Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Lenore Gertschen
Lenore M. Gertschen, 92, of Wausau passed away peacefully at Hospice House on March 7, 2020, just one month after her husband.
She was born to the late Melven and Myrtle (Plautz) Arnette on July 25, 1927. She spent most of her life teaching fifth grade at Franklin Elementary School where she touched many lives. When out in public, she would often be stopped by former students to share childhood memories.
Lenore married Gerald Gertschen on July 22, 1950, and together they traveled the world with Polka Productions. They had three children, all of whom survive: Robert (Chris) Gertschen, Patty (Tom) Hall and David Gertschen. She is further survived by two grandchildren: Katie Allen and Mark Hall; two great-grandchildren: Gavin Hall and Russell Allen; and sisters: Rose (Bob) Koehler and Annie (Ray) Jahns. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Gerald. Lenore’s most favorite times involved family traditions and being with family. They will miss her greatly.
It was Lenore’s request that no services be held. Private family burial will be held at a later date.
Brainard Funeral Home-Wausau Chapel is assisting the family. To share memories and condolences with her family, please visit brainardfuneral.com.
LeRoy Stanosz
LeRoy A. Stanosz, 89, of Weston died on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Care Partners, in Weston, Wisconsin.
LeRoy was born on Sept. 3, 1930, to the late Joseph and Casmira (nee Kalinowicz) Stanosz. He married Dora Lee Couey on Nov. 22, 1952, and she preceded him in death on July 27, 2014.
LeRoy was a graduate of Boy’s Tech High School (now Milwaukee Technical School) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Macomb Community College in Warren, Michigan. LeRoy proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve on the U.S.S. Missouri during the Korean Conflict. He worked many years as a Model Maker/Pattern Maker for the Fisher Body Division of General Motors and retired from GM as a Clay Designer.
LeRoy is survived by his three children, Keith Stanosz – Schofield, Wisconsin, Linda (Al) Manka – Franklin, Wisconsin, and Lori (Russel) Erickson – Weston, Wisconsin.
Besides his wife, LeRoy was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Gleason and brothers, Donald and Eugene.
Per LeRoy’s wishes, a private family burial will take place at a later date where he will be laid to rest and reunited with his beloved wife at Peaceful Pines Cemetery in Mosinee. Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at brainardfuneral.com.
Arnold Steidinger
Arnold H. Steidinger, 80, of Wausau joined his Lord in Heaven on March 6, 2020, with his wife of 59 years by his side, after a brief battle with cancer.
Arnie was born in Rib Falls, Wisconsin, at home on Sept. 18, 1939, to the late Otto and Alma (Natzke) Steidinger. He married the woman of his dreams- Carol Koelsch on Oct. 15, 1960. He grew up in Hamburg and graduated in 1957 from Merrill High School. Arnie wanted to serve his country by joining the military. He joined the Army National Guard but was honorably medically discharged after finding an open skull fracture that never allowed Arnie to deploy. Arnie and his dad started Steidinger Oil Co. in Athens, a family business, in 1957 and sold in 1999 after 42 years. He also drove school bus in Athens for 25 years during his time in the family business. Arnie and Carol lived and worked together in Athens until 2015 when they sold their house and moved to Wausau. He loved attending and was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, where he was a mentor to first- and second-graders. He loved being there for the children, and they called him “Mr. Arnie.” After retiring in 1999, Arnold worked at Dunham & Loomis Fargo driving a truck and ended his career at Truck Country, where he delivered parts. Trucking was a joyful second career for Arnie.
He had many hobbies but was especially fond of reading a good book and working his way around a computer. He was an avid sports fan and found therapy in cutting the lawn when living in Athens. Arnie will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Arnie is survived by his wife Carol Steidinger; daughter Kimberly (Tom Ratka) Sommer; granddaughter Alexandra Sommer; sister Dorothea Woller; sister-in-laws Dinah (Dave) Finney and Suzanne (Wayne) Krueger; brother-in-law LeRoy (Angie Dewitt) Koelsch; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother Arthur Steidinger; brother-in-laws Loyd Woller and Tom Cooley; and sister-in-law Elaine Steidinger.
A Celebration of Arnie’s Life will be held Sunday, March 22, 2020, at 3 p.m. at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson St., Weston, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held form 1 p.m. until the time of service. Pastor Ray Connor will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending memorials to Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, or to cancer research.
