Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Ronald Reiche
Ronald D. Reiche, 84, a life-long resident of rural Edgar, Wisconsin, died on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020, at his home.
Ron was born on June 18, 1935, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to Martin and Wanda (Winkert) Reiche. He started life on a small farm near the Rib River in the town of Rib Falls, Marathon County, Wisconsin.
When he was 11 years old, his mother and father bought a small dairy farm on Highway H, three miles north of Edgar, Wisconsin.
Ron graduated from Edgar High School class of 1953. On June 18, 1956, he married Jean Borchardt at St. John Lutheran Church in the town of Wien.
Ron and Jean started their married life living in the upper apartment of his parents’ farmhouse. Ron helped his father on the farm while working as a welder at the former Wausau Iron Works. One memory from this time lingers: He always left for work in the morning with a sunny “Toodle Loo” to his children as he bolted out the door. We look back at how remarkable this was given that he was up at 4:30 every morning to help his father milk the cows, then off to Iron Works all day, then returning to help with the evening milking.
In 1969, Ron and Jean purchased the family dairy farm and they began over 30 years of full-time dairy farming and many years of ginseng farming,
In total, Ron lived on his beloved farm for over 73 years. In his later years this was made possible, in part, by the great help and care that he was given by neighbors Barb and Duane Rauen. Also, neighbors Nelson and Martha Weber were always willing to lend a hand when help was needed.
Ron served on the Edgar School Board for over 20 years. He also served on the Marathon County Special Education Board. He was an active member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, serving in various leadership positions over the years.
While we are sad to say goodbye to our dad and grandfather, we take a lot of comfort in how he spent the last month of his life. He enjoyed watching a fresh 10-foot-tall Christmas tree appear in his house, requesting that his favorite Christmas decorations be used – the “blue ones,” those that his wife loved. He had a wonderful last Christmas party at his house filled with almost all his entire family. He got a kick out of watching his 10-month-old great-grandson Lars pull ornaments off the Christmas tree. A week later, he attended the wedding of his grandson. His sister and her husband stopped for a visit, as did his neighbors. We got in one last evening of his favorite card game – Sheepshead. And he watched his Packers win a divisional playoff game – discussed thoroughly in phone conversations after. Hours before he passed, he shared a pizza dinner with his son Gary and daughter-in-law Sue.
So, while we mourn the passing of this old farmer, we give thanks for his life and his legacy. Rest in peace and “Toodle Loo,” Dad and Gramps.
Ron is survived by three children: Jayne (Kurtis) Rowe, Wausau; Jeff (Jill) Reiche, Edgar; and Gary (Sue) Reiche, Weston. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Matti (Betsy) Rowe, Longmont, Colorado; Britta Rowe, Madison, Wisconsin; William (Elizabeth) Reiche, Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Rebecca Reiche, Edgar, Wisconsin; Andy Reiche (fiancée Kendra Kramer), Weston, Wisconsin; Derek Reiche, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and step-grandson Andy Rowe, West Allis, Wisconsin. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren: Hadley Rowe and Lars Rowe, Longmont, Colorado. Ron is also survived by one sister, Elaine (Ron) Hanke, Marathon, and sisters-in-law Betty (Gary) Walters and Pat Emon, Stratford.
Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, on Feb. 9, 2014; his parents Martin and Wanda (Winkert) Reiche; mother- and father-in-law William and Charlotte (Heppner) Borchardt; sister-in-law Carol Borchardt; and brother-in-law Robert Borchardt.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at noon on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Edgar, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held before the service from 9 a.m. until noon.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Gerald Strehlow
Gerald J. Strehlow, 95, Wausau, died Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020, at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau.
He was born March 19, 1924, in Wausau, son of the late Otto and Eleanor (Scholz) Strehlow. On July 31, 1948, he married Joyce Heller at St. Mary Catholic Church, Wausau. She preceded him in death on Jan. 26, 2013.
Gerald was a World War II veteran of the United States Army. For 23 years, he was employed with Drott Manufacturing Co. in Wausau until his retirement.
Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Survivors include his children, Randy Strehlow, Mosinee, Daniel (Margaret) Strehlow, Schofield, Steve (Linda) Strehlow, Wausau, and Karen (Chris) Kyle, Wausau; nine grandchildren, Chad (Sue) Strehlow, Tim (Vicki) Strehlow, Shawn (Meagan) Strehlow, Ryan (fiancée Jackie Schwede) Strehlow, Jenny Strehlow, Paul (Kristin) Strehlow, Kim Schwartz, Stacey Kyle and Jason (Cara) Kyle; 16 great-grandchildren; three siblings, Rosemary Rubinek, Wausau, Jayne Ala, Seattle, WA and David Strehlow, Marinette; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents and wife, Joyce, he was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Savanah Strehlow; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Strehlow; one sister, Anita Warnke; and five brothers, Eugene, Raymond, Joseph, Tom and Herbert Strehlow.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, at St. Anne Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Tom Lindner will preside. Entombment will be in the Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Friday from 9 a.m. until time of services at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Geraldine Krolikowski
Geraldine Krolikowski, 88, was called home to our Lord on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020.
Geraldine Kiedrowski was born May 22, 1931, in Hatley, Wisconsin, to the late Joseph and Magdalena (Garski) Kiedrowski. Geraldine married Raymond Krolikowski on Sept. 13, 1952, at St. Florian’s Catholic Church in Hatley. Raymond preceded her in death on March 30, 1986.
In her younger years Geraldine worked as a welder at the former Wausau Motor Parts. She took great delight in raising her four children and being a homemaker. Throughout the years, Raymond and Geraldine not only traveled the country but built many homes together in Rib Mountain. Geraldine spent 36 years as a child caregiver and relished every day children came to “Grandma K’s”. Polka dancing brought her great joy. She also enjoyed embroidery and taking an occasional trip to the casino. She belonged to St. Catherine’s Council, St. Therese Catholic Daughters and was a member of the VFW Auxiliary Burns Post 388.
Geraldine is survived by her children, John (Maria) Krolikowski, Sr., Katy, Texas, and children John Krolikowski, Jr. and Michael Krolikowski both of Katy, Texas; Susann (James) Spranger, Schofield, Wisconsin, and children Angela (Ian Rasmussen) Spranger, Wausau, Theresa (Curt Mroczenski) Spranger, Weston, Wisconsin, Robert (Hannah) Spranger, Weston, Wisconsin; Laurie (Cyrus) Bootz, Wausau, and children Chelsei (David) Bootz-Sedo, Merrill, Wisconsin, Taylor Bootz, Corpus Christi, Texas; Raeann (Joel) Brandt, Saxon, Wisconsin, and their child Jessica (John) Hood, Georgetown, Texas.
She is further survived by her cherished great-grandchildren: Vivian, Sophia, Ehren, Parker, Ellis, Alia, Lausen, William and another blessing due this spring; her dear beloved friend Valerian Kluck, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; step-grandchildren Raquel (Jeff) Zibton, Mosinee, Wisconsin, and their children Dawson and Morgan, Olivia and Aiden Rasmussen and Kiera Mroczenski; Godchildren Delores Manzeck and Ann Goetsch; Sisters-in-law Carol Bernitt, Delores Bartelt and Kathleen Autio; along with many nieces and nephews.
Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents; seven brothers, Florian, Chester, Alexander, Emil, Edward, and infant twins Dominic and Alexander; four sisters, Regina, Elizabeth, Magdalen and Rose; three half-brothers, Peter, Joseph, and John Kiedrowski; four half-sisters, Martha Wroblewski, Agnes Olinski, Clara Radzikinas and Marie Rollo; mother and father-in-law, John and Kathryn Krolikowski; and Godson Donald Kiedrowski.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1104 S. Ninth Ave., Wausau. Father Sam Martin will officiate. Private family burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Ivan Schaller, Diane Joyce NP and Ascension Home for taking such loving care of our dear mother.
Memorials may be directed to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Wausau, Wisconsin.
Loving, thoughtful, gentle, and kind Mother, you were a gift to us from God above, never to be forgotten. We will always treasure our memories of you. Love you forever and always.
