Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Carol Sherfinski
Carol Ann Sherfinski, born Sept. 4, 1941, to Sylvester and Gertrude (Melanson) Sherfinski and lovingly raised by Sylvester and Stella (Kudla) Sherfinski in Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away on Feb. 3, 2020, after battling a long illness.
A 1959 graduate of Newman High School in Wausau, she later moved to Chicago, then Bensenville, Illinois. After her retirement as an executive assistant, she traveled and enjoyed shared experiences with her friend, Wanda Kondziolka, who Carol considered her closest friend and sister-in-spirit.
Active in her church and community, she volunteered to help the elderly and homeless with a soft spot in her heart for the children with whom she engaged in reading classes, adding a bright spot to their lives and they to hers.
Carol loved long walks with brother, Michael Sherfinski (Schofield); laughing over silly things with sister, Barb Sherfinski (Green Bay); Christmas Eve’s spent with sister and brother-in-law, Kathy (deceased) and Lou Petricca (Mt. Prospect, Illinois). She especially loved her nieces and nephews and was always cheered to hear of their lives and growing families. Any chance to spend time with her great-nieces and nephews brought the greatest joy. She will be missed by family and friends.
Carol will be laid to rest at Rest Lawn Memorial Park in Wausau.
Mark Mathie
Mark Mathie, 67, passed away on Feb. 11, 2020.
He was born Dec. 13, 1952, to Donald and Louella Mathie in Wausau.
Mark graduated from Wausau High School in 1971 and worked for A&P Pavers until 1974. He then worked for Brite-way Window Cleaning until he started his own business, Clear Visions, in 1989. He retired in 2015.
He married Mary Snitker in 1973 in Wisconsin Dells. He enjoyed playing baseball, racquetball and pool. He was an avid golfer who loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary; daughter, Michelle (David) Kerkhoff, two granddaughters, Lily and Violet; his father, Donald; his brother, Russell (Bonnie) Mathie; and three sisters, Lynne Pahl, Roseanne (Greg) Conard, and Mary Kaye Brown. He was preceded in death by his mother, and four brothers-in-law.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, at Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel, 522 Adams St., Wausau. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be private.
Online condolences may be shared at brainardfuneral.com.
Elizabeth Hoenecke
Elizabeth Lucille Hoenecke, 87, of Wausau died on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, at Mount View Care Center in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Elizabeth was born in Plymouth, Wisconsin, on March 10, 1932, to the late Richard and Lucille (nee Stolper) Kade. She married the Rev. Roy G. Hoenecke on June 7, 1958. He survives his beloved wife.
Elizabeth’s family moved frequently during her childhood, necessitated by her father’s management position at Woolworth Co. Nevertheless, her childhood days in Sheboygan and Janesville were always remembered especially fondly. Elizabeth graduated from Janesville High School (Wisconsin) in 1950 and from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1955. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in medical technology. She worked as a medical technologist from 1955 to 2002, first in Highland Park, Illinois, before marriage, and then in Fort Morgan, Colorado, New Prague, Minnesota, and Wausau. In 1957, while working at the Highland Park Hospital, she was selected to be featured in Encyclopedia Britannica’s educational film “Work of the Blood.” The film was translated into 27 languages and used by colleges and high schools worldwide for teaching biology and physiology. Elizabeth held continuous certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) from 1955 to 2008.
Elizabeth had many interests and hobbies. She was an avid reader and possessed a keen interest and knowledge of English and Early American history. She also loved gardening. Her artistic flair was expressed in all she did, especially her needle work, ceramics and stamping. She and Roy shared a love of classical music and have attended so many concerts together almost from the day they met.
Elizabeth’s family and friends meant everything to her. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother, a doting grandmother, a dear daughter, a cherished sister and a faithful friend. Besides her husband, Roy, Elizabeth is survived by her children: Mark (Susan) Hoenecke, Wausau; Daniel Hoenecke, Baraboo, Wisconsin; and Mary (Mark) Lepinske, Dodgeville, Wisconsin. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Katharine (Marc) Shambeau, Matthew (Karalyn) Hoenecke, and Christian and Stefan Lepinske; three great-grandchildren: Jonathan and Malachi Shambeau and Jenna Hoenecke; and sisters Carol (Donald) Andler and Vickie (Jeffrey) Russell. Her parents, Richard and Lucille Kade, and sister, Mary (Terrance) Connelly, preceded her in death.
