Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Michael Ermeling
Michael R. Ermeling, 79, of the village of Weston, passed away peacefully at Rennes Health and Rehabilitation Center following a long battle with health issues.
He was born on Aug. 18, 1940, at their family’s home in Schofield, son of the late Clyde L. and Sophie (Kravcyk) Ermeling. Mike was part of the D.C. Everest class of 1959, and upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in France during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Mike started working at the former American Can Papermill in 1963. Following the purchase of the Papermill by Weyerhauser, he continued working as a millright, retiring in September of 2003 after over 40 years.
On March 7, 1964, he married Barbara Opper and they were blessed with three sons, Michael Jr. (Theresa) Ermeling of Land O’ Lakes, Florida, Kevin (Sheila) Ermeling, and Bryan Ermeling, all of Weston. They would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in March.
Mike enjoyed deer hunting and spending time with his family on their 80 acres in Ringle. He loved watching his sons play high school football and his grandkids’ activities. In earlier years, he liked to go hunting in Montana with friends for mule deer. Over the years, he and Barbara traveled to Alaska, Hawaii and Canada. In the summer, he liked to work in his garden and to ride his lawnmower, cutting the grass on his two acre yard. Mike was a lifelong fan of the Yankees. He also liked watching football and Nascar, and even attended several Daytona 500 races.
In addition to his wife and three sons, Mike is also survived by his grandkids, Ashley (Mike Moriarty) Ermeling, Joshua and Alex Ermeling, Brittany (Matthew Kaczmarek) Zuke, Brianne (Brian) Lesson, and Bill (Kim) Graff; great-grandkids, Phillip and Natalie Zuke, Jadyn, Ryan and Talia Graff; one sister, Gert (Robert) Slagoski; sisters-in-law, LuAnn (Harry) Spanton and Roberta Opper; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Clyde A. and Russell Ermeling, his granddaughter, Stacy Ermeling, and great-grandson, Johnathan Moriarty, and many of his in-laws.
Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, at Peace United Church of Christ, 1530 Grand Ave., Schofield. Rev. Gloria VanHouten will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Saturday. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mike’s name may be given to Peace United Church of Christ.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel, Weston, is assisting the family with arrangements. You may sign the family guestbook and leave messages of condolences at brainardfuneral.com.
Daniel Milkovich
Daniel Milkovich passed away peacefully at home early on Feb. 18, 2020, at the age of 70 years, 11 months, 28 days, after a long and courageous fight with multiple health challenges.
He was born on Feb. 21, 1949, in Chicago to Steve and Virginia (Maynard) Milkovich, and was named Danny Joe. He later had his name legally changed to Daniel Joseph. Daniel lived most of his life in Chicago, where he graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 1969. He also studied psychology at the University of Chicago, intending to be pre-med. But then he had one of several “George Bailey” moments, where the trajectory of his life was significantly altered due to circumstances beyond his control. His father injured his back, and so Daniel went to work to help his him with his brick and stonework business, Steel City Masonry. Daniel was to eventually take over the business completely, upon the accidental death of his father in 1985. In fulfillment of a promise he made to his father just a few days before he died, Daniel took care of his mother from 2000, when she suffered a stroke, until her death in October 2012 at the age of 90.
Daniel had twin sisters who died as newborns, and so grew up as an only child. When he was 11 years old, he went to live with his maternal grandparents Thomas and Hattie Maynard, in Pigeon Roost Hollow near Delbarton, West Virginia. The few years he lived with them were among the happiest of his life.
Daniel was a hard worker who rarely took time off. When the cold Midwestern winters made it impossible to work in Chicago, he found job opportunities in warmer climates. He worked hard and played hard, enjoying the fruits of his labors. And while he had several serious relationships, he remained a confirmed bachelor for the majority of his life.
He had the rare ability to sit and talk with and relate to anyone from any walk of life, from the president of the university to the lowliest janitor or gardener. He was a keen observer of his surroundings and of people.
