Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
John Czarnecki Sr.
John S. Czarnecki Sr., 59, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, at his home in Rothschild.
John was born in Cudahy, Wisconsin, on Aug. 28, 1960, the son of Barbara Caszar and Richard Czarnecki. John served his country in the U.S. Army in field artillery. After the Army, he became an over-the-road truck driver and hit a million miles driven.
John is survived by three children Kristin Labine, John Czarnecki, Jr. (Ciara Thomas), and Ian (Stephanie) Czarnecki; one stepson Andre (Drew) Bright; his mother Barbara; siblings Margaret, Georgette, and Joseph; 12 grandchildren who all loved their “grandpa with a beard” dearly; aunt Irene Slivicki; and co-parent Dawn Bright. He is also survived by his many friends and his longtime girlfriend, Claudette. He is preceded in death by his father, one brother and two sisters.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, at 1 p.m. at St. Mark Catholic Parish, 602 Military Road, Rothschild. Visitation will be from noon until the time of service. Following, John will be laid to rest at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery, Mosinee, at 2 p.m.
Brainard Funeral Home-Everest Chapel is assisting the family.
Delores Loskot
Delores M. Loskot, 82, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau. She was born July 19, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of the late Ben and Esther (Swedowski) Tushkowski.
On May 23, 1962, Delores was united in marriage to Kamil Loskot. He preceded her in death on Oct. 15, 1980.
Delores and Kamil farmed on his family farm in Edgar. She enjoyed doing puzzles, listening to polkas, traveling, collecting anything associated with Tweety Bird, and watching her favorite TV shows, even though she had limited vision.
Survivors include her sisters, Shirley Ostroski, Weston; Carol Tushkowski, Schofield; Karen (Matt) Stevenson, Wausau; and Christine (Wayne) Leitermann, Rothschild; as well as nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, her brother Eugene Tushkowski, sister, Joan Pliskie, brothers-in-law, Patrick Ostroski and Norman Pliskie, and nieces Megan Leitermann and Cindy Sekorski.
Funeral services will be at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau. Canon Aaron Huberfeld will officiate. Visitation will be Thursday from 3:30 p.m. until the time of services, all at the Sixth Street funeral home.
Burial will be in Athens Village Cemetery at a later date.
The family would like to thank the Hospice House angels for the wonderful care given to Delores.
Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Jean Lierman
Jean A. Lierman, 77, died Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Hospice House, Wausau.
She was born May 13, 1942, in Wausau, daughter of the late Wilfred and Ruth (Erdman) Cota.
Jean graduated in 1963 from St. Mary’s School of Nursing and spent her nursing career in various positions until retirement. She enjoyed knitting, putting puzzles together and being outdoors in nature. For 42 years, she was affiliated with AA. She was also affiliated with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and a eucharistic minister at St. Michael Catholic Church. Above all, she loved time with her grandchildren, especially attending their many sporting events.
Survivors include her children, Lynn (David) Phillips, Tomahawk, Dan Lierman, Wausau and Kristin (Justin) Sorenson, Wausau; grandchildren, Travis and Joanna Phillips, Kassi Thorwaldson, Devon Lierman, Karlie and Logan Sorenson; siblings, James Cota, Tennessee, William (Bertie) Cota, Birnamwood, Ronald Cota, Wausau, and Kay (Joe) Herman, Wausau, many nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Michael, ex-husband, Allen Lierman and sister-in-law, Nancy Cota.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will preside. Visitation will be Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until the time of services, all at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the extraordinary staff at Hospice House for their kind, compassionate care.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Leone “Lee” Peterson
Leone “Lee” Peterson, 94, Schofield, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, at Rennes Health and Rehabilitation Center, Weston.
Lee was born to John and Regina (Strosin) Brill on March 28, 1925, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin – though for quite a while she would have told you she was a year younger. After high school, she moved to Chicago where she worked for Hardware Mutual Insurance and enjoyed being a “USO girl.” On Aug. 7, 1947, she married Norman Peterson, who told her on their first date that he planned to court her for a year and marry her. Soon after marrying, they moved to the Wausau area where they had a daughter, Debbie.
