Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
William “Bill” Radloff
William “Bill” Harold Radloff, 77, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, after years of courageously battling everything that came his way.
Bill was born on May 16, 1942, to Harold “Jerry” and Hazel (Wick) Radloff in Wausau. After graduating from Wausau High School in 1960, he earned an Associate Degree in Accounting from NCTI and later landed his first job as a computer operator with Marathon Electric. Nine years later, he took a job at Wausau Insurance Companies where he spent 30 years as a systems accountant. His most rewarding accomplishment was directing the team who built the Loss Data Warehouse to house all of Wausau Insurance’s data.
In 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Doreen (Tesch) Radloff, and together they had three children, Rick, Joel and Kelly. Family was important to Bill, and you would often see them fishing, golfing, waterskiing, hunting, and camping together. Every summer weekend he would take the family “up north,” and every year he made sure the family attended the Wick Family Reunion.
In his early years, Bill served on the Wausau Area Softball Association board of directors, and he was instrumental (with his uncle Louis Marth) in building the Sunny Vale Softball complex. Bill was also an avid volleyball player, where he played in a national tournament in the late 1970s. You would often here Bill saying; “Pound for pound, I am one of the best athletes in Wausau!”
In his middle ages, Bill got involved with Homme Home, serving as the board chairman for several years. He was also heavily involved with his church, serving multiple church council positions, including starting both Pilgrim Lutheran Preschool and Bethlehem Lutheran Preschool, and served as the chairman of the organization committee that started Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kronenwetter. Most recently, Bill served as the finance committee chairman for Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, where he started the Endowment Fund.
Perhaps Bill’s most significant legacy is his work with the Boy Scouts of America. Since becoming an Eagle Scout in 1958, he’s been trying to “give back to Scouting, more than it’s given me!” Bill and Doreen helped start Cub Scout Pack 451 at Evergreen Elementary School in Kronenwetter. As Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 451, he established one of the largest and best units in the Samoset Council. Bill also served as course director for Northwoods Challenge (youth leadership training) for 23 years, President of Lutheran Scouters Association for several years, District Commissioner for nearly a decade, and many other positions. Bill was the first of three generations of Eagle Scouts, including his two sons, two grandsons, and two more grandsons well on their path to earning their Eagle Scout award. No one will ever know his impact on the thousands of boys he influenced over his 60 years in Scouting, but his most heart-touching impact will be on the boys and parents of Special Needs unit 480 that he organized for his two grandsons, so they could experience a “special” Scouting program.
Bill is survived by his wife, Doreen Radloff, his three children, Rick (Tammy) Radloff, Joel (Susan) Radloff, and Kelly (Bryon) Gleisner; and his pride and joys – nine grandchildren, Shanna, Davyn, Cole, Brady, Noah, Isaac, Jackson, Phillip & Genevieve; and one great granddaughter Viviann. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary (David Patefield).
A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, 150202 Highway NN, Wausau, WI 54401. Rev. Jenn Collins will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church, as well as from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7; all at the church. Interment will be at Restlawn Memorial Park. Scouting friends are encouraged to wear their Scout uniform.
Should friends and family desire, contributions may be given to the Saint Andrew Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.
Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at brainardfuneral.com.
Fern Esselman
Fern Esselman, 97, of Wausau died peacefully and surrounded by her family at Aspirus Hospice House on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020.
She was born in Polar, Wisconsin, on May 12, 1922, to the late Walter and Hildred (Hanousek) Jonas. She married Myron “Mike” Esselman on, May 2, 1953, and the two shared 66 wonderful years together.
Besides her husband Mike, Fern is survived by a daughter; Rita Esselman; grandchildren, Michael, Jerry, Patrick and Alan Malak; and eight great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. Fern was preceded in death by a daughter Merry Malak, siblings; June Mueller, Maye Terrace, Helene Fosmore, Charles Jonas, Thomas Birkholz and Frank Jonas.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Fern’s name can be directed to a charity of your choice.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, at the Church of The Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 621 N. Second St., Wausau. The Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at brainardfuneral.com.
Alison “Ali” Will
Alison “Ali” M. Will, 35, of Aniwa passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, at Saint Clare’s Hospital, Weston, following a courageous 10-year battle with cancer.
She was born June 27, 1984, in Wausau, daughter of Jeffrey and Rhonda (Schiltz) Will.
Ali was a Wausau East graduate and also a graduate of Northcentral Technical College with her degree in criminal justice. She was employed at Will Heating & Cooling as an office manager.
Ali liked to fish, camp, go four-wheeling and spend time at the farm with her dogs.
Survivors include her parents Jeff and Rhonda Will, fiancé Adam Juedes and his parents Lyle and Marie Juedes, brother Jake (Meghan) Will, nephews, maternal grandparents Walter and Jean Schiltz and many aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents George and Florence Will and her baby boy Aidyn.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church-ELCA, Wausau. Rev. Jen Hoffman will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park at a later date. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau, and again on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at [email protected], an organization dear to her heart.
Terrance Janke
Terrance (Terry) Paul Janke, 76, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, at Cedar Ridge Elder Services in Mosinee, Wisconsin, with family by his side.