Regina Schnelle
My beautiful mother, Regina C. Schnelle, 96, died Jan. 16, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She has gone to her savior and left behind all her pain and suffering.
She was born June 2, 1923, to John Kasten and Bernice Kaszinski. She married Archie Schnelle on Jan. 13, 1945. They would have celebrated 75 years of marriage this year.
She was joyful and generous in life, and loved visiting with family and friends, playing cards and shopping. She was a long-time member of Grace United Church. She worked for Employers Insurance until her retirement and enjoyed attending the retirement parties.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Archie who died Aug. 23, 2019; and by her sister, Anne Siewert (John Siewert) of Wausau.
Survivors include two sons, Dale (Lauren) Schnelle and Jerry Schnelle; step-grandchildren, Sandra (Kevin) Warnecke and Veronica Vilter; her two beloved step-great-grandchildren, Natalie Vilter and Dylan Warnecke all of Wausau; as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the kind people at Our House Assisted Living and the wonderful nurses and doctors at Aspirus for making Regina’s last months and days as comfortable as possible. And special thanks to her friend Donna Hessil for reminding her of the good times and making her smile.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St. Wausau. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park. Family and friends may go to helke.com to leave an online condolence.
Memorials in Regina’s name can be sent to Grace United Church, 535 S. Third Ave., Wausau.
Grace Seidler
Grace Patricia Seidler, 88, Rib Mountain, died Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, at Azura Memory Care of Wausau under the care of Interim Hospice and Palliative Care.
Grace was born Dec. 14, 1931, in Wausau to the late Elmer and Adly (Anderson) Kellbach. She married Eugene Francis Seidler on Jan. 8, 1949, in Wausau. Grace was a loving mother to her children and enjoyed working in her garden and with the farm animals. Sadly, after 63 loving years together, Eugene died on June 16, 2012.
Grace is survived by her loving children, Susan Hereen, Dorothy Esco, Carol Seidler, Ronald Seidler, Cynthis Gonyea, Jim Seidler and Virginia Ruckheim; 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and many extended family and friends.
A private celebration of Grace’s life will be held at a later date. 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 Azura Memory Care of Wausau and Interim Hospice and Palliative Care for their compassionate care for Grace and her family.
Mary Corpora
Mary Corpora, 68, of Wausau passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born Jan. 3, 1952, in Cook County, Illinois, to the late Walter and Anna (Cirone) Corpora. She is also preceded in death by her sister Theresa Dessel and her infant daughter Billie Jo Petitt. Mary is survived by two children, Craig Petitt (Mark Dolan) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and Sue Ann (Laaroussi) Endour of Clermont, Florida. She also has two grandchildren, Zain and Sumaya Endour.
Mary will be remembered by her amazing laugh and outgoing personality. She was loved by many and always had her door open and a pot of coffee on. She will be greatly missed.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Leroy Wipperfurth
Leroy Wipperfurth, 66, of Wisconsin Rapids passed away Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Lee was born on Feb. 20, 1953, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Henry Cross and Shirley Wipperfurth. Lee was employed by Boilermakers Local Union 107 for 40 years. His interests included spending time with family and friends on his land camping along with playing cards, cribbage, fishing and hunting.
He is survived by his wife Linda Golla Wipperfurth, children, Michelle Wipperfurth, Steven (Melissa) Wipperfurth, Jennifer (Kenny) Romani, Mike Golla; grandchildren Cassandra (Shane) Haak, Aubrey (Justin) Derezinskis, Kyla Cooper, Blake & Lexi Wipperfurth, Riley & Hannah Golla, Raianna Shearier, Ashley & Taylor Romani. Great grandchildren, Aria Collins and Hayden Derezinskis. Sisters, Bev Linenberg, Sharon (Myron) Hartman, Louise (John) Reavenscroft, Linda (Skip) Hanson, Diane Nation, Sandy (Greg) Siegler. Brothers John (Peg) Cross, Clifford (Dorothy) Cross. Other family member, Justin (Trisha) Nelson, Brittany Karis along with many nieces/nephews and close friends.
He is preceded in death by parents Henry Cross, Shirley Wipperfurth. His sister Barb Peck, brother’s Donald Cross, Robert Cross and brother-in-law Gary Linenberg.