He attended Woodstock; he hiked the Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia; he kayaked the Colorado River, and hiked from the top to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back on one side and rode a horse from the top to the bottom and back on the other. He canoed the entire length of the Mississippi River; he bungee jumped, he hang glided, and he base jumped before it became a thing. When he moved to Kronenwetter and visited Rib Mountain for the first time, he desperately wanted to be able to climb to the top of the radio broadcast tower and base jump off! He had to settle for walking up to the top of the observation tower!
The most terrifying, amazing and life changing journey of a lifetime began for him in April 2007, when he was diagnosed with stage four cancer of the tongue. It was so far advanced that no one expected him to survive the month, and his elderly mother was told to go home and prepare for his funeral. But God showed him grace and mercy, and allowed him to survive the treatment, although he was not spared its side effects.
Before cancer, Daniel was known as the life of the party. He described himself as “quick-witted, and a terrible tease and flirt.” He loved a good practical joke, and he loved to laugh until his eyes would run with tears. He would often come home from his job driving school bus and regale his wife with stories of how he had played jokes on his friends at work. Because of the damage done to his throat by the radiation, he could no longer laugh like he once could, but he never lost his sense of humor, and he could still smile, especially with his eyes and when he did, his smile could light up a dark room. And he never lost his ability to tell a good story!
One of the greatest joys of his life was driving “his kids” to and from school, and he had a particularly soft place in his heart for the special needs children he took charge of. He had the heart of a servant in every situation and volunteered for numerous organizations, including Meals on Wheels, Faith in Action Aspirus Lifeline, and the Red Cross, until his health made it no longer possible to do so.
He is survived by his wife Margaret (Maggie) and her children and grandchildren: Brian, Rykna and Aria Olson of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Brent, Caitlin, Eilis, Gael and Raelyn Olson of Rockville, Maryland, Carl, Julie, Eva and Johnathan Olson of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and Brinne Olson of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is also survived by several cousins on both the Milkovich and Maynard side of his family, and many friends.
Harvey Bricko
Harvey Bricko passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, at Rennes Health & Rehab Center, Weston, Wisconsin.
He was born Jan. 5, 1927, in Waupaca County, town of Harrison, to Zander and Evelyn (Mattson) Bricko.
He was a World War II Army Veteran serving in France and was discharged as a Sergeant. He met Julia “Jupie” Brenden in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, whom he married on Sept. 9, 1950, in Wittenberg. They farmed in the town of Harrison for five years and then moved to Wausau. Harvey worked in construction for his career and was proud of the many major buildings he worked on in the Wausau and surrounding area. Harvey was a natural leader and belonged to the following organizations: Local 17 Union Bricklayers and Masons where he served as president for 11 years; president of the Building Trades and a delegate to Travel Trades; Bloecher-Johnson American Legion Post #502; Elderon Memorial Post 8068 VFW54 where he served as commander for 26 years; Rib Mountain Lutheran Church in Wausau; Faith Lutheran Church in Rosholt, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau. He enjoyed doing charity auctions, fishing the Little Wolff River at his cottage, and loved spending time with his family and friends.
Harvey was preceded in death by his father Zander in 1979, his mother Evelyn in 2003, sister Violet Wolff in 2007, and his wife Julia in 2009. He is survived by twin daughters Karen Katz and Sharon (Tim) Rock ; granddaughters Julia Katz (Bodin Djuric), Alana Katz, Morgan Rock (fiancé David Marshall) and Kirsten Rock (fiancé Eric Schiling); great-grandson Gage Bunkelman; sister Janace Lee; and brother-in-law John Wolff.
