Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Aloha Barlow
Aloha M. (Ponterio) Barlow passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Jan. 20, 2020.
Aloha was born in Sparta, Wisconsin, on July 6, 1937. She married Edward J. Barlow on July 2, 1956, at the Little Brown Church in Vail.
Together they farmed in the Melrose area for many years while raising their two daughters. Later in life, they lived in the Wausau area where Aloha worked for 20/20 Vision eyeglass up until the time of her death.
Aloha is survived by her husband, Ed, and two daughters, Debbie (Tom) Young and Tina (Bob) Hawk; grandsons, Nick (fiancée Samantha Gonnering) Young and Mike Young; brothers-in-law, Dick Barlow and Jim (Betty) Barlow, and many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Alma Ponterio and sister-in-law, Ann Barlow.
She will miss all her friends and co-workers especially her dear friend, Cindy Gilge.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau. Rev. Samuel Martin will officiate. Visitation will be Monday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of services, all at the Sixth Street funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
LaVerne “Vern” Springer
LaVerne “Vern” Springer, 79, Wausau, died at home with his family by his side on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born April 25, 1940, on the family farm on Holstein Lane just south of Edgar, son of the late Paul and Blanche (Austin) Springer. Vern had six brothers and two sisters. In his younger years, he worked on the family farm and attended a one-room school, close to his home. As an adult, he continued to work on the farm with his two brothers, Bill and Robert, while living in his own home, which was located down the road from the family farm. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, four-wheeling and snow blowing the neighbors’ driveways.
Vern married and had two sons, LeRoy who died in infancy, and George, who was killed by a drunk driver. On Sept. 20, 1986, he married Jean Holte. Together, they lived on the farm for one year, and then moved to Jean’s home east of Wausau. Vern began working for North Central Heath Care, where he drove a big yellow bus, transporting clients to and from activities. He had this job for 27 years, and his clients were like his own family. Two years ago, Vern had to give up driving a bus for health reasons.
Vern was loved by many and will be remembered as a good friend by those who knew him. Some of his fondest memories included helping build and attending the Wausau Alliance Church. Our deepest gratitude to our many neighbors, friends and Godson, Matt Springer for all their loving support.
Survivors include his wife, Jean; three stepchildren, John (Debbie) Holte, Post Falls, Idaho, and their daughter, Jessica, June Holte, Kansas City, Missouri, and Janet Holte, Sun Prairie; two brothers, Leonard (Jan) Springer, Edgar, Robert Springer, Edgar; one sister, Rose (Jim) Karlen, Marathon; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his two sons, LeRoy and George; and four siblings, Paul, Delores, William and Eddy Springer.
Funeral services will be at noon on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, at Wausau Alliance Church, 2135 Franklin St. Rev. Greg Schmidt and Rev. David Gilmore will co-officiate. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements.
Charles Schoenfeld
Charles G. Schoenfeld, 72, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, surrounded by his wife, children, sister and grandchildren.
Charlie was born in Wausau on Oct. 4, 1947, to the late Marvin and Florence (Comeau) Schoenfeld. After graduating from high school, instead of going on to become a sportswriter (his dream job), Charlie enlisted in the United States Air Force. Though he didn’t speak often of his time in Vietnam, he was always proud to have served his country.
Charlie married the love of his life, Maggie, in October of 1986 and spent the following 33 years standing strongly by her side.
Loved by all for his few but profound words and unending wit, it was impossible not to smile when in his presence. Charlie loved to make people laugh! He was never quick to anger, was a great listener and a kind and giving neighbor. A passionate outdoorsman, he found peace in the woods and was a lifelong sportsman, avid golfer, not to mention an ace at billiards.
Charlie chose to live his life in service to others. After 27 years at UPS he found himself an advocate for seniors, working as a CNA at North Central Health Care Center. Additionally, his love of writing triggered the publishing of his book “A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the Dementia Ward; Memoir of a Male CNA.” He subsequently started the Downtown Memory Café, a monthly social gathering at First United Methodist Church for those living with dementia, along with their care partners.
Selfless and unassuming, Charlie has touched countless lives. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Charlie is survived by his adoring wife, Maggie; his son Kelly; daughters, Ember (Clayton), Ali (Shawn) and Caity (Eric); grandchildren, Gage and Kyron, and his sister, Jean.
In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his brother Bud Holzschuh.
A celebration of life will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau. Visitation will take place from 3 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Family and friends can go to helke.com to leave an online condolence. In lieu of flowers, Charlie’s family asks that you consider a donation to Downtown Memory Café, c/o First United Methodist Church.
