Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Harvey Ohde
Harvey H. Ohde, 75, of Wausau went home to his Lord on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Benedictine Living Center, Wausau.
He was born June 15, 1944, in the town of Rib Falls, son of the late Louis and Bernadine (Wilde) Ohde. On Dec. 16, 1972, he married Linda Bacon in Wausau. She survives.
Harvey worked at numerous lumber companies and also in area shang gardens. Some of his favorite pastimes included being with family and friends, playing cards, watching westerns, “The Price is Right” and “Wheel of Fortune.” He also enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting.
Harvey served his country in the United States Army from 1969 until 1971 during the Vietnam War.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Ohde, Wausau, his children, Terri (Brad) Kankelfitz, Susan Ohde and Charlotte (Matt) Stenberg, his grandchildren, Erica Ohde, Corwin, Kankelfitz, KayLee Kankelfitz, and Tamara Stenberg. Harvey is further survived by his siblings, Roger (Diane) Wilde, Pleasant Prairie, Jerry (Ann) Ohde, Wausau, Norbert (Roxanne) Ohde, Wausau, Diane (Ronny) Schulz, Wausau and sister-in-law, Sharon Ohde, Wausau and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Merlin and Johnny, stepdaughter, LeAnn Bacon and niece Joyce Rohmeyer.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 5, 2020, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Wausau. The Rev. Eric Hauan will officiate. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, town of Berlin. Friends may call on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services, all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements.
Harvey’s family would like to send a special thanks to Harvey’s best friend James Kohnhorst and also to Palliative Care and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services and all the loving caretakers at Benedictine Living Center for the outstanding care they gave to Harvey during his time with them.
James “Jim” Sommer
James “Jim” A. Sommer, 79, Athens, died Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born Dec. 18, 1940, in Poniatowski, son of the late Joseph and Frieda (Post) Sommer.
Jim was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Edgar. He was a lifetime member of the North Central Wisconsin Steam and Engine Club. Among his favorite pastimes, he liked to play cards with his friends and enjoyed his beer at room temperature.
Jim was a “Jack of all trades,” always willing to help someone in need. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include two children, Kevin Sommer, Marathon, and Lisa Sommer, Tennessee; two granddaughters, Billi Jo and Billi Jac Ninabuck; four great-grandchildren, Melodi, Jonavan, Jaylei and Jessilynn; and two sisters, Marlene Seehafer, Marathon and Elaine Berna, Montana.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Gunnar; and his brother, Gerald.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2020, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. Rev. Thomas Huff will preside. Visitation will be on Monday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. Full military honors will be conducted by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Edgar.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Choua Chang
Choua T. Chang, 59, Wausau, died on Feb. 20, 2020, at Marshfield Medical Center. She was surrounded by family as she had taken her last breath.
Choua was born on Jan. 4, 1961, in Laos to Chia Tong Thao and May Chang Thao. She was the fourth child out of eight. She had arrived to the United States on Aug. 16, 1976, along with two brothers and one sisters; the rest of her family followed afterward. She had gone straight into the workforce to support her family. She married and had lived in a couple of states before her final destination in Wausau, Wisconsin. She had 10 children with her ex-husband.
Choua was a faithful woman of God. She loved her family deeply. She loved to talk with friends and family. She loved reconnecting with lost friends and family through social media. She was usually found around the house cleaning and taking care of her many house plants. In the summer, she would be outside taking care of her mini-garden and chatting with friends from afar. She would also be found doing her paj ntaub, Hmong cross-stitching.
Choua is survived by her children; Union (Sandy Lor) Chang, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kanyour Chang, Wausau, Nally (Al) Christianson, Appleton, Khua Nue (Kong) Thao, Fridley, Minnesota, Alexander Chang, Wausau, Nkaujyes (Pao) Lee, Appleton, Paaj Nyaj (Nhia) Yang, Appleton, Joseph Chang, Wausau, Paaj Yeeb (Tou) Vang, Sheboygan, and Peter Chang, Wausau; as well as her grandchildren Dru Russel, Dhani Russel, Anee Thao, Pana Thao, Laura Thao, Connie Thao, Kyra Blackwell, Alexis Christianson, Dalena Vang, Jaidan Lee and Aroz Yang.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one older sister.
Visitation will be on Sunday, March 1, 2020, from 9 a.m to 10 p.m at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau. A funeral service will be at the funeral home on Monday, March 2, 2020, at 9 a.m before burial at Restlawn Memorial Park.
Elsie Zietlow
Elsie E. Zietlow, 87, town of Rib Falls, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020.
She was born Dec. 22, 1932, in the town of Mosinee, daughter of the late Paul and Emilie (Gruetzmacher) Ahrens. On June 23, 1956, she married Delbert Zietlow at St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church Marathon. He preceded her in death on Nov. 30, 2014.
Elsie enjoyed her role as a homemaker and was a long time member of the St. John Ladies Aid.
Survivors include three sons, Duane (Laurie) Zietlow, Rib Mountain, Larry (Lori) Zietlow, Rib Falls, and Rodney (Susan) Zietlow, Rib Falls; seven grandchildren, Amber Michur, Lindsey (Chris) Doman, Mallory (Tou Bee) Yang, Brandon Lee, Kristin Zietlow, Michelle (Jesse) Knetter and Stacy Zietlow; four great-grandchildren, Ethan, Naamah, Cameron and Brynn; two sisters, Hilda Bukovic, Mosinee and Clara (Melvin) Ahrens, Glendale; one brother, Paul Ahrens, Greenfield; one sister-in-law, Delores Stasak, Wausau; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and husband, Delbert, she was preceded in death by her infant brother, Alfred; and two brothers-in-law, Arthur Stasak and Benjamin Bukovic.