Above all, Elizabeth was a child of God having been baptized on March 27, 1932, confirmed on April 14, 1946, and professing her love for her Savior Jesus Christ throughout her life. She is now home with her Lord.
The funeral service celebrating Elizabeth’s entry into eternal glory will be on Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, at 2 p.m. at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church – Wausau Campus, 2822 N. Sixth St. Rev. Jeffrey Mahnke will officiate. Visitation also will be at the church from noon until the time of service. Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at brainardfuneral.com.
Michael Zank
Michael D. Zank, son of DuWayne and Inez (Pietscher) Zank, was born on July 10, 1965, in Wausau, Wisconsin, and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Feb. 8, 2020.
Michael was a resident of Bloomington, Minnesota. He graduated from Wausau East High School in 1983. He participated in Tophatters, football, basketball and golf and was named outstanding male student in his class.
Michael graduated from Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota, in 1987, majoring in math. He received his Master’s Degree from University of Vermont, majoring in student affairs and higher education administration. Upon graduation, he accepted a position of financial recruiter at Bucknell University and then at Carleton College. Realizing he wasn’t happy sitting in an office, he then managed several restaurants, including Boston Market, where he was shot during an attempted robbery, Applebee’s, and Green Mill.
He then applied for and was accepted at a position at the U.S. Post Office in Bloomington, Minnesota, until his time of passing.
Michael was diagnosed with diabetes and had his left leg amputated in 2017. Michael was a talented golfer, being named captain of his college golf team. He played with his dad and cousin Marsha Crooks and her husband, Keith, in numerous Northland Lutheran Wildcat Opens. If you needed a key shot, whether a drive, approach shot or putt, Michael could usually be counted on to deliver.
Michael remained a loyal Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers supporter while living in Minnesota. He and his dad had many phone discussions after each Packers game.
In addition to his dad, Michael is survived by his sister Lori of Cincinnati, Ohio, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Uncles Alois and Marlan Zank, Uncle Gerald Pietscher and Aunt Sharon Zank and grandparents.
Funeral service will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 1351 Grand Ave., Schofield, on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. with visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
Gordon Paszek
Gordon T. Paszek, 69, of Schofield died on Monday, Feb. 3, 2020, at the V.A. Hospital in Tomah, Wisconsin.
Gordon was born on May 20, 1950, to the late Stanley and Esther (Matushak) Paszek. He married Carol Krueger, she preceded him in death on Sept. 12, 2018.
Gordon had a variety of interests, including dancing and playing cards, fishing, yawning and making people laugh. He especially enjoyed things with motors and speed, including watching Nascar and spending time riding his various motorcycles, however, Gordon’s true love was spending time with his family.
Gordon is survived by his children, Blaine Paszek, Allen and Tania Paszek, Tami Paszek and Ronald Paszek; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Besides his wife, Carol, Gordon was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston. Rev. Wes Jedras will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of service, all at the funeral home. Online condolences can be directed to the family at brainardfuneral.com.
Tony Kurtzweil
Anthony (Tony) Kurtzweil, 52, passed away on Feb. 1, 2020, from complications of leukemia.
Tony was born June 6, 1967, in Cudahy, Wisconsin. Although death is painful for the family and friends left behind, it is also very freeing for Tony. He is now free from his battle with leukemia and will join his late father, Wilber Leo Kurtzweil, and his late mother, Shirley Kurtzweil (Congemi), in heaven. Left here on Earth to keep his memories alive are his most prized and cherished daughter Olivia Kurtzweil, his sisters, Michelle Robach (Kurtzweil), married to Patrick Robach, Teresa Roe (Kurtzweil) and her life long partner, Michael Roe. Tony also has three nephews, Jesse, (Wausau, Wisconsin), Jeremy (Wausau, Wisconsin), Maxwell (Austin, Texas) and one niece, Emma (Galveston, Texas) who he enjoyed and held close to his heart!
Tony was a longtime employee of 35 years at Kolbe and Kolbe, where he made many lifelong friends. Tony also worked in remolding, which he did on his free time and weekends. Tony had a talent for construction and was a very creative. Tony loved and attended so many of his daughter, Olivia’s, sporting events. There was no place that he would rather be but, on the field, in a gym or on the ski slope watching his daughter excel!
Tony’s plan for “after” Leukemia was to start a business to help and support the elder generation. He wanted to offer services of snow plowing, light construction or even handyman tasks. His heart was big and determined. Tony was an avid Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan! He loved keeping up with both leagues in his spare time.
