Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
John Zutavern
John A. Zutavern, 83, of Rib Lake passed away on March 11, 2020, at Aspirus Medford Hospital.
John was born on March 10, 1937, to the late George and Clara (Puhlman) Zutavern, Sr. He married Patricia Thums on Sept. 12, 1959. They moved to Milwaukee in the early 60s, and eventually made their home in Rib Lake by the summer of 1969. They were married 54 years.
John worked for the Taylor County Highway Department, taking great pride as a grader operator in his respected 29 years there. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He especially loved entertaining his many friends and shared his love of playing music with his kids. He also loved a good beer.
John is survived by his children, Dan (Candy) Zutavern, Westboro, Terri Pfingsten, Merrill, and Steve Zutavern; along with five grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, and his siblings and parents.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be held starting at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020, at the Rib Lake Ice Age Pavillion, 847 Fayette Ave Rib Lake, WI 54470. Family and friends are encouraged to join in honoring Big Bad John’s life.
Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at brainardfuneral.com.
Nicholas “Nick” Shanak
Nicholas “Nick” Shanak, 98, Wausau, died Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at Tender Reflections Assisted Living of Weston under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
Nick was born Dec.11, 1921, in the town of Hewitt to the late Michael and Anna (Manuszchak) Shanak Sr. Following his graduation from Wausau High School in 1939, he joined the U.S. Army and proudly served as a motor pool sergeant during World War II in Patton’s 3rd Army. Nick met, drove and fished in the Rhine River with Gen. Patton. Nick married the love of his life, Maralee Beck, on April 4, 1945. The couple was blessed with three children; Judy, Gary and Audrey. The couple ran Shanak’s Garage and Beer Bar from 1945-75 before shutting down the beer bar and Shanak’s Auto Salvage continued until 2012.
Nick was a tough, hardworking man who had a heart of gold and always treated people fairly. He was a very loving father to his children and grandfather to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nick enjoyed hunting and fishing. Nick was also proud to be a Life Member of VFW Burns Post #388, a Master Mason 32nd Degree Eau Claire Scottish Rite and a Shriner with the Zor Temple.
Nick is survived by his loving wife of nearly 75 years, Maralee; children, Judy (Wesley) Manning, Gary (Kelly) Shanak and Audrey (Arlo) Schlund; grandchildren, Jeff (Julie) Manning, Brad (Ivy) Manning, Nicole (Jesse) Hoffman, Jaclyn (Nick) Hanke, Jon (Katy-Jane) Shanak, Ben (Laura) Schlund and Mike (Kara) Schlund; great-grandchildren, Lucy, Vivian, Calvin, Cedar, Harman, Lorelai, Natalie, Finley and Alice; and extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his siblings, Mike, Pete, Mary, Katie and Madge.
There will be Masonic Service for Nick beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at Brainard Funeral Home Everest Chapel with the funeral service immediately following. Rev. Dr. Philip Schneider will officiate the funeral service. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until the time of service at 5 p.m. at Brainard Funeral Home Everest Chapel. There will be a committal at 11 a.m. on Monday at Restlawn Memorial Park Chapel with military rites. Brainard Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at brainardfuneral.com.
Memorials may be directed to Shriners Hospitals for Children (Attn: Office of Development, For Minneapolis, MN Hospital, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607) or to the Aspirus Health Foundation (Aspirus Health Foundation for Hospice Care, 425 Pine Ridge Blvd., Wausau, WI 54401).
Levi Klockziem
Levi R. Klockziem, 83, Athens, died Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at his home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born May 28, 1936, in the town of Stettin, son of the late Richard and Erna (Kniess) Klockziem. On Dec. 15, 1956, he married Delphine Wilde at Rib Falls Methodist Church. She survives.
Levi was a dairy farmer in the town of Hamburg prior to his retirement. He also hauled can milk, then bulk milk, was a logger, enjoyed making wood and worked a sawmill. Among his favorite things to do were his John Deere and Farmall tractors, card club and memberships in the Hamburg Fire Department and the Central Wisconsin Polka Club.
Survivors include his wife, Delphine, seven children, Debra Klockziem, Wausau, Steve (Kathy) Klockziem, Hamburg, Darla (Lloyd) Parks, Hamburg, Denise Hardt, West Bend, Dan (Cindy) Klockziem, Rib Falls, Lynn (Ken) Baumann, Wausau, Dean (Naomi) Klockziem, Rib Falls; 21 grandchildren, David (Stevie) Klockziem, Travis (Tiffany) Klockziem; Monica (Chris) Peterson, Michael (Nikki) Parks, Michelle Parks; Craig Hardt, Nathan (Jessie) Hardt; Dani (Eric) Kulas, Cody (Brittany) Klockziem; Jess (Daryl) Demray, Brandon (Jenna) Wilde; Devin Klockziem, D’Nessa Klockziem; 17 great grandchildren, Cole, Landon, Wyatt, Hazel; Allie, Macie, Rylie, Maverick, Cayden; Damien, Logan, Haley, Dylan; Shelby, Grant; Ellianna, Tia.