A celebration of Leroy’s life will be held at Ponderosa Pines on March 7, 2020, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for family and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for family and friends.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society of Wisconsin Rapids is assisting family at this time. Online condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com.
Edward Pregont
Edward “Ed” C. Pregont, 55, passed away on Jan. 14, 2020. He was born on Aug. 20, 1963, to James and Rosemary Pregont. He was a graduate of Wausau East High School. He enjoyed life, drag racing, putting car models together, tinkering with bicycles, fishing and rock music. He loved his children greatly.
He is survived by his son Vincent J. Proegint VJ, daughter Cindy Freda and grandson Adrian, siblings, Lynn Russell, Liz (Duane) Wolfe, Susan Pregont, Green Bay, Shelly Pregont and brothers Jim Pregont and Mike Pregont. He is preceded in death by his mother, Rosemary, and father, James, and brother Anthony.
There will be a celebration of life held in his honor at a later date.
Catherine “Cathe” Schroeder
Catherine (Cathe) Faye Schroeder, 65, was called home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Jan. 11, 2020.
Cathe was born on March 17, 1954, in Antigo, Wisconsin, to the late Charlie and Barbara (Bender) Palmer. Cathe is survived by her husband, Richard Schroeder, a brother, Charles (Debra) Palmer, and a sister, Colleen (Kerry) Harter, as well as two aunts, an uncle, numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Cathe married Richard (Dick) Schroeder on May 19, 1984, at Maranatha Baptist Church in Antigo, where she sang and played the piano.
Cathe was a graduate of Antigo High School, class of 1973. Cathe worked for Langlade Memorial Hospital in Central Services for 20 years, and for North Central Health Care in the Crisis Center for 21 years, until her retirement.
Cathe’s greatest loves were the Word of God, family, friends and music. This was obvious in her life, as she was in constant prayer, that each loved one would understand and accept the gift that Jesus gave us in his sacrifice, to pay for our sin. Cathe accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at an early age under the teaching from Gods word. Cathe developed a special relationship with a young lady in the church, Savannah Lowell, who Cathe considered to be her adopted daughter and it was a joy to see the love between them. In anticipation of this day, Cathe wrote, “I went home to be with my Lord and Savior. God held me in his hands throughout my journey on earth, and healed me miraculously dozens of times. Please shed no tears for me, for I am with my Lord, and happier than ever.” Cathe also wrote, “Please no flower, but I would like bunches of pastel balloons, lots of them!”
Visitation is planned for Saturday, Feb. 1, at 9:30 a.m. at Northside Baptist Church, 1719 North Third Ave., Wausau, WI 54401. A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Weng Liew will officiate.
Pastel balloons are preferred in lieu of flowers.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HonorOne.com.
Richard Cortese
Richard Cortese, 74, Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Jan. 10, 2020, at his home. He was born to Joseph Coretese and Mary Celebron on Dec. 10, 1945, in Rockford Illinois.
He was married to Dorothy Corese on Jan. 15, 1972. He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy, Daughter Gina (Ted) Hodges, grand daughter Aranna Kisseihg and many other granchildren and nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents and his daughter Lisa Smith.
Rosetta Severson
Rosetta E. Severson, 89, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, at Cloverleaf Terrace CBRF, Birnamwood.
She was born on Nov. 5, 1930, the daughter of the late Glen and Clarinda (Scofield) Berglund.
On Nov. 13, 1954, Rosetta was united in marriage to Robert Severson in Wausau. He preceded her in death on Nov. 4, 2017.
Rosetta was a cook at many area restaurants throughout the years. She enjoyed reading and doing embroidery.
Survivors include three children, Doris Allar, Sun City, Arizona, Mary (Dave) Jordan, Kronenwetter and Maynard Severson, Bowler and two granddaughters, Heather and Amy Jordan.
Rosetta was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son-in-law, Eugene Allar and siblings, Janet, Dorothy and Kenneth.
A funeral service will be held at a later date at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg.