Terry was born May 6,1943, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Alfred and Ethel (Rhode) Janke. He was a 1961 graduate of Milwaukee Custer High School and attended the University of Wisconsin Madison. Growing up, Terry had a great fondness for athletics and was an avid football, basketball and baseball player. He was named first-team shortstop for the All-City League in Milwaukee during his senior year and lead the conference with a .422 batting average. Terry even had a tryout with the Philadelphia Phillies in the early 1960s.
He was an enthusiastic home builder all his life and was part owner of the former Egdahl Lumber in Schofield and Knutson Construction, and later owner of Janke Construction. Terry eventually became licensed to work as a financial planner and tax preparer. He thoroughly enjoyed working with numbers and his numerous clients who became friends. Terry served as president of D.C. Everest Booster Club for several years. He loved attending and even coaching countless sporting events for his six children and 14 grandchildren. Terry enjoyed golfing, collecting baseball cards, and watching and following sports. He had a strong interest in politics, world events, and the stock market.
Terry married Janice (Bear) Fitzgerald on May 4, 1984, in Rothschild. Bringing their children together, they shared many fond memories raising their “Brady Bunch” blended family of eight. Dad always loved a good joke, passing on his fatherly advice, and talking with family and friends around the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in hand. His favorite times were spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. Terry and Jan were married for over 35 years and remain deeply united in spirit.
Terry is survived by his wife, Jan; his children Tracy (Roger) Knutson of Rushford, Minnesota, Todd (Diana) Janke of Schofield, Craig (Tammy) Janke of Hortonville, Wisconsin, Sean Fitzgerald of Oshkosh, Tobin Janke of Los Angeles, and Erin (John) FitzWilliam of St. Peters, Missouri; former spouse Virginia Sue McDonald of Bonita Springs, Florida; and 13 grandchildren – Nick and Cole Knutson and Emma Schuster; Mathew, Michael, and Isabele Janke; Tyler, Vanessa, Ryan, Bryce, and Blake Janke; and Aidan and Addison FitzWilliam. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved granddaughter, Madalyn Janke.
A funeral service will be held at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Rothschild on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m. and will be officiated by Father Allan Slowiak. The family will greet friends at 12:30 p.m. until the time of service. The Janke family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to all of the staff at Cedar Ridge Elder Services, Aspirus Palliative Care and Hospice, and to all doctors, nurses, and caregivers for their attentive, loving care of our dad. We also thank all of the friends of our family who have visited Terry over the past few years and showered us with their prayers, encouragement, and help whenever they saw a need.
Loretta “Lori” Meyer
On Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, Loretta (Lori) Meyer, devoted wife and mother passed away peacefully at the age of 75 in her home with her loving family by her side.
Lorretta Florence (Hoffman) Meyer was born on Sept. 22, 1944, in Tigerton, Wisconsin, to Franklin and Florence (Steinke) Hoffman.
Lori graduated from Tigerton High School and moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she met her husband. On Nov. 9, 1963, she married Bill Meyer. They moved back to Tigerton, Wisconsin, where they raised two daughters, Brenda and Corina and three sons, Darin, Rick and Rod.
Lori never had idle hands and spent countless hours tending to her garden and flower beds around their home. She was also passionate about sewing, cooking and baking. She loved visiting with her family, had a quick wit and great sense of humor. Her faith and love in the Lord were always important to her.
Lori is survived by her husband, five children, 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Lori lived a full life and brightened the life of those around her. She is deeply missed and will be missed until we meet again.
A special thanks to Heartland Hospice for all their support!
There will be a Celebration of Life, with further details to follow.
Roy Colburn
Roy Colburn, 82 of Wittenberg, died on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, at the Homme Home of Wittenberg.
He was born on June 23, 1937, in Grand Marsh, Wisconsin, the son of the late Owen and Lizzy (Riley) Colburn.
On Sept. 8, 1958, Roy was united in marriage to Dolores McFarlin in Milwaukee. She preceded him in death on June 6, 2012.
Roy was a United States Army Veteran.
The couple owned and operated Colburn’s Blue Spruce Tavern for 25 years. Roy was very handy and did many carpentry and woodworking jobs in the area. He enjoyed feeding and watching the birds. He also enjoyed playing pool and socializing at many local establishments. Roy will be missed by many.
Survivors include his girlfriend, Kim Sloan; three children, Bill Colburn, Pat Colburn and Jan Dirckx; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Roy was preceded in death by his wife, parents and siblings Ron, Fran, Frank, Neil, Richard and Beverly.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, at Rachel’s Roadside, Wittenberg. A military service will be held at the bar at 4 p.m.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Michael “Sky” Fierek
Michael “Sky” Fierek, 60, of Tigerton, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, at his home.
He was born on Nov. 8, 1959, in West Bend, the son of Rosemary (Philipp) Fierek of Shawano and the late Allan Fierek.
On Nov. 1, 1987, Sky married Valerie Maag in Toledo, Ohio. She survives.
Sky was a cement finisher for many years. He enjoyed taking his therapy dog, Chance, to visit at local hospitals, nursing homes and Alzheimer units.
Michael is survived by his mother, Rosemary; his wife, Valerie; a son, Wayne (Samantha) Fierek; three siblings, Victoria Fierek, Timothy (Nikki) Fierek, Julie (Mario) Gonzalez and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Sky was preceded in death by his father, Allan and a brother, Christopher.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020, at Holy Family-St. William Catholic Church, Wittenberg. Fr. Matthew Settle will officate. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Shawano, at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
