Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Felix D’Souza
Felix C. D’Souza, 100, Weston, died Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born March 23, 1919, in Bombay, India, son of the late Joao and Leticia D’Souza. On May 24, 1950, he married Esmeralda D’Souza in India; she preceded him in death.
Felix worked as an engineer for the Port of Bombay for many years.
Survivors include two children, Audrey (David) Kast, Wausau, and Derrick (Charmaine) D’Souza, Denton, Texas; five grandchildren, Nicole, Galen and Erin Kast, Gail Page and Nigel D’Souza; and one great-grandchild, Neil D’Souza.
Besides his parents and wife, Esmeralda, he was preceded in death by two sisters.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
William Andreas
William “Bronco Bill” Andreas, 48, passed away, Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, in Wausau, Wisconsin. He was born July 11, 1971, to the late Jerald and Alice (Kortbein) Andreas in Wausau. On July 28, 1989, he married Carrie Wright. During their 20-year marriage they had three children.
On June 2, 2010, he married Jamie Babcock. They were married for six years. Bill enjoyed playing cards and online games, visiting family and friends, cooking, baking, knitting, fishing, biking and taking things apart.
Survivors include his three children; Shane (Angela Ashton) Andreas), Brand (Seth Crawford) Andreas of Arizona, Shawn (Gabriella) Carroll- Andreas of Minnesota. His mother Alice Andreas, two sisters Laurie (Ken Knudsen) Andreas of Merrill, and Margie Andreas. In addition to many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau. Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday from 1 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home.
Thomas Speckhard
Thomas Theodore Speckhard, 89, died peacefully on Jan. 15, 2020. He was born on Nov. 10, 1930, in Clintonville, Wisconsin, to the Rev. Walter O. Speckhard and Louise (Andres) Speckhard. Tom grew up very close to his nine siblings, and was known for his gentle spirit. He was quick to laugh, very loving and kind, and remained very close to his family as it grew to abundant proportions.
Survived by his sisters Marian and Judith, brothers Gerald, Mark, and John, brothers-in-law Jerrold and Stan, sisters-in-law Marjorie, Johanna, Myrna, Gloria, and Angelika, three sons, three daughters-in-law, nine grandchildren, two grandchildren-in-law, and four great-grandchildren, along with 38 beloved nieces and nephews and their spouses and children, Tom was always surrounded by loved ones.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, spouse Carol, daughter Kathleen, sister Marjorie, brothers Walter, Karl, and Luther, sisters-in-law Ann and Dorothy, brothers-in-law Delmar and Paul, and nephew Ted.
A nature-lover, Tom spent much of his youth swimming and exploring at the family cottage on Pine Lake in Clintonville and playing hockey with his brothers on the wind-swept frozen lake in the winters. As a young father, he had the vision to buy a run-down island on Clear Lake in Woodruff, Wisconsin, where he devoted his summers over many years turning it into a treasured oasis for the extended family and friends.
With a love and gift for encouraging and serving others, Tom attended Concordia Teacher’s College in River Forest and after earning his degree returned to Clintonville, where he taught at the elementary school and served as the youth director for the church his father pastored. His spiritual devotion led him to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis for pastoral training. In his summers off, Tom hitchhiked back to Clintonville (which he assured his grandchildren was a normal means of transport at that time), where he was lucky enough to start dating Carol Buerer, the beautiful, whip-smart and sometimes shy transplant from Villa Park, Illinois, which he had first encountered as a church youth director. Tom and Carol married in a candlelit evening ceremony in St. Martin Church in Clintonville on July 9, 1955, and began a family, doting on their daughter Kathleen and sons Daniel, Thomas and James, and remained married until Carol passed away on their 49th wedding anniversary on July 9, 2004.
After completing seminary, he taught German and religion at Denver Lutheran High School before accepting a call as a Lutheran pastor at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Muscoda, Wisconsin. After a number of years of devoted service, he realized that his calling could better be served through teaching.
Having a great grandfather who immigrated from Germany and started the first faith-based school for the deaf in the United States, Tom grew up hearing German around the house. Having an interest in the wider world and foreign languages, he got his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and became a German teacher at Wausau West, where he taught and became the beloved “Herr Speckhard” to generations of students.
Having an adventurous and curious spirit, Tom took his family overseas in 1969 on a teacher exchange, immersing his family completely into the foreign culture and sparking an interest in his children that would lead his oldest son, Daniel, to become a U.S. Ambassador and with his spouse, Anne, an expert in counter-terrorism, to spend more than a decade serving the country overseas with their children, Leah, Jessica, and Daniel Thomas. This same spirit led a number of the grandchildren to live, study and work overseas.