With deep gratitude, we wish to thank Pastor Ray Connor, Pastor Lance Hoelscher and Pastor Mark for their wonderful visits and prayers and to three very special nurses at Aspirus — Brittany, Karen and Lorraine.
Brainard Funeral Home- Everest Chapel is assisting the family. To share memories and condolences, please visit brainardfuneral.com.
Diane Blume
Diane M. Blume (Dirks), 67, of Marathon passed away in her home under hospice care on March 1, 2020.
Diane was born on Aug. 27, 1952, to Oscar and Leila Dirks. She married Mark Blume on Jan. 5, 1991.
Later in life she went back to school to get her degree in health and human services from NTC. She worked as a counselor at Northern Valley Workshop. She enjoyed her work, as well as spending time with family and friends. Diane was an avid gardener, baker and enjoyed canning pickles.
Diane is survived in death by her husband Mark Blume, two daughters Rebecca Sonntag and Amanda (Bryce) Erdman, three grandchildren RaeAnna, Jace and Grace, and her siblings, Ken (Jean) Dirks, Justine (Robert Sr.) Stolze, Ronald (Suzanne) Dirks, Nancy (Mark) Loker, Daniel Dirks, Annette (Patrick) Krautkramer, her in-laws, Andrew (Nancy) Blume, Thomas (Georgine) Blume, Barbara (John) Willoughby, Linda Szymanski, Kathleen (James) Sicklinger and Joseph (Rebecca) Blume and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Oscar and Leila Dirks and her son Jeremy Sonntag.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2020, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon. Private family services will take place on Friday, March 13, 2020. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Mae Mathwich
Mae L. Mathwich, 91, of the town of Berlin passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2020, while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at the Hospice House, Wausau.
She was born May 1, 1928, in the town of Hamburg, daughter of the late Arnold and Herta (Plisch) Voigt. On Sept. 11, 1948, she married Vernon Mathwich at St. Peter Lutheran Church, town of Hamburg. He survives.
Mae worked many years on the family farm prior to devoting her life to caring for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many neighborhood kids who held a special place in her heart. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who always put the needs of others first. She was a great example for her family and all who knew her. She enjoyed sewing and knitting and no matter how big the challenge, always took on any mending brought her way. She had a gentle and caring demeanor that made everyone around her feel special. If you visited Mae, you knew you would be greeted with a smile, there would always be chocolate chip cookies in the cookie jar, and you never left without a hug.
Survivors include her husband, Vernon Mathwich, town of Berlin, her loving children, Patricia (Earl) Vorpagel III, Green Bay, Allyn (Pam) Mathwich, Wausau, and Jaclyn (Scott Grund) Dehnel, Wausau, daughter-in-law ArDonna Mathwich (Jeff Toldness), Marathon, 13 grandchildren; Shaun (Susan) Mathwich, Chad (Jamie) Mathwich, Brad (Jill) Mathwich, Dane (Samantha) Mathwich, Jason (Ann) Bartelt, Bailey Morse, Rachel Vorpagel, Hannah (Tyler) Krueger, Earl Vorpagel IV, Nathan (Amy) Mathwich, Ryan (Stephanie) Mathwich, Rebecca (Craig) Klumpyan and Jeremiah (Heidi) Dehnel and 22 great grandchildren; Mikayla, Parker, Devin, Bryce, Hailey, Alyssa, Nolan, Eliana, Delaney, Casey, Carter, Eleanor, Ryder, Sydney, Jacob, Nevaeh, Charlie, Carson, Chase, Brett, Deacon and Miley. She is further survived by her siblings, Lorraine Rusch, Wausau, Lola Schmidt, Wittenberg and Carl Voigt, town of Hamburg along with many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents she was preceded in death by one son, Michael Mathwich and her siblings, Doris Staus, Delores Scheu, Marion Haehlke, Earl Voigt, Donald Voigt, Lois Achtenberg and Edward Voigt.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 135237 County Road A, Marathon. The Rev. Philip Bogen will officiate. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, town of Stettin. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2020, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau, and again on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a prayer service at 8 p.m. Thursday evening at the Stewart Avenue funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Elaine Margaret (Roubal) Loos
Our Mother’s life journey ended March 6, 2020.
