Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Derald “Shine” MacDonald
Derald “Shine” MacDonald, died peacefully March 13, 2020, at Colonial Manor under Aspirus Hospice Care, following a struggle with dementia.
Shine was born June 12, 1926 to the late Archie and Johanna (Goetz) MacDonald in Wausau. After high school, he served his country in the Army from 1944-1946. He was discharged at rank of Sargent, earning a victory medal and two bronze stars. He married Ruth Spatz on Sept. 22, 1984. at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau.
In his younger years, he played softball and bowled for many years and many teams. Shine and Ruth had many life-long friends. They enjoyed the cottage and traveling as well as fishing. Shine fished his whole life and had many “secret” fishing spots on Lake Nokomis. He worked for his family grocery store, Mac’s Self Serve on the corner of 6th Ave and Maple St. Later, he worked 14 years for Palace Clothiers. In 1988, he started at Baseman’s. He worked there into his 80’s.
He is survived by his sister, Conradine “Connie” Seidl, Wausau; brother, John MacDonald, Madison; step-children, Barbara (Robert) Baneck, Wausau; Bruce Spatz, Annapolis, MD; step-grandchildren, Kristen (Robert) Wurth, Robert W. Baneck, Dianna Essex; three step-great grandchildren and two step great-great grandchildren; brother in law, John Niebergall; along with many nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruth; and brothers, Milton, Marlund, and Bertell.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2020 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel, 522 Adams Street. Military Honors will be performed during a committal service at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau, following the visitation. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Church of St. Anne, 710 N. Sixth Ave., Wausau, WI 54401.
Helen Giese
Helen R. Giese, 95, formerly of Town of Berlin, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2020, at Cedar Ridge Elder Care in Mosinee, under the tender care of hospice.
Helen was born on June 22, 1924, daughter of Alphonse and Anna Reist. Helen was baptized and confirmed at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Merrill. On October 29, 1955, she married Lavern Giese at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the Town of Berlin. He preceded her in death.
Helen enjoyed working on the family farm along side Laverne, and was a dedicated employee at Employers Mutual for many years. She had a deep affection for her cats, and although many were “just barn cats,” they all had names.
A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2020 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the Town of Berlin. Interment will be at the parish cemetery.
A special thank you is extended to Cedar Ridge Elder Services and Interim Hospice Care for the wonderful care and support given to Helen during her stay.
Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com
Roman Gruna
Roman R. Gruna, 78, Ringle, died Saturday March 14, 2020 at home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services and his family.
He was born October 1, 1941, in Wausau, son of the late August Sr. and Marcella (Glodowski) Gruna. On August 30, 1969, he married Barbara Gorski at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church in Bevent. She survives.
Roman proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Prior to his retirement, Roman had been employed with Drott/J.I. Case. In his retirement years, he had worked for the D.C. Everest School System in the custodial department and was particularly proud of his Zamboni driving. He enjoyed fishing, canning the produce from the home garden and was especially fond of helping in the St. Agnes kitchen for funeral dinners.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara, one son, Duane J. (Jennifer) Gruna, Hatley, one grandson, Brady, his siblings, August Jr. (Grace) Gruna, Bevent and Agnes Wanta, Schofield, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Brian Gruna, and his siblings, Harry, Ernest, John, Leonard, Ambrose, James, Hank, Thomas, Lydia Brzezinski, Theresa Cherek, and Evelyn Wierzba.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday March 19, 2020 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Weston. Rev. Greg Bohren will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery where full Military Honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion, Montgomery Plant Dudley Post No. 10. Visitation will be on Thursday from 9:00 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 www.petersonkraemer.com
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 August 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 11:00 am 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 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.
Donald Jagler
Donald L Jagler, age 92, of Rothschild, WI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday March 11, 2020, at Rennes Health and Rehab in Weston. He was born at home in Wausau, WI on March 9, 1928, son of Joseph and Ruth (Spiecher) Jagler. Donald graduated from Wausau High in 1945, joined the Navy and proudly served his country in WW ll and the Korean War. On July 17, 1954 he married Lois Cook at First United Methodist Church in Wausau, WI. They had 3 children, Karl (Diane) Jagler, Fairfax, VA, Nancy (Michael) Turner, Wausau, WI and Barbara (Michael) Beckes, Corvallis MT.
Donald worked for American Can, later Lignotech for 40 years retiring as a lab tech. He has been retired for 30 years and in that time continued to enjoy traveling, hunting/fishing, gardening, family, all things sports and his Friday night fish fry. He was a Mason for 70 years, a member of the Rothschild American Legion for 75 years and a charter member of his church. A very special trip was going on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in 2011.