A gifted singer, Tom sang with his siblings and passed along his love of music to his children, leading his son, Thomas, to a life as a professional singer, voice coach, and church music director. Tom loved to watch his son and daughter-in-law, Maureen, also a music director, perform and give back at church, and was always ready to break into song with their children, Aidan and Sophie.
Responsible and steadfast, Tom was also very close to his youngest son, Jim, who shared his father’s dedication to his community in Wausau, along with his quiet but vibrant sense of humor and love of travel. Jim became a banker and real estate investor in the Wausau area, and followed in his father’s footsteps as a member of Zion Lutheran Church and its choir. In recent years, Tom sold his house in Wausau, Wisconsin, and lived with Jim and his wife Lori (nee Matti) in Rothschild, Wisconsin, who both cared for him with much love and dedication as his health slowly declined up until the moment of his passing.
A kind and loving parent, Tom was heartbroken to lose his oldest child, daughter Kathleen in 2006 after her battle with cancer, and was so proud of what a wonderful and dedicated mother she was to her four children (Ian, Rachel, Jack, and Rebeccah). Kathy shared her father’s beautiful voice, gentle spirit, and love of travel and nature, and was often found laughing near him.
Tom’s grandchildren counted him as one of their closest friends and counted down the days every year until they got to spend time with him. He was always there for them whenever they needed, and they knew he was a rock that they could always count on. Tom delighted in their accomplishments and held them in their sorrows as if they were his own joys and burdens, and every question was worth an earnest answer, no matter their age.
Tom taught by example and gentle words to each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that everyone is precious in God’s sight and worthy of love. Though they cannot imagine life on earth without him, they know that he will always be in their hearts and on their minds, an influence even when not thought of consciously, and a gift that they are lucky to carry into each day. Never happier than on Clear Lake with family nearby, Tom helped give his family a beautiful meeting place where they will continue to feel him in the air and the water, almost visible just past each pine tree and under each wave, smiling and waiting for them to share life’s greatest joy – loving each other.
Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 31, from 4-7 p.m. at the Helke Funeral Home in Wausau. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, at Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau, with a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome memorial contributions made to Lutheran World Relief or the American Cancer Society. Interment will be in St. Martin Lutheran Cemetery, Clintonville, where he will rest in peace next to beloved family members.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City OK 73123
Tel: 1-800-227-2345
Web: https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html
Lutheran World Relief
PO Box 17061, Baltimore MD 21297-1061
Tel: 1-800-597-5972
Web: https://lwr.org/
Donald Mattmiller
Donald William Mattmiller, 85, died Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at Mount View Care Center in Wausau after living a long, full life focused on family. Donald was born Dec. 10, 1934, in Milwaukee, to August Joseph Mattmiller and Mary Elizabeth (Ward) Mattmiller and grew up the ninth child in a large family – nine girls and five boys.
Don met Lucille Edna Walkner at a dance at Melody Mill and, for months after that first meeting, he would drive up from Milwaukee to see her in his cool, fast car or his motorcycle, and she loved all three of them. They married on June 14, 1958, and had four children: Tim, Julie, Brian and Greg. They were married until Lucille died Jan. 1, 2009, of complications from multiple sclerosis. Don was a devoted husband and caregiver to Lucy, retiring early to focus on her needs.
He was the kind of person who never forgot a milestone, always sending cards or making phone calls to wish someone a happy birthday or anniversary. He worked for many years at GTE, and in later years enjoyed the challenge of being a school bus driver. On a field trip once to Madison, he parallel-parked his school bus on the Capitol Square and received a standing ovation from onlookers for that accomplishment. Don enjoyed telling stories like that. He also liked time spent around a kitchen table with family, playing cards and telling jokes. A master woodworker, he built remarkable custom items for people who were lucky to get them. He also served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany, before he met Lucy back home in Wisconsin
Don is survived by his children, Tim (Paula) Mattmiller, Julie (John) Drayna, Brian (Teryl) Mattmiller and Greg (Jessica) Mattmiller; eight grandchildren, Amanda (Mitch) Zblewski and Thomas (Brittany) Mattmiller, Jennifer Drayna and Kathryn (Adam) Pergande, Claire and Anna Mattmiller, and Audrey and Ella Mattmiller; and four great-grandchildren, Ezra and Abel Zblewski, Griffin Pergande and Oliver Mattmiller.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., with a service immediately following. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
The family would like to thank the staff at Mount View Care Center for providing quality and compassionate care to Don.
Joseph “Joe” Kiwak Jr.
Joseph (Joe) A. Kiwak Jr., 87, Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully at Wausau Aspirus Hospital in the presence of family on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020. A private service with military rites will be conducted in the spring.
Joseph Jr. was born on Dec. 30, 1932, in West Allis, Wisconsin, to Joseph T. and Adelle T. (Krivauek) Kiwak. Joseph Jr. and his family came to the Pittsville area in 1947 where he graduated from Pittsville High School in 1950. He also received an electronics diploma from DeForest Correspondence School.