Besides his parents, Levi was preceded in death by three grandchildren, Jill Klockziem, Mariah Wilde, Sophie Parks; a son-in-law, Kieth Wilde; one brother and four sisters.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2020, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Little Chicago. Rev. Phillip Bogen will officiate. Burial will be in the Hamburg Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 11 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Harvey Willhite
Harvey R. Willhite, 87, Edgar, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at Applegate Terrace, Wausau, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born June 24, 1932, son of the late Lester and Clara (Ullrich) Willhite. He graduated from Wausau High School in 1950. On July 20, 1953, Harvey began working for Wisconsin Public Service, where he worked until his retirement in 1993.
He was a member of the Quarter Century Club and former member of the Edgar Fire Department. In his younger years, he was a Edgar Boy Scout Leader and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He was currently a member of St. John Lutheran Church ELCA, Edgar, where he often served as a greeter.
On Oct. 24, 1959, he married Enola Mueller in Edgar. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past October.
Harvey was an avid gardener and was very proud of his flower gardening. He also loved to fish and tell fishy stories. Together, Harvey and Enola loved to spend time with their family and friends at their camper in Tomahawk.
Survivors include, his wife, Enola; three children, Sue Willhite, Steve (Ann) Willhite and Judy (Steve) Weber; three grandchildren, Stephanie (Bradley) Johncox, Jaimie (Dustin) Adamavich and Michael (Taylor Jaecks) Willhite; three granddogs, Rowdy, Derek and Jordie; and is further survived by one aunt and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.
Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at St. John Lutheran Church ELCA on County Road N, Edgar (Town of Wien). Rev. Gail Sowell will officiate. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.
The family would like to thank all the gracious caregivers who spent time with Harvey. Special thanks to Dr. Tom Stoffel for his compassionate care.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Jean Urmanski
Jean E. Urmanski, 89, Wausau, died Wednesday, March 11, 2020, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born Sept. 24, 1930, in Wausau, daughter of the late William and Kathryn (Marciniak) Bloomquist. She married Albert Majetich on Nov. 24, 1962, and he preceded her in death. On May 12, 1965, she married Walter “Curly” Urmanski in Wausau. He preceded her in death May 8, 1997.
Prior to her retirement, Jean had been a teacher at St. Anne Catholic School for many years. She came back to Anne after retirement as the art teacher. As a Charter Member of St. Anne Parish, Jean had been involved in many aspects of parish life, including the Parish Choir, Fatima Council, Circle of Joy, Sympathy Circle, Parish Council, counting money, and volunteered regularly at St. Anne Fish Fry and St. Anne Polka Fest. Prior to St. Anne, she was active at St. James Parish and a part of St. James Parish Council of Catholic Women and until now, a member of the St. James Circle of Joy Canasta Club. Among her other involvements, she volunteered at the Teddy Bear Clinic at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, and at the Leigh Yawkey-Woodson Art Museum. Jean was also a recreational aide at Colonial Manor Nursing Home. When her children were active in Scouts over many years, she served as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, as well as a Den Mother.
Among her favorite pastimes, Jean was creative in so many ways, and enjoyed seamstress work, having sewn many clothes for her children and grandchildren. Jean also enjoyed painting, drawing, gardening, involving her children musically in singing and playing an instrument, and playing a variety of games with her family and many friends.
Jean passed on her spirit of volunteerism and helping others to her children. She taught her children well, to be respectful, to work hard, to live with the Lord, and be good to others. Her energy and her desire to help and be with others was with her until her last days.
Survivors include her children, Jack (Debbie) Urmanski, Sussex, Mary Kay (Malcolm) Whittum, Wausau, Ann (Tom) Line, Wausau, Mary Alice (Steve) Benaszeski, Tomahawk; Daughters-in-law, Terri Urmanski, Stevens Point, Carrie Urmanski, Algoma; Grandchildren, Gail, Matt (Michelle), Bob, Kent (Heather), Melinda (Jack), Jason (Theresa), Chrissy (Matt), Stacy, Katie (Adam), Tony (Michael), Joe (Ava), Jenny (David), Alanna (James), Alex; 36 great-grandchildren.
Besides her parents and husbands, Jean was preceded in death by two sons, Tom Urmanski and Mike Urmanski, as well as a sister, Dorothy (Jack) Line.
The Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2020, at St. Anne Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Tom Lindner will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Patrick Kelly
Patrick M. Kelly, 69, died on March 11, 2020, at Pride, TLC after a long battle with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Patrick was born on Jan. 26, 1951, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Charles and Gladys Kelly. He graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering in 1972 and worked in IT for his entire career.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, stepsons Jeffrey (Sandra) Zahn, Christopher (Mary) Zahn, Kerry (Rhonda) Zahn, two step-grandchildren Samantha (Zahn) Wengelski and Nicholas (Mychaela) Zahn, and one step-great granddaughter, Amanda Wengelski.
Patrick’s life will be celebrated in a private ceremony.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