He is further survived by his brother James (Margaret) Jagler, grandson Steven (Brooke) Turner, and great granddaughters Avery, Sydney and Lennon Turner. He is preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Lois Jagler and granddaughters Allison Turner and Devon Jagler.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Highland United Methodist Church, The Never Forgotten Honor flight or a charity of your choice.
Funeral services will be at 12:00pm on Tuesday March 17, 2020 at Highland United Methodist Church in Rothschild (707 Third St, Rothschild WI). Friends and family are welcome to visit from 10:30 until the time of the service at the church.
Delos F. “Doc” Knapp, age 89, of Wausau, WI passed away on March 15th 2020 at Mountview Care Center. He was born in Wausau, WI on 1/22/1931 to Harry and Ethel (Hickman) Knapp. Delos and Elaine (Nieuwenhuis) were married on 9/20/1952, and to his last day, he called her “the love of his life”. He worked as a well-driller at Layne Northwest for many years. He enjoyed spending his time up north on Bear Lake with his family in the summer. In the winter he spent time at the hunting camp with family and friends. He was a good guy.
He is survived by his wife Elaine (Nieuwenhuis), his three daughters Debbie Knapp, Laurie Roberts, and Connie (David) Gliniecki, grandchildren Bo (Sara) Johnson, Angie (Buck) Rodgers, John (Morgan) Roberts, Sara Gliniecki, great-grandchildren Max, Emory, Annabel, and many nieces and nephews.
The Knapp family would like to thank his caretakers from TLC and the staff at Mountview Care Center.
A celebration of life will be held at Trails End 3901 Sherman Rd. Wausau, WI 54401 on Thursday, March 19th 2020 from 4-7 p.m.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com
David Szemborski passed away peacefully at his home on March 12th, 2020. He was born to the late the late Paul and Lucia (Klawinski) Szemborski on July 12th, 1939. He married the love of his life Sharon Schreiber on Sept 16th 1961. Together they were married 56 years.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and was a longtime employee of Consolidated Papers Inc and Stora Enso. He loved his polka music and was a musician playing trumpet for over 50 years, playing in several polka bands including The Jolly Harmony Kings, The Royal Tones and The Golden Tones. Through these years he acquired two nicknames. “Baby Face” and “The Judge” His vibrant spirit took charge of any room he entered. He loved the Green Bay Packers and The Milwaukee Brewers. Yard work was his passion and always put out an elaborate outdoor Christmas display every year.
He is survived by his children Michael (Michele), daughter Christy, grandson Jordan, great grandson Dawson, sisters Helen Heil and Dorothy Janczyk and companion Rose Diercks.
He is preceded in death by his wife Sharon and his brothers Leo, Harry and Eddie Szemborski.
A Catholic ceremony will take place Thursday March 19th at Saint Phillips Catholic Church with visitation starting at 10:00am with ceremony at 11:00am. Burial will take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Mosinee, WI 54455 at 2:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers; donations can be made to The House of the Dove at 1000 W. 11th Street, Marshfield, WI 54449.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HonorOne.com
Bess Vick 93 passed away peacefully on March 11, 2020 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born to the late William and Mary (Orr) Stratton on December 31, 1926.
She had many interests in life among them being gardening, fishing, and having pet birds. Her true love and mission in life was helping developmentally disabled adults with her group homes in Wausau. Her love for the Lord was exemplified by her tenderness and caring for her family and friends.
She is survived by her children Gwendolyn (Rodney) Means, Rolly (Cindy) Lokre, 16 grandchildren; Mark Means, Michelle Stangl, Michael Means, Lee Cox, Chaney Hurt, Andrew Fowler, Deanna Fowler, Tammy Hetzel, Ronny McNutt, Kelly Garro, Christopher McNutt, Bradley McNutt, Shelbie Olson, Austin Lokre, Brendan Lokre, Lauren Lokre. Along with 18 great grandchildren and 3 great- greatgrandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband James Vick and ex-husband Roland McNutt, 10 brothers and sisters.
Services will be on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at Covenant Community Presbyterian Church 1806 Weston Ave, Schofield WI. Visitation will be from 10:00 until time of service at 11:00 with Pastor Jim Gates officiating. For those that can’t make the funeral it will be streamed live from the church.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences can be expressed at HonorOne.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.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending memorials to Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, or to cancer research.
Due to recent nationwide health concerns, previously scheduled services for Arnie have been postponed. An announcement sharing updated service information will be made available in the near future. Please contact Brainard Funeral Home and Cremation Center for further information at 715-845-5525.
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.