Burial will be in Evergreen Rest Cemetery, Elderon.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
George Bratz
On Jan. 14, 2020, we lost a beloved family member and friend when George Bratz, 83, passed away at Theda Medical Center in Waupaca, Wisconsin, in the presence of friends who loved him like family.
Born Feb. 17, 1936, in Elderon, Wisconsin, to Walter and Ann (Olson) Bratz, George has always been just “George” – flannel, suspenders and his blaze-orange jacket, always ready with a smile and genuinely wanting to know how you’ve been. In fact, George was just happy to be around people who loved and accepted him.
But George was so much more than his trusty suspenders and orange jacket. He was a man of many talents and vast interests – from reading books (Louis L’Amour being his preferred author) to camping; from morning coffee with his buddies at Hardee’s to his devotion to his church and country. As a veteran, George was proud of his service, during which he actively served in the U.S. Air Force as a heavy truck operator from 1955-1966 collectively.
Anyone who knew George will likely associate him with one of his most adored pastimes, which was passionately playing his button accordion, lovingly called by George his “button box.” Before moving to Wisconsin Veterans Home at King in Waupaca, Wisconsin, he played at his church and later performed for his friends at King. If you asked George what his favorite song was to play, he would, without hesitation, tell you “Amazing Grace.” And then he’d play it for you with such heart for which George was known.
In the four years he lived at King, he made numerous friends and was known and greeted in the hallways by name. George could never have too many friends and relished the opportunity to learn more about anybody he met. When George called you his friend, you were a friend for life.
Some years ago, Parkinson’s disease took root in George’s life, and as he became more physically unstable, he took on yet another friend – his loyal walking stick. George never went anywhere without it, since he depended on it, and so he will be laid to rest with it alongside him.
George is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Ann (Olson) Bratz, sisters Patt and Alice and brothers David and Gene. He is survived by his sister Betty Alm (Stevens Point, Wisconsin), brother Walter (Terre) Bratz (Aiken, Minnesota), seven nieces and nine nephews, and close friends who were much like family: Roger (Judi) Hegewald and their children Elise Gorski, Jen Racine, Danielle Andrews, Brianna Hegewald-Wunsch, Kait Hegewald, Zach Hegewald and Mackenzie Hegewald.
By now, you know George made friends almost anywhere he went. If George touched your life, and if you are able, please join us at Grace Bible Church in Bowler, Wisconsin, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020. Visitation is from 12:30 p.m. until the service, which will begin at 1:30 p.m. Military honors will be conducted by the Elderon Memorial Post #8068 immediately following the service.
Schmidt-Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is handling the arrangements, and burial will be held at a later date at Evergreen Rest Cemetery in Elderon in the family plot where his grandparents, mother and sister are buried.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning.” – Louis L’Amour
A special thank you to the staff at King Veterans Home for the care they gave to George.
Peter A. Augustinak Jr.
On Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, Peter Alan Augustinak, Jr. of Slinger, loving brother and uncle, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 57.
Peter was born Sept. 11, 1962, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Peter and Evelyn (Yenter) Augustinak. He graduated from John Marshall High School in Milwaukee in 1980. Following graduation, he worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He went on to acquire his Class ABCM (Hazmat) CDL license and was currently driving for Enviro-Safe Consulting in Germantown. Peter had a passion for cars, motorcycles, and was an avid fan of Wisconsin sports teams. He loved animals and was known for his kind and compassionate spirit.
Peter was preceded in death by his father, Peter and mother, Evelyn. He is survived by his sister Linda (Jerry) Gans, Union Grove, Wisconsin, brothers Cary (Linda) Augustinak, Caledonia, Wisconsin, Randy (Debbie) Augustinak, Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin: nephews Shawn (Stephanie) Augustinak, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Brandon Augustinak, Caledonia, Wisconsin, Eric (Krista) Van Asten, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; nieces Amanda (Jeremy) Harcus, Raymond, Wisconsin, Michelle (Mark) Wiese, Janesville, Wisconsin, great nephews Wesley, Adam and Evan; great nieces Evelyn, Audrey, Corryn, Lillyan and Raelyn.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Galloway. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.. A Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday at the church, starting at 10 a.m.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