Tony had the biggest heart, a heart of gold and the brightest light lit up when he entered a room. Tony was a hero and a courageous fighter through this whole cancer setback. God has Tony now and even though his earthly story has ended, his next story of faith has just started. His family feels the best is yet to come for Tony! You, Tony Bolognie, are forever in our hearts, memories and prayers. Your family and friends loved you dearly. Our warrior, our hero and a beloved soul, father, brother and uncle!
The family will be holding a celebration of life in March.
In lieu of flowers, we the family, are asking that you make a donation in Tony’s name to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. Together we can help to find a cure for this senseless, heartless beast of a disease.
Gregory Johnson
Gregory James Johnson, 72, of Rosemount, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, in Eau Claire with his son.
He was a fighter who had a long battle with cancer, but had an amazing optimistic attitude through it all. He was born on Nov. 28, 1947, in Wausau to the late James and Beverly (Pregont) Johnson. Greg graduated from Newman Catholic High School in 1965 and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater in 1970. He worked as a Sales Manager at Koch Refining Co. in Wausau, Green Bay, Portland, Maine, and St. Paul, Minnesota, and later as a general manager of market development at Jebro Inc. in Sioux City, Iowa, until he retired in 2014.
He married his high school sweetheart Patricia (Syring) Johnson on Nov. 30, 1968, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wausau. They were happily married for 49 years. He was an incredible husband and father who made family a priority. He loved to go for drives in his convertible with Pat, golf, travel, spend time with his children and grandchildren, and was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan. He now joins Pat, who preceded him in death in 2018.
Survivors include his children, Tracey (Kevin) Hughes of Bellevue, Washington, Julie (Brett) Coffin of Scarborough, Maine, Andrew (Carolina) Johnson of Eau Claire, and Katie Johnson of Lakeville, Minnesota; sisters, Kristine (Gerald) Nimz of Manitowish Waters and Debra (Daniel) Waldstein of Naples, Florida; brother, Kurt (Cindy) Johnson of Wausau; and grandchildren, Luna Johnson, Tristram Coffin, Connor Coffin, Hailey Johnson, Kaitlyn Hughes, Kennedy Hughes and Ashley Hughes.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, at St. Michael Parish, 611 Stark St., Wausau, with Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce officiating. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Mayo Clinic: philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC.
The family would like to express special thanks to the doctors, nurses and hospice staff at the Mayo Clinic for the care Greg received.
Sharon Dabler
Sharon Dawn Dabler passed away on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, at Azura Memory Care, Wausau, Wisconsin, under the care of Heartland Hospice Care for complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
Sharon was born a New Year’s baby on Jan. 1, 1947, to Theodore and Margaret (Damrow) Kromrei in Wausau. She graduated from Wausau High School in 1964. She married Harold Dabler on Oct. 25, 1969, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Wausau. They were blessed with two daughters, Jennifer and Jessica.
Sharon was employed as a secretary at D.J. Murray Manufacturing Co. and later Robert W. Baird and Co. before becoming a stay-at-home Mom.
She was a lifelong member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was also part of the Quilting Group that made quilts for Lutheran World Relief.
She was on a league bowling team with her two cousins and sister-in-law for all her adult life. Her two favorite outdoor activities were walleye fishing, taking three trips to Canada, and snowmobiling, belonging to two snowmobile clubs, the Wisconsin Valley Sno-Jets (1971) and Nutterville Snow Nuts (2015).
Sharon’s family spent many weekends at their cabin on the Spirit Flowage with the Yolitz family and other friends and relatives.
Sharon loved traveling. After acquiring a motorhome, the family toured most of the U.S. and took a yearly camping trip to the Wisconsin Dells.
Sharon is survived by her husband of 50 years, Harold Dabler; daughter, Jennifer (Andrew) Freitag and their children Brendan, Colin and Ashlyn, all of Kenosha, and daughter, Jessica Dabler of Appleton. She is further survived by her sisters, Darlene Yolitz, Rothschild, and Lorraine (Franklin) Krenz, Appleton and brother, Donald (Karen) Kromrei, Wausau.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Harold’s parents, Louis and Alice Dabler; and brother-in-law, David Yolitz.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 512 McClellan St., Wausau, Wisconsin. Rev. Jen Hoffman will officiate. Entombment will be at Restlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, Wisconsin; resuming at 9 a.m. on Monday until the time of service at the church. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Azura Memory Care, Rib Mountain. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sharon’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Stephen Lutheran Church.