Lee was a consummate entertainer and always had treats prepared for anyone who came to visit, especially her grandchildren and “grape” grandchildren. She was an avid curler and an equally enthusiastic golfer, with achievements including a hole in one at the Wausau Country Club, and second place in the U.S. Women’s National Curling Bonspiel in 1985. Her delivery of Ole and Lena jokes was always spot on, and her sense of humor never wavered – unless the Packers were on, then it was serious.
Lee’s family would like to thank the caregivers at Rennes Health and Rehab in Weston, Wisconsin, for their loving care. Words cannot express how grateful we are to this very special group of people.
Survivors include her daughter, Debbie (Andrew) Flood, Rothschild; two grandchildren, Nora (Noah Wangerin) Flood and Alan (Rachael Meshak) Flood; and two great-grandchildren, Mollie and Elliot.
Besides her parents and husband, Norman, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Emily Flood; and four siblings, Marvin Brill, Carl Brill, Bernadine Brill and Carol Stenger.
Funeral services will be at noon on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau. Private entombment will be in the Holy Angels Mausoleum, St. Michael Cemetery, Wausau. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. In honor of Lee, please wear colorful attire if attending, if possible turquoise, which was her favorite color.
In lieu of flowers, please take the time to visit your local nursing home and brighten someone’s day. Donations may be made to Easter Seals of Wisconsin (giving.eastersealswisconsin.com/tribute-or-memorial/). Please specify “Camps” to support Camp Wawbeek, which her late beloved granddaughter Emily was passionate about.
Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Darlene Rothenberger
Darlene S. Rothenberger, 81, Cassel, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born March 12, 1938, in Wausau to the late Albert and Bernadine (Michlig) Tesch. On Oct. 27, 1953, she married Leroy Rothenberger at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski, and together had nine children.
Darlene worked for Moxness in Wausau for 25 years and then for Menzner Lumber and Supply Co. in Marathon for seven years until her retirement. She was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cassel.
Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, canning, fishing and spending time outdoors.
Survivors include, seven children, Allan (Cheryl) Rothenberger, Athens, Judy (Bill) Baptist, Rib Mountain, Susan (Brian) Manecke, Edgar, Geraldine (Kevin) Christiansen, Fenwood, Brian (Mary) Rothenberger, Athens, Kim (Linda) Rothenberger, Edgar and Theresa Rothenberger, Weston; 17 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; two siblings, Renee (Tom) Thompson, Mosinee and Randy (Sharon) Tesch, Weston; one brother-in-law, Tony Marohl, Wausau; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Leroy; daughter and son-in-law, Debra (Joseph) Nowak; infant son, Mark; and four siblings, Terry Tesch, Jenneva Marohl, Wanda Zimmerman and Barbie Wilde.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cassel. Rev. Joseph Nakwah will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9 a.m. until time of services at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Armond Loos
Armond F. Loos, 81, died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, at Sylvan Crossings, Wausau.
He was born Dec. 28, 1938, in Wausau, son of the late Frank and Mary (Tomcek) Loos.
He grew up helping his father on the family farm. After high school, he served his country in the United States Air Force in Turkey and Germany. After a brief courtship with his German Fraulein Ingrid Schuetze, he proposed and promised to return in three months. To her surprise, he did, and they married on Jan. 31, 1961, in Germany. They were married for 59 years. After a few years working at Cloverbelt Co-Op, he started his career at the Post Office as a mail carrier and retired 31 years later as a supervisor. He was a member of the Wausau Elks Lodge No. 248 and enjoyed snowmobiling, golfing, hunting and playing Sheepshead. He was an avid Packers and Brewers fan who enjoyed a martini and telling a joke to give family and friends a good laugh. He was a hard working, devoted husband and father, who always welcomed his family back to the homestead that he was so proud of.
