Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Harold “Jack” Baumann
Harold “Jack” H. Baumann, 89, of Weston passed away on March 8, 2020, at Primrose Memory Care, Weston.
He was born in Marathon County on Aug. 30, 1930, to the late Fredrick and Hattie (Steffan) Baumann. He married Joan Beyer on July 25, 1955, enjoying 45 years together. Joan preceded Harold in death in 2000.
Harold worked in the timber industry as a logger, lumber grader and selling Christmas trees for many years. He had a passion for hunting, fishing and working in the woods. Most important to Harold were his friends and family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Harold is survived by his children, Myron (Patrice) Baumann, Susan (Kevin) Cosentino, and Patrick (Jill) Baumann. He is also survived by his grandchildren Joshua (Kim) Baumann, Noah (Heather) Baumann, Hannah (Nate Belisle – fiancé) Baumann, Olivia (Spencer Hauck – significant other) Cosentino and step Grandchildren, Paul (Kara) Lehman, Michael (Jessie – fiancé) Lehman and Thomas (Bobbi) Lehman. Harold also had three step-great-grandchildren, Ethan, Shawn, and Mary Lehman.
He was also proceeded in death by his brother Herman Baumann and his sister Rose Schreiber.
A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020, at Christ Lutheran Church, 1300 Townline Road, Wausau. Pastor David Wetmore will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the church. Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park. Family and friends may go to helke.com to leave an online condolence.
Memorials in Harold’s memory may be directed to St. Croix Hospice, who cared for Harold in his final days. The family would like to thank both Primrose Memory Care and St. Croix Hospice workers for taking such great care of him during his stay and final days. You made it much easier for Harold’s journey.
John Binder Jr.
John Jacob Binder Jr., 93, of Wausau entered his heavenly resting place on March 9, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on Sept. 27, 1926, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to the late John and Esther (Goodman) Binder. Later, he moved to Tomahawk, Wisconsin. John married the love of his life, Donna Wilcox, on Oct. 23, 1954, in Rhinelander. They chose to reside in Wausau and raise their four children. John was employed by Canteen Vending and later GB Vending for over 30 years. He retired at age 65.
John served his country in the U.S. Army beginning in 1950 to 1952. He was also a member of Foursquare Gospel Church for many years.
Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Donna; sons, Gary (Mary) Binder of Schofield and David (Brenda) Binder of Wausau; daughters, Carma Czerwinski of St. Germain and Rita (John) Wakeen of Weston; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers, Bradley, Teddy, and Wally; sisters, Marge, Nancy, and Sharyn; and many nieces, nephews, and relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Esther Binder; sister, Carol; and uncle, Junior.
A funeral service will be at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau. Visitation will begin at noon until the time of service in the funeral home. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Montgomery-Plant-Dudley Post 10 following the service. A luncheon will be held at Thrive Church (formerly Christian Assembly).
You may sign the family guestbook at helke.com.
Our entire family would like to thank the staff at Mount View Care Center for the wonderful care of my husband and our father. Especially Duke and Sue, you are both gems.
Joanne Schroeder
Joanne M. Schroeder, 84, of Wausau passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2020, at Ascension Saint Clare’s Hospital, Weston.
She was born on March 9, 1935, in Door County, the daughter of the late Eric and Violet (Guth) Kell. On Dec. 8, 1955, she married Allen A. Schroeder at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau. He preceded her in death on Oct. 9, 2012.
Joanne was a Wausau school bus driver for over 30 years, where she was affectionately referred to as “Grandma Jo.” She enjoyed sewing, playing cards and gardening. Above all else, Joanne loved spending time with her family.
Survivors include five children, Eugene (Bev) Schroeder of Minnesota, Duane Schroeder of Wausau, Terri (Jim) Radke of Mosinee, Deb (Dave) Zahrt of Ringle, and Sandy (David) Stolze of Wausau; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Sue (Mike) Matuszak; and stepsister, Carol Hazen.
Memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 238537 Del Rio Road (7505 N. 33rd St.), town of Wausau. Rev. Russ Kampfer will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers memorials may directed to a charity of your choice in Joanne’s memory.
Marilyn Arendt
Marilyn Louise Arendt died peacefully surrounded by family on March 9 at the Edgewater Nursing Home in Port Edwards, Wisconsin. Born a daughter to Walter A. Rose and Mabel E. Rose on May 10, 1925, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Marilyn is survived by children Karen (Glenn Roncal) Prescher, Michael (Marjorie) Prescher, Gerard (Luanne) Prescher, Holly (Don) Beermann, Bonnie (Dan) Dhein, Steven (Johanna) Prescher, Sally Prescher, Ralph Jr. (Shirley) Prescher, and stepchildren Thomas (Ann) Arendt, Norman (Lucy) Arendt, Helen Christianson, sister in law Rosalee (Jerry) Nash, grandchildren Alexander, Michael, Matthew, Kristie, Dale, Brian, Brett, Cameron, Jacob, Tiffany, Tracy, Angela, Jennifer, Justin, Krista, Ilona, John, Owen. Also survived by twenty great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Further survived by other loving friends.
Marilyn’s life was centered round her family, which always included each member’s boyfriends, girlfriends, work colleagues, bridge partners, friends of friends, and activity buddies at the nursing home, as well as, all the dogs that accompanied her circle of family and friends. She knit thousands of afghans, loved playing cards, read voraciously, welcomed any outing, and truly was a social butterfly. She was an engaging listener and welcomed everyone with an infectious smile as if she had not seen them in years. She lived her 94-years of life to the fullest and left a legacy of love.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mabel; her sister, Patricia; her husband Clarence Arendt; first husband and father to her children, Ralph Prescher; and two grandchildren, Josh Alderman and Travis Prescher.
A very special thank you to the staff at Edgewater Nursing Home who have made her last two years full of happiness with their loving care and support.
And lastly our mother was a talented, loving and tremendously giving mother who gave her eight children moral compass in which to live our lives.
She will be remembered in our hearts always.
Funeral service will be at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 631 E. Grand Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, on Friday, March 13, 2020. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Michelle Nickodemus officiating.
Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com.
Katie Wilhelm
Katie Therese Wilhelm, 32, passed away from an undetected heart issue on Sunday, March 8, 2020. She was born to Joseph and the late Cindy (Woodward) Wilhelm in Wausau, Wisconsin, on Sept. 23, 1987.
Katie was educated through the D.C. Everest school system, graduating in 2006. She worked from her home for UMR so she could be readily available for her two sons.
She is survived by the love of her life Jon Degenhardt; her sons Eli and Cole Degenhardt; their ever-faithful yellow Lab Louie; parents Joe and Lois Wilhelm; brother Michael Wilhelm (Beth Wilhelm); nieces Kelsey and Callyn Wilhelm; stepsisters Sarah Klein (Sean Nelson) and Kristen Jonet (Nathaniel Jonet); nephew Theodore and niece Margot Jonet; Jon’s mother Heidi Ihm; Jon’s brother Tim Ihm; and sister Jamie Degenhardt and Jamie’s sons.
Those who have gone before her are her mother Cindy Wilhelm; and grandparents Theresa and Quentin Woodward, and Kathrine and Frank Wilhelm.
Katie was known and loved by many. She would come prepared to whatever event she was attending, whether it was one of the many sporting events for Eli and Cole, game nights with friends, or holidays with her family. Her arms would be filled with 31 bags packed to the brim with snacks of endless variety, a multitude of beverages and other essentials for that event. She was known to own every color of YETI cup. Her world revolved around her endless love for her sons Eli and Cole. Katie loved her music, one of her favorite lines from musician Eric Church was “Funny how a melody sounds like a memory.”