David Raddatz
David Harold Raddatz was welcomed into his heavenly home, into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in the early hours of the morning at the age of 84. David fought a long, extensive battle against bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia.
His life journey began on Friday, Jan. 10, 1936, the son of Edwin and Florence (Steidtman) Raddatz in Wausau. He was baptized Feb. 16, 1936, at home. He was later confirmed in Christ at Zion Lutheran Church, town of Maine, on April 2, 1950.
David attended the Byron Valley one-room schoolhouse in the town of Maine, Central Grade School and Junior High, and Wausau High School, class of 1954. David faithfully served his country by enlisting in the United States Army Reserves. Dedicating his time and effort to the church, David led as an elder at the former Zion Lutheran Church, town of Maine, and as a member of the board of elders and chairman of the board of trustees at Rib Mountain Lutheran Church, Wausau.
David was previously employed in his younger years at Marathon Millwork of Wausau, then Janke Construction and Janke Industrial Marine of Athens. David worked most recently at Greenheck Fan Corp. of Schofield as an assemblyman for 30 years. He thoroughly enjoyed working and he retired at the age of 72, later in life than many of his peers.
On Aug. 14, 1999, David married Marjorie (Schade) Gresens, his beloved wife of 20 years, at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. He is also survived by his daughters, Suzanne Raddatz, of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Audra (Chris) Kern, and grandsons Jonah and Braden Kern of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and the mother of his children, Eldora (Zunker) Raddatz of Apache Junction, Arizona. David is further survived by his stepchildren Janean (John) Andrus, of Wausau, Julie Deverell, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Hugh (Pam) Gresens of West Salem, Faye (Paul) Zernicke of Wausau, and Karla (Greg) Tennant of Wausau.
David’s step-grandchildren include Ashley (Chad) Kumm of Martin, South Dakota, Emily Deverell (fiancé Aaron Burrell) of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Joseph W. Deverell of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, David and Kyle Gresens of West Salem, Melissa (Daniel) Shewmake of Wausau, Meredith Zernicke (fiancé Shawn Wendt) of Merrill, Melanie Zernicke (fiancé Derek Honaas) of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Marcus Zernicke, Karissa Kroll, and Samuel Tennant all of Wausau. His step-great-grandchildren include Andrew and Allison Hall and Logan and Lydia Shewmake of Wausau, and Connor and Isabella Wendt of Merrill.
He is also survived by his sister, Florian Kolbe of Wausau, nieces Corinne (Rick) Kolbe Friendenfels of Medford, Kathy (Rod) Hofmann, Lake Tomahawk, and nephew Keith (Karen) Kolbe of Merrill, great-nephews Jarrod Crooks, Justin (Taylor) Crooks, and great-niece Danyelle Hofmann, sister-in-law Ann (Dale) Kurth of Wausau, brothers-in-law Harold (Elaine) Schade of Land o’ Lakes, LaVerne (Kaye) Schade of Wausau, and Arlyn (Barbara) Schade, Sr., of Merrill as well as numerous step-great nieces and nephews. He was especially bonded to his dachshund, Chesney, who endlessly showered David with unconditional love and devotion.
David was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Florence Raddatz, infant brother, Daniel, brother-in-law Rudolph Kolbe, Jr., his soul brother and honorable friend, Kenneth E. Goetsch, and his loving dachshund and companion, Sydney.
In his younger years, David enjoyed fishing and boating. He spent many summer weekends camping with his girls, rarely venturing far, yet far enough “up north” to feel away from it all. He had a special talent for woodworking. He created and refinished many beautiful pieces, taking great care and pride in using his God-given talent for craftsmanship. He dedicated himself to faithfully reading his Bible daily and he never enjoyed a meal without first lifting it up in prayer.
A special message to you, Dave, from your beloved stepchildren:
Dave, when you joined our family, you touched our lives in ways we could never imagine. You were a true Christian man of God and you always showed us how to keep Christ first in our lives. Thank you for lovingly caring for our mom and giving her a happy and peaceful life. We are so thankful to God for blessing our mom with the perfect soulmate at the time she needed it the most. We couldn’t have chosen a more kind, gentle soul to be a part of our family. You gave fatherly love to each of us and, for that, we will be forever grateful.
We will miss you deeply, until we meet again in Heavenly joy … to God be the Glory!