Living to the age of 95 was quite an accomplishment! Elaine was born June 20, 1924, in Eland, Wisconsin, to John and Christine (Henningsen) Roubal. John’s job with Northwestern Railroad took the family to Antigo, Wisconsin, where Elaine grew up with two sisters, Violet and Doris.
As a young girl, Elaine enjoyed being active, whether it was climbing trees in the yard, or playing tennis at the high school. Elaine also found a great love for music, playing clarinet in the marching band. Despite being diagnosed with tuberculosis at 13 and missing a year of school, Elaine was able to continue her education and graduated from Antigo High School.
Elaine married Henry Charles Loos of Aniwa, Wisconsin, on Oct. 19, 1946, at St. Mary’s Church in Antigo. Henry and Elaine raised their family of six children in Wausau, and owned Marathon Carpet and Linoleum in Wausau, until Henry’s retirement.
Together they enjoyed going out for fish fries, dancing, bowling, traveling and going “up north.” They had a summer home in Hazelhurst, and eventually retired in the Minocqua community. Elaine worked at Krist Oil and Woodruff Pharmacy in retirement, and once again enjoyed outdoor activity by deciding to learn the game of golf at age 60. Taking lessons and joining league play helped her discover a love for the sport, that she was fortunate to enjoy for many years.
Elaine and Henry were married 48 years when Henry passed away in February 1995. At that time, Elaine moved back to Wausau, and worked part time at Shopko Pharmacy for several years to stay busy. Health issues eventually forced her to finally retire from her working career at age 76.
Elaine was the last surviving member of her family, and Henry’s large family of 11 brothers and sisters, including their spouses. Elaine is survived by her six children: John (Connie) Loos, Wausau; Charlotte (Sam) Gassner, Marathon; Dan (Kim) Loos, Weston; Christine (Larry) Kedrowski, Athens; Mark (Sandy) Loos, Wausau; Ginny (Ken) Nienow, Wausau.
Elaine is further survived by 13 wonderful grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, eight step-great-grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews would also like to acknowledge Elaine’s life journey.
She is now in the hands of the Lord, may He bless her and keep her safe through eternity.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts for Elaine may directed to Ginny Loos Nienow.
Our family would personally like to thank Wellington Place where Mom resided for the past six years.
Their staff was very caring and loving. Thanks to Inclusa (Community Care) for their financial guidance.
And a very special thank you for Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
Peterson/Kramer Funeral Home in Wausau is assisting the family with arrangements. Services will be held on Friday March 13, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Peterson Kraemer Funeral, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau, Wisconsin. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of services all at the funeral home. Luncheon to follow for family and friends.
Allen “Al” Schuster
Allen Nick “Al” “Butch” Schuster, 76, of Mosinee, formerly of Marathon, died Friday, March 6, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a year and a half long battle starting with gum cancer, then lymphoma and the last six months battling his bladder cancer that came back, even after being clear of it for 13 years. Always staying positive that he would be able to go back to work.
He was born Septe. 10, 1943, in Wausau, son of the late Alphonse and Irene (Heil) Schuster. He married Linda (Fremming) Geoffrey on Oct. 16, 2004.
Although Allen never served in the military, he served his country as a dairy farmer. He farmed in the township of Cassel as a young man on the family farm. Allen hauled milk cans for Cassel Garden Cheese factory for six and a half years. While Allen farmed, he also worked at Marathon Cheese Corp., Marathon, first working in the plant and then became part of the driving fleet. Making most of his runs to New Ulm, Minnesota, Greenwood, Wisconsin, and Springfield, Missouri. He still tells stories of his trips to his family.
After Allen lost his right arm at the age of 26 in a farming accident, he still continued to work for Marathon Cheese for a short while, before purchasing a farm a few miles down the same road as the family farm, which he owned for four years. He then purchased his father’s farm. Allen also worked at Menzner Lumber in Marathon for approximately 15 years. Some of the other jobs Allen also had to help make ends meet were County Market, working nights for a short while, and Marshfield Clinic for nine years on the cleaning service. And lastly at Sam’s Club in Rib Mountain.
Allen was the type of person who could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was very hard working and never let his disability get in his way. He was a great example to his children and grandchildren, to work hard and have good work ethics.