Harvey’s service will be at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau, 501 Stewart Ave., on Monday Feb. 24, 2020, at 11 a.m. with visitation from 9 –11 a.m. at the church. Rev. Zach Holdorf will officiate. Burial will be at Evergreen Rest Cemetery in Elderon at 2:30 p.m., with military rites conducted by the Elderon VFW.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Bonnie Almazar
After valiantly battling ovarian cancer for over four years, Bonnie Lee Almazar passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on March 29, 1947, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to C. George and Frances (Justus) Petersen. After graduating from Martins Ferry High School (Ohio) in 1965, Bonnie attended Ohio Valley General Hospital School of Nursing. After graduating in 1968, she earned her BSN from the University of Illinois College of Nursing in 1971. During this time, Bonnie met Deogracias “Deo” Almazar; they married on Dec. 18, 1971.
Bonnie worked as a registered nurse for almost 44 years, most of which was spent working with her husband as a medical office nurse at the Wittenberg Clinic, now known as the Marshfield Clinic – Wittenberg Center. She enjoyed her career because it gave her the opportunity to meet wonderful people in the community and provided her with long-lasting friendships.
She was a member of Holy Family-St William Parish in Wittenberg, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector for a number of years. She was also a part of Holy Family Council of Catholic Women, the Wittenberg Planning Commission, the Wittenberg Chamber of Commerce and held offices in Maple Hills Golf Course Ladies’ League. An avid animal lover, Bonnie adopted and made a home for many cats during her lifetime.
In retirement, Bonnie continued to be active in the Wittenberg community. She volunteered at the Alpha House, Wittenberg Food Pantry and Wittenberg Area Historical Society and helped to lead Strong Bones exercise classes. Her favorite pastimes were traveling, reading and golfing.
She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Deo; daughters Jessica (Marco Espinoza) Almazar of Schofield, Wisconsin, and Annie (Joshua Penfield) Almazar of Tacoma, Washington; four beautiful granddaughters Eva Espinoza-Almazar, Ina Espinoza-Almazar, Amelia Penfield and Beatrice Penfield; her sister Amy Liebold of Enola, Pennsylvania, and brother George (Jackie) Petersen of Dillonvale, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents (George and Frances Petersen); sister (Mary Gay Vaughn); and infant brother (Willard Petersen).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, at Holy Family St William Catholic Church, Wittenberg. Fr. Matthew Settle will presided. Burial will be in Holy Family Catholic Cemetery, Wittenberg. Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, and again on Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at SchmidtSchulta.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bonnie’s name may be made to: Wittenberg Food Pantry, Wittenberg Area Historical Society, or the Shawano County Humane Society in honor of Mike, Bonnie’s special cat companion.
With her compassionate, kind and friendly nature, Bonnie touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
Donnamae Rosenow
Donnamae I. Rosenow, 87, of Wittenberg died on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born to Harvey and Erma (Griepentrog) Mathison on Sept. 19, 1932, in the town of Fairbanks, Shawano County.
On Sept. 29, 1951, Donnamae was united in marriage to LaVerne Rosenow in Tigerton. He preceded her in death on Jan. 13, 1998.
Donnamae was a homemaker and also ran the family business, Evergreen Dairy. In her later years, she was a greeter at Walmart in Shawano and also enjoyed working as in the kitchen at Tangle Horn bar in Eland. Donnamae enjoyed feeding and watching the birds. She was a member of the former St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Bowler, and currently a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wittenberg. Donnamae was very social and loved spending time and visiting with her friends and family.
Donnamae is survived by her children, Gregory Rosenow of Eland, Ricky (friend Deborah) Rosenow of Wittenberg, Rhonda (Ronald) Roth of Eland and Renae (James) Gabor of Elderon; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-greatgrandchildren; siblings, Vernadine Breier of New London and Lloyd (Sue) Mathison of Fremont; sister-in-law, Fay Rosenow of Wittenberg, as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Donnamae was preceded in death by her husband; parents; daughter-in-law, Deb and brothers-in-law, Glenn Breier and Ronald Rosenow.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wittenberg. Rev. Sharon Fox-Bogen will officiate. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Tigerton. 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.