The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the loving staff members that cared for David over the past decade, especially pulmonologist Dr. Kris Lahren and internist Dr. Bart Isaacson. We would also like to thank Pastor Eric Hauan and the the staff of Aspirus Home Hospice for enhancing David’s quality of life the past five months.
The funeral service for David will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 600 Stevens Drive, Wausau. Rev. Eric Hauan and Rev. Bruce Lamont will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, at Helke Funeral Home; resuming at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the church until the time of service. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. You may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
Earl Lang
Earl A. Lang, 87, of Wausau passed away on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born in Halder, Wisconsin, on Sept. 9, 1932, to the late Benjamin and Elizabeth (Fischer) Lang. He grew up and attended school in Wausau. Earl joined the U.S. Air Force while he was in high school and served during the Korean War. After his service, he worked for the James River Corp. for 40 years. On Aug. 27, 1955, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Virginia Nienow, at St. Anne Parish.
Earl enjoyed working in his vegetable garden, going to dances with Virginia, fishing and casino trips. He always could be found in the neighborhood lending a helping hand. Earl was a longtime member of St. Anne Parish.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia; children, Laurie (Christopher) Croasdale, Joel (Laurie) Lang, and Heidi (Donald) Bergbower; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Benno (Helen) Lang and Clarence Lang; sisters-in-law, Shelley Lang and Jean Lang; many nieces and nephews; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Pat Schreiber, Joan Schreiber, and Tom (Marge) Nienow.
He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Samantha; brothers, David, Kenneth, and Elmer; sister, Hildegard; and sister-in-law, Beverly Lang.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon on Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, at St. Anne Parish, 700 West Bridge St., Wausau, with Father Tom Lindner officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park with military honors provided by V.F.W. Burns Post 388.
You may sign the family guestbook at helke.com.
Richard “Dick” Earle
Richard “Dick” Earle, 89, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a brief illness. He was born to the late Harry and Cora (Middleton) Earle on July 18, 1930, in Jackson, Michigan. He married Mary E. Cornwell on June 29, 1957, at Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. She preceded him in death on June 17, 2018.
He worked for a local Oldsmobile dealership in Wisconsin Rapids for more than 30 years before retiring and going to work at Wal-Mart. He was an avid sports fan and especially liked watching his beloved Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers games. He also enjoyed bowling, camping and playing cards. He like spending time with this family and friends and especially the holiday get-togethers.
He is survived by his son Jeff Earle of DeForest, Wisconsin, brothers-in-law, Frank and Buck Cornwell, sisters-in-law, Lois Cornwell, Nancy (Keith) Gormanson and Judy (Gary) McCrossen, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary, parents, Brother Harry Jr., in laws Chuck, Bob, Smokey, Ray, George, Dutch, Red, and Helen, Gerrie, as well as several nieces and nephews.
At Dad’s request he will be cremated and entombed at Forest Hill Mausoleum with a celebreation of life gathering at a later date. I would like to thank the entire palliative care team at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, for your kind and unwavering support taking care of my Dad as he transitioned.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences maybe expressed at HonorOne.com.
Barbara Mueller
Barbara L. Mueller, born to Eula and Lloyd Farmer in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on Aug. 19, 1929, died Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, at her residence in Weston, Wisconsin.
Barb moved to Sioux City, Iowa, in 1956 and lived there until moving to Wisconsin to be with family in 2014. She married H. George Mueller on June 3, 1948. She was active in several groups in the community and was a longtime member of St. Mark Lutheran Church where she enjoyed Bible study, quilting and the Cooking with Love Program.
Barb had a gift for writing notes and letters, and used this to encourage and connect with others. She put her faith into action and was recognized by the community when she was named Volunteer of the Year. Barb also worked at Morningside College in the development office, and as administrative support at D.A. Hayworth JR High and East Middle School.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband, George, parents, infant son Stephen, granddaughter Stacie Johnson, and two sisters and four brothers.
She is survived by children Kristine (Dennis) Johnson, David (Christine) Mueller, and Jeffrey, grandchildren Stephanie Elias, Christopher Johnson, Jeffrey (AnnMarie) Johnson, Anna (Jeff) Mulvey, George Mueller, four great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
A memorial service will be held in Wausau at Christ Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 21, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. A celebration of life service will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Sioux City on Saturday, May 2 at 1:30 p.m. Interment will be in at Fort Dodge, Iowa.