Funeral services will be at noon on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rib Falls. Rev. Terry Reich will officiate. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. Private burial will be in the church cemetery at a later date.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Wendell Kufahl
Wendell Lee Kufahl, 67, of Wausau passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, at his home.
He was born on Oct. 15, 1952, in Wausau to the late Charles and Dorothy (Brandt) Kufahl. Wendell grew up in Wausau and was a 1970 graduate of Wausau Senior High School. Most of his career was spent as a disc jockey/radio announcer on WJMT where he was known as Dell Grant. Wendell also helped on the family farm and most recently was employed by Menards. In his free time, he enjoyed watching NFL football, was a fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Badgers, and liked reading.
Survivors include his brothers, Darwin (Debbie) Kufahl of Wausau, Perry (Shelley) Kufahl of Wausau, and Steve Kufahl of Mosinee; two nephews; three nieces; and three great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dorothy Kufahl.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, village of Maine, with Rev. Joel Willitz officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be at a later date in Maple Grove Cemetery, village of Maine.
You may sign the family guestbook at helke.com.
Dorothy Sindelar
Dorothy Sindelar, 97, of Wausau passed away Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, at Benedictine Living Center under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
She was born June 27, 1922, in Wausau to the late Anthony and Gertrude (Olson) Sindelar. Dorothy graduated from Wausau High School in 1940. She was employed in the offices of Pied Piper Shoe Co., Larson Cleaners, D.J. Murray and worked 20 years at the Wisconsin State Employment Service.
In her younger days, she liked to play tennis, golf and bowl. She also enjoyed flower gardening, crafts and teaching macramé at the YWCA. Dorothy volunteered at the Talent Shop for 10 years.
Survivors include cousins and friends and special friends who were very helpful, Ethel Riehbrandt and Stella Schumann.
According to her wishes, there will be no funeral service. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to your favorite charity.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff of Benedictine Living Center and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their compassionate care for Dorothy.
Carri Szews
Carri A. Szews, 60, of Hatley died on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau.
Carri was born on Oct. 14, 1959, in Wausau, the daughter of Ronald and Barbara (Alt) Brunner.
On Nov. 5, 1977, Carri was united in marriage to Randy Szews at St. Therese Catholic Church, Schofield.
Carri worked at the Mosinee Paper Mill for 25 years. She enjoyed music of all kinds. Carri revolved her whole life around her family and will be remembered as a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother.
Carri is survived by her husband; Randy, mother Barbara Brunner of Schofield; three children, Angie Szews of Boise, Idaho, Max (Sara) Szews of Weston, and Courtney Szews of Weston; two grandchildren, Rolley and Leah Szews; two siblings, Bruce (Donna Minter) Brunner of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Kristin Brunner of Denver, Colorado, as well as many other close family and friends.
Carri was preceded in death by her father, Ronald Brunner, and father and mother-in-law, Ernest and Mary Jane Szews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley.
Rev. Gregory Bohren will preside. Burial will be in parish cemetery, Hatley. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Mary Ann Peters
Mary Ann Peters died peacefully, with loving family at her side, shortly before her 87th birthday.
She was born in Stoughton, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of the late Marguerite (Sette) and Arnold Robertson.
She married Dufur (Duff) Peters in 1957. He preceded her in death in 2007.
Mary Ann’s family include her four children Dale (Pam) Peters of Thompson Falls, Montana; Kurt (Deb) Peters of Duluth, Minnesota; Marla (Rick) Harrmann of Canon City, Colorado; and Betsy (Jeff) Wolding of Neenah, Wisconsin. Nine grandchildren Delcie (Jake) Womack, Hannah Peters; Sam, Ellie, and Joey Peters; Mackenzie (Chris) Jones, Kennedy Harrmann; and Tanner and Bailey Wolding. Also two great-grandchildren: Mary Jane and Owen Jones, and three sisters: Karen (Maury) Gifford of Raleigh, North Carolina; Janet Robertson of Madison, Wisconsin; and Jeanne (Roger) Cohee of Oregon, Wisconsin.
Mary Ann was raised on a farm. Her three younger sisters admired her talents, intelligence and courage. She graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, with a teaching degree. She and Duff met at a church social event in Milwaukee where they were both teachers. Their four children were born in Merrill. Mary Ann dedicated her life to caring for her family, serving the Lord, and helping others. The family moved to Wittenberg in 1970. Mary Ann was an enthusiastic volunteer and leader in 4-H, ELCA church women’s group, Sunday School, and auxiliary at Homme Home for the Aging. She and Duff opened their home and hearts willingly. A few troubled youths were lucky to be taken in by them when the Lord saw there was a need. Their many friends and family knew they could always drop in at Duff and Mary Ann’s for a good visit, a home cooked meal of vegetables from the garden, game from the woods, and a freshly baked pie.
Friends and family near and far were never surprised to have them stop in. Everyone has great memories of playing board games with Mary Ann. She had a sharp mind, quick wit and adventurous spirit. She loved singing in choirs and was an accomplished clarinet player in high school and college. Mary Ann’s lifelong interests included sewing, quilting, baking, gardening, reading, exhibiting in the county fair and traveling. Although her Parkinson’s disease limited her physical ability to continue these interests the last several years, she enjoyed occupying herself reading cookbooks and recipes, writing in notations and comments as she always had.
She was kind, unassuming, and fearless in life, never complaining about the limitations her disease caused. Mary Ann was blessed to have been cared for by many wonderful people at Homme Home, Evergreen Retirement Community in Oshkosh, and Generations Hospice.
Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wittenberg, Wisconsin. A hymn sing will be held at 2:45 p.m. in the sanctuary followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 3 p.m. Pastor Sharon Fox Bogen will be officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Moland Lutheran Cemetery, Mason, Wisconsin.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Mary Ann’s name.