Joseph Jr. operated Kiwak Radio and TV providing sales and repair service with his brother, Robert, from 1950 to 1964. He had the first color television set in the area due to distribution of Admiral products. Joseph Jr. also worked for Elm Lake Cranberry Co., Admussen Cranberry and Moss Co., Kiwak Moss Co., Preway, Inc., and the Port Edwards paper mill.
Joseph Jr. served in the U.S. Army (Signal Intelligence Corp.) from 1952 to 1955 with the 304th Signal Battalion on the Korean peninsula. He received an honorable discharge in 1961.
Joseph Jr. is survived by his wife, Loretta Kiwak of Wisconsin Rapids; two daughters, Debra (Tom) Jungwirth of Wisconsin Rapids and Kristen (Eric) Kiwak-Turner of Marshfield; two sons, Joseph (Therese Writz) Kiwak III of Stratford and David (Tammy) Kiwak of Wisconsin Rapids; one granddaughter, Kiara Kiwak of Wisconsin Rapids; and numerous cousins and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time online condolences may be expressed at www.HonorOne.com.
Gary Peters
Gary Peters, 64, unexpectedly passed away on Jan. 16, 2020, in his home in Waupaca, Wisconsin. Gary was born Feb. 20, 1955, to Charles and Myrt Peters and was the younger brother to Roger Peters. He grew up in Wausau and lived there most of his life. A few years ago, he relocated to Waupaca where he made his new home.
He enjoyed a career in sales and owned his own business, New Ideas, for many years. The last few years he was enjoying his retirement and working part time at Torborg’s Lumber, and most recently at BenShot, where he was excited about learning the new art of glass blowing. In his free time, Gary was a pool fanatic, loved playing golf, spending time with his granddaughters, and meeting new people. He made a friend wherever he went.
He sadly leaves behind his daughter Kate (Rhubin) Harris. Granddaughters Aviana and Marellia Harris. Brother Roger (Doris) Peters. Nephew Jeff (Ann) Peters and two great nephews Nick and Matt. He is also survived by a multitude of other extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be given for a fund for Aviana and Marellia- his granddaughters. Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-for-gary-peters.
Gerald Jakubek
Gerald J. Jakubek, 74, of Galloway, died Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, at his home.
Jerry was born on Nov. 8, 1945, the son of the late Raymond and Virginia (Gilmeister) Jakubek.
Jerry worked at North Star Casino, Bowler, retiring after many years. He also worked at Hatley Veneer, making friends at each place. Jerry enjoyed fishing, working outdoors, going places and visiting family, hanging with friends, watching wrestling on TV, listening to polka music and taking care of his pet dog Isabel. He always made sure he did something or went somewhere every day. Jerry was a good-hearted man who had a great smile and a wonderful laugh, who enjoyed having conversations with anyone.
Jerry is survived by his siblings Marlene VanLieshout of Plover, Geraldine (Floyd) Wurz of Marathon City, David (Patricia) Jakubek of Phlox and Sandra (Steven) KIinner of Wittenberg; several nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, other relatives and friends.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Virginia, a brother, Ronald Jakubek, two sisters, Christine Brandt and Kathleen in infancy, a nephew Gary Jakubek, a grandnephew Zachary Zeinert and a grandniece Heidi Hubbard.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Galloway.
Rev. Robert Streveler will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass 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.
Judith Uttecht
Judith Ann Uttecht, 79, of the town of Franzen, died on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Judith was born on Aug. 7, 1940, in Iola, the daughter of the late Melvin and Ruby (Helgeson) Johnson.
On July 22, 1961, Judith was united in marriage to Robert Uttecht in Northland. He preceded her in death on Jan. 6, 2020.
Judith worked at Bushman Potatoes (Ernie, Joe and Brian) for a number of years. She enjoyed gardening, reading, feeding and watching the birds, bowling and the occasional trip to the casino. Her family was important to her and she always cherished the time spent with them.
Judith is survived by four children, Steve (Tracey) Uttecht of Elderon, Lori Smith of Birnamwood, Rick Uttecht and Bob (Paula) Uttecht, all of Elderon; seven grandchildren, Lance (Heidi), Matt (Sp. Friend Tanya), Joshua, Aaron, Brook (Tommy), Bobby, and Allen; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Lowell (Linda) Johnson, sisters-in-law Judy Johnson and Millie Uttecht; numerous nieces and nephews and special family members, Rita Wilke and Esther Wilhelm and her entire family.
Judith was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob; son-in-law, Garald Smith and a brother, Bradley.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at Northland Lutheran Church. Rev. Dan Somers will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service 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.
