.
He and Gloria J. Cadotte, eloped across the state line in Bessemer, Michigan, and married on Jan. 12, 1961. They were married until she passed away in June 2005.
He is also preceded in his death by his parents, his older brother Roy H. Rude of Montana, his stepmother Lydia Rude (Washburn, Wisconsin), his daughter Paula J. Moulton (Lincoln, Nebraska).
Surviving are his current wife Lois “Sue” Rude, his sister Benita A. Tetreault (Omaha, Nebraska), his children Cheryl A. Huff (Lincoln, Nebraska), Lauri L. (Rich) Thomas (Eau Claire, Wisconsin), Diane L. (Eddie) Mulka (Milford, Delaware), Jack M. Rude Jr. (Evansville, Indiana), Michelle M. Pardew (Omaha, Nebraska), 16 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren, as well as many loved nieces, nephews and in-laws.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at Restlawn Cemetery, Wausau.
Ralph Metko
Ralph Metko, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020.
Ralph was born at the Mattoon Hospital on April 11, 1944. He graduated as the last graduating class from Mattoon High School in 1962. He married his lovely wife, Patricia (Koeppel), on April 22, 1965, and they made their home in Appleton for 52 years, raising three beautiful daughters.
Ralph was a tool and die maker for 47 years at Miller Electric Mfg. (ITW). He was also an avid inventor in his home workshop. He was awarded two patents for his inventions and started three successful businesses, the Fishing Sidewinder, the Bandit Bander Bandsaw Blade Welder (featured in Popular Science) and plastic molded training weapons. Ralph and Patricia retired to Phlox, Wisconsin. Here Ralph fulfilled his dream of becoming a gentleman farmer, growing fruit trees and cultivating an orchard to support his winemaking endeavors. He also began a second career as an adjunct instructor of CAD at NTC. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and very supportive of the church. Ralph loved spending time outside, four-wheeling, building fires and walking his land with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Patricia (Koeppel), their three daughters, Lorra Metko, Nicole Metko and Jane Metko, and grandchildren, Matthew Walton, Lauren Walton, Alex Marichal, Sofia Marichal, Chloe Marichal, Mary Marichal, and Lila Metko. He is also survived by siblings Tom (Germaine) Metko, Marge (Wally) Mueller, Nancy (Dick) Eibenholtz, Kathy (Mike) White, Don (Corinne) Metko, Bill (Sandy) Metko and brothers and sisters-in-law Theresa Debroux, Vick (Jerome) Marx, Jo (Bob) Lomprey, Ruth (Tim) Tveten, Marty (Patty) Koeppel, Albert (Anne) Koeppel, Stella Goedderz, Tina Koeppel, Jane Koeppel, Aggie (Steve) McCrory, Eric (Angie) Koeppel, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Margaret Metko, his parents-in-law, Martin and Rosemary Koeppel, siblings, Al (Audrey) Metko, Dan Metko, Gerry Metko, Erben Metko, and sisters-in-law, Ann (Jim) Braun, Frances Koeppel and Lucy Cuellar.
A mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at St. Joseph Holy Family Church in Phlox, Wisconsin, with visitation prior beginning at 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Deborah Rosenow
Deborah L. “Mungee” Rosenow, 66, of Eland, died on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, at her home.
Deborah was born on Feb. 14, 1953, in Wausau, the daughter of the late Earl Jr. and Patricia (McFarlane) Nelson. On Sept. 9, 1972, Deborah was united in marriage to Gregory Rosenow in Bowler. He survives.
In Deborah’s younger years, she was on a bowling league and loved to play softball. Through the years she enjoyed throwing horseshoes, shooting pool for many years and watching golf, especially Tiger Woods. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed trout fishing and feeding and watching the birds. Deborah was also an avid Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and Milwaukee Brewers fan. Most important was the time spent with family, and she loved family get-togethers.
Deborah is survived by her husband, Gregory; three children, Shannon (Pete) Stewart of Birnamwood, Shane Rosenow of Bowler, and Kelly Rosenow of Wittenberg; six grandchildren, Cassie (Mitch Matsche) Rosenow and Cayla (Devin) Spiller all of Wittenberg, Caitlin (Clayton Ostrowski) Stewart of Elderon, Brianne (Thomas Kazik) Rosenow, Tyler Rosenow, and James Rosenow all of Bowler; two great-grandchildren, Everett and Reid Spiller; family pet Penny; four siblings, Gary (Marie) Spencer of Florida, Vickie Spencer of Shawano, Kim Beran of Birnamwood, and Alan (Robin) Nelson of Lena; and her mother-in-law, Donnamae Rosenow of Wittenberg.
Deborah was preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law Laverne Rosenow; brother-in-law Ron Beran; special family friend Becky Brei, and pet LuLu.
A time of sharing will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.
In honor of Deborah and to support her family, they request those attending to dress casual or wear Wisconsin sports teams attire.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