Services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2020, at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Ave., Schofield. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mass will follow on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 602 Military Road, Rothschild. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m., with Rev. Allan Slowiak officiating.
In lieu of flowers an educational fund has been set up for Eli and Cole Degenhardt at Incredible Bank.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com.
Janet Shimkus
Janet Mary Shimkus (Wanta) Schofield, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2020, surrounded by her daughters.
She is preceded in death by Todd Shimkus (son), Bertha Wanta (mother), Anton Wanta (father).
She leaves behind two daughters Kristi Miller, (Minnesota), Michell Sohiefelbein (Arizona) and four grandchildren Makena (Minnesota), Mahli (Florida), Coby (Arizona) and Cade (Arizona)
She will be missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring.
David Bielefed
David Bielefeld, 75, passed away on March 7, 2020, with his family by his side at Mount View Care Center in Schofield, Wisconsin.
David was born on June 8, 1945, in Warrensburg, Missouri, to Robert and Dorothy Bielefeld. He was their only child; well-behaved, but got into his fair share of mischief.
David grew up captivated by TV shows about cowboys and space exploration. His childhood curiosity turned into a lifelong love of research and medicine. He earned his PhD in physiology from University of Alabama, and published many medical research papers on diabetes. He would go on to teach the subject at Saba University School of Medicine, and earn his MD there.
In 1983, David began writing to the woman who would later become his wife, Hsiu-yeh (Tina). The two exchanged letters as part of an international pen pal program to improve Tina’s English. This relationship quickly blossomed into romance, and the two were married on Sept. 1, 1985.
David was a devoted, loving father. He would do anything for his children. He stayed up late at night to help with homework, dutifully attended sports competitions and concerts, and collected memorabilia of his children’s most important moments.
He loved to take walks, play tennis, listen to mystery novels, and watch classic movies and television. He ate a peanut butter sandwich nearly every day, and made the best spaghetti. David was brilliant, well-spoken, supportive and kind.
David is survived by his wife; three children, Jeffery Bielefeld of Forest Grove, Oregon, ShirMung Bielefeld of Brooklyn, New York, and ShirJia Bielefeld of Weston, Wisconsin; two grandchildren, Kristopher and Elliot Bielefeld of Forest Grove, Oregon. David was preceded in death by his parents.
Jeanette Wierzba
Jeanette M. Wierzba, 83, of Shantytown passed away peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2020, at her home surrounded by family.
Jeanette was born on March 30, 1936, in the town of Sharon to Victor Sr. and Martha (Goskowicz) Bembenek. She attended The George Washington School, St Adalbert’s Catholic School and graduated from Rosholt High School in 1954.
Her marriage to Frank C Wierzba Jr. took place at St. Adalbert’s Catholic Church in Rosholt on June 2, 1956.
Jeanette was a devoted wife to her husband, Frank, until his death last September. They worked along side each other raising their family and farming in Shantytown. Frank and Jeanette traveled to almost all the states and some areas of Canada and Mexico.
She loved gardening, always trying new vegetables and flowers to see them grow. Jeanette was an excellent cook and baker. Holidays were an important time for family and she always prepared a feast for all the family. Family mattered most, from the oldest child to the youngest great grandchild, each one was special.
Survivors include four sons: Leroy (aka-Kojak), Larry (Gayle), and Brian (LeeAnn) all of Shantytown, and Paul (Lisa) of Wittenberg. Three daughters: Shirley (Larry) Weir, Cynthia (Myron) Skierka of Stevens Point, and Nancy (David) Wojcik of Bevent. Jeanette was blessed with 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister Mary Ann (Albert) Eiden of Custer.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank, her parents, four brothers; Ben, Bill, Victor Jr. and Eugene.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent, with Fr. Augustine Bentil presiding. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. A Rosary will be prayed at 9 a.m. Visitation will follow until the time of Mass 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.