Allen had a love for John Deere tractors and had a 1952 John Deere 520 tractor restored, that was purchased brand new by his father, Alphonse. He passed that love of John Deere tractors down to his daughter and grandchildren and great grandchildren. The last several years taking his John Deere 520, and several other tractors he purchased over the years, John Deere MT, John Deere M, and John Deere B, to the North Central Wisconsin Antique Steam and Gas Engine Show in Edgar. Allen also enjoyed going to polka dances in his younger years and also listening to polka music. Allen also enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, Alaska and Hawaii with his wife, Linda.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Schuster, Mosinee, son Allen Mark Schuster, Marathon, daughter, Ann (Earl) Mroczenski, Wausau, two sisters, Ernestine Grohall and Jean Reisner and his brother, Norbert (Alice) Schuster, five grandchildren, Kaylea (Nick) Kennedy, Nick Schuster, Tia (Wesley) Napierala, Brandon (Monica) Schuster, Eric Mroczenski, five great grandchildren, Hope Napierala, Keoni Kennedy, Layla Napierala, Brooklyn Kennedy and Nia Napierala.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, William Reisner and Edward Grohall, by Linda’s mother, Dee Fremming and his sister-in-law, Karen Hitz.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 12, 2020, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. The Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, and again on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish rosary service at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Marathon funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Robert Felts
Robert R. Felts, 95, laid his head to rest with the Lord on Thursday, March 5, 2020. He was born on Nov. 17, 1924, in Tilleda, Shawano County, Wisconsin, to Claude P. and Rose M. (Maas) Felts. He married his high school sweetheart, Almina H. Domke on July 19, 1947, at Peace Lutheran Church, Tilleda. They were married 42 years.
Bob was a dairy farmer for 42 years, maple syrup producer (Felts Sugarbush), community-minded person, hunter, tenor in the church choir, Sweet Adline chorus photographer, basketball referee, bowler and jokester. He held many offices; church, Central Wisconsin Electric Coop, and school boards. There are just too many to list. He loved to dance, sing, drink dark beer, and cheer for the Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers.
He was a man who would ask you for a kiss and then reach into his pocket to pull out a Hershey’s “kiss” – just to get a smile.
Bob is survived by four children; Bruce (Marcia) Felts, Alice (Cindy) Felts, Dennis (Judy) Felts and Carla (Eugene) Clark Jr. He had eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Almina; parents Claude and Rose Felts and his brother and sister-in-law, Florian (Lillian) Felts.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at Peace Lutheran Church in Tilleda. Rev. Lois Graper will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home of Wittenberg is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Myron Albrent
Myron J. Albrent, 85, of Hatley, died on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Mountview Care Center, Wausau, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services, Wausau.
Myron was born on June 11, 1934, in Hatley, the son of Edward and Jeanette (Czech) Albrent. Myron honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1957. On June 8, 1957, he was united in marriage to Shirley Christiansen in Rothschild. The couple owned and operated the Hatley Hotel from 1983 to 1988.
Myron worked at the former American Can and later Weyerhaeuser for 20 years. He then was employed by the D.C. Everest School District as a custodian, retiring in 2004.
Myron enjoyed working on lawnmowers and fixing things. He was a member of St. Florian’s Catholic Parish, Hatley.
Myron is survived by his daughter, Shirlyn ‘Toots’ (Chris) Krull of Birnamwood; three grandsons, Corey (Heather) Krull, Tyler (Kelly) Krull and Matthew (Robyn) Krull; eight great-grandchildren, Chase, Harper, Levi, Carter, Everett, Colt, Camden and a new grandson soon. He is also survived by his sister, Irene Tiegs of Grafton; special friend Helen Eron and sisters-in-law, Lila Albrent, Christie Moratti, Judy (Elvern) Schickert, Joanie (Ronald) Dombrowski, Faye (George) Mosher, Betty Christiansen and Ann Christiansen; brother-in-law David (Bonnie) Christiansen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Myron was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brother Eugene Albrent; sisters-in-law Ruth and Bernadine and brothers-in-law, Gordon, Ronald and Reuben.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., on Monday, March 16, 2020, at St. Florian’s Catholic Parish, Hatley. Fr. Gregory Bohren will preside.
Burial will be in the parish cemetery with military rites conducted by the Elderon Memorial Post #8068 VFW.
Visitation will be on Sunday from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the church and again on Monday, from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Myron’s family would like to thank the staff at Mountview Care Center along with the staff of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services for the wonderful care provided to Myron and his family.