Survivors include his wife, Ingrid Loos; children, Claudia (Doug) Witte, Kevin (Cheryl) Loos and Erika Ozols; grandchildren, Jaclyn (Matt) Karls, Brianna (Kory) Seymour, Derek (fiance’ Mary Dougherty) Witte, Wendy (Dan) Novak, Jamus and Ryan Loos and Jace and Kyle Ozols; great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Karls; siblings, Carmel (Wally) Lewitzke, Gary (Pam) Loos and Rosie (Harlan) Foster; step-brothers, Jerry, Jim and Alvin Lang; sister-in-law, Diane (Ken) Ligman; brother-in-law, Gerd (Sasie) Lehmann, Germany and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Elizabeth Loos, a brother, David Loos and a son-in-law, Ray Ozols.
Ingrid and family would like to thank the Sylvan Crossings staff for the exceptional care they provided to Armond over the last four years, especially the ones who put a smile on his face.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will preside. Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of services, all at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Kurt Hunsicker
Kurt Wilhelm Hunsicker, 63, of Wausau, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, while in the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at the Hospice House.
He was born in Wausau on Feb. 6, 1957, to the late Carl and Loraine (Mertes) Hunsicker. He was a resident of Minneapolis for 39 years and of Wausau for 24 years.
Playing tennis, fishing up at the lake with Paul, and visiting nature parks with Justin were some of the things that Kurt enjoyed doing. His passion was in the arts. Kurt loved to direct and act and found true happiness when he was on stage performing.
Kurt is survived by his son, Justin (Rei) Mallek; his siblings, Mark Hunsicker of Wausau, Paul (Susan) Hunsicker of Tomahawk and Tina (John) Allstaedt of Wausau.
A funeral service will be held at 12:30 on Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, at Christ Lutheran Church, 1300 Townline Road, Wausau. Rev. David Wetmore will officiate. Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park. Family and friends may go to helke.com to leave an online condolence.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Frances Smolen
Frances Margaret Smolen, 80, passed away peacefully in Stevens Point on Feb. 14, 2020, under the care of Hospice.
She was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on April 17, 1939, the only child of Margaret and Anthony Smolen. Frances lived much of her life in the Amherst area. She held a certification as a Naturopath and enjoyed working with healing herbs and plants.
Frances is survived by five children, Richard “Rudi” (Karen) Rudiger, Victoria (Simon) Weller, Robert Rudiger, William (Carol) Rudiger and John Borgen; four grandchildren, Chelsea (Alex) Sommers, Sr. Toni Rudiger, Stevie and Ali Rudiger; and six great-grandchildren: Liam, Augustine, Josiah, Marie-Therese, Pio and Assunta Sommers.
A private memorial gathering was held by family. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time.
Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com under obituary listings.
Scott Betlinski
Scott Betlinski was a dedicated father and husband. He went to be with Jesus and his beloved dog Ollie on his birthday, Feb. 14, 2020, Valentine’s day. After surviving what doctor’s said to be incurable stage 4 esophageal cancer, it ended up spreading to the brain and he was given weeks to a couple months of life left. He wasn’t ready to give up and fought another eight months. It then was time for him to go home to heaven. He passed in his home surrounded by his children and loved ones. He said he would make it to his 62nd birthday and proved he was determined to do it.
Survived by his children Jason Betlinski (Stephanie) and Jenelle White (Joseph); his sister Rhonda Gross (John); his wife Kathleen Betlinski; his stepdaughter Shelly; grandchildren Alexander and Aiden (Jason), Kyle and Jasmine (Jenelle); step grandchildren Jordan and Cody (Joseph); nephew Travis (Rhonda) and niece Stephanie (Rhonda); and great niece Brinlee (Travis). Scott dedicated the last eight years to caring for his wife when she suddenly became disabled. He spoiled her rotten and took pride in being so good to her.
He was passionate about gardening and fishing, among many other activities. He would sit for hours researching creative and unique ideas for ways to fish and garden to make it more exciting and interesting. Everything he would create or come up with was so neat and really worked to make things easier or better. He loved the details in each thing he did. He was an amazing cook. He loved trying new recipes and making them his own. He especially enjoyed grilling and would spend all day grilling to create a master piece. He couldn’t wait until it was warm enough to get his Weber out and start grilling! He was loved by so many and will be deeply missed.
His wishes were to not have a funeral and to have a Celebration of Life get together/cookout. He didn’t want people sad, but to be happy and celebrate the life he lived. That celebration will be planned in the warmer months ahead.