Jeanette wanted to send a special thank you to Sister Mary Ellen for all the prayers and visits to see me and also a special thank you to my seven special angels who took care of me day and night when I came home with hospice care. Love you all. Also to Aspirus Hospice staff for their great care, especially Donna and Liz.
Gene Wendlandt
Gene F. Wendlandt, 66, of Iola died peacefully at home on Friday, March 6, 2020, after complications from a radioactive spider bite, which lead to years of crime-fighting and a 5-month battle with a nefarious criminal named cancer, who has plagued our society for far too long. Civilians will recognize him best as spider man and thank him for his years of service protecting us all, even from ourselves.
Gene volunteered for the United States Air Force at the ripe age of 22, and immediately realized he didn’t much enjoy being bossed around. However, he very much enjoyed working on F-18s as a maintenance mechanic. Toward the end, he was begrudgingly forced to work on B-52s, which was not his cup of tea.
After 18 years, 3 months, 24 days (and 30 seconds to rip open the envelope), he was offered early retirement, at which he jumped at the chance to return home and finally be with his children, Bill and Mary. He retired as a Master Sergeant and was bestowed a generous number of medals and ribbons for his honorable acts during his service. Upon his return to Wisconsin, he worked for several years at the Waupaca Foundry.
Gene didn’t live an average life. He traveled where he wanted to travel, learned what he wanted to learn, fixed what he wanted to fix, laughed inappropriately at every chance, and loved who he wanted to love. He was the type of guy to be up at the crack of dawn, looking for coffee and banging on the door saying, “Day lights burning, let’s get moving!” With Geneo, you never knew where the day was going to lead but you might need a “Kitchen Pass,” to do it. Maybe you would do some car shopping, drive the Vet, buy a gun, fish or stop in at the casino. Don’t forget the endless jobs around the farm which had to be done “like yesterday.” When it was time to eat, you would be buying him dinner at Bill’s Pizza. Upon returning to Camp 101, a bonfire must be started, where he loved to sit and talk all night. He was known for his long and entertaining stories (the bear or the yeti, which still roam on the land), and he loved to repeat them LOUDLY and often! At the end of the night, he’d load up his dogs, Rocky, Geronimo, and Alpine to go home, but don’t worry he would be back at 4 a.m. ready for some coffee.
Gene referred to himself as Casanova King G.F.W. and had many lovely ladies in his life, particularly fancying smart women, fast cars, and all kinds of jewelry. He was blessed with two children, Bill and Mary, and grandson, Alexander (Little King). He was married to three wonderful ladies, to include their children, John and Danielle, and other grandchildren, Evan and Johanna.
Gene was never one for sentiment or religiosity, but would want you to know, if he owes you a beer and you find him in heaven, he will gladly allow you to buy him another. He’ll be there waiting with his loyal dogs passed out at his feet, Bert, Red Bart and Packer (the tire chewing, denture eating, alcoholic dog). Gene would urge us all to, “Do your best,” “Follow your arrow” and “Make something amazing out of your life!”
Well-wishers are encouraged to write a note of farewell on a Budweiser can and drink it in his honor.
Gene was preceded in death by parents Elmer and Agnes Wendlandt, and James and Josphine Wendlandt (brother and sister-in-law). He will be remembered by his children Bill (Melanie) Wendlandt, Mary Wagner (Vern Kratzke) and John Hoarn. His grandchildren Alexander Wagner and Evan Hoarn. Mikey (Janelle) Tryba, his lifelong best friend, Nancy Bailey (Sister) Johnny Wendlandt (brother), Lenny (Wanda) Wendlandt, Jason (Donna) Bailey, Sally, Joe Bailey, Adam, and many other family and friends. A very special thank you to Janet Irwin for her unwavering support.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday March 13, 2020, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Polonia, with military rites conducted by the Elderon Memorial Post #8068 VFW. Visitation will be on Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
The family requests memorials in the form of a plant or sapling, to be planted in remembrance of Gene.
