Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Sue Baumer
Sue Baumer, 74, of Wausau passed away on Friday, March 13, 2020, in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, with her husband, Bob, by her side.
Sue was born on April 3, 1945, to the late Raymond and Ruby (Swafford) Reason. She married Bob Brandherm on Nov. 21, 2012. He survives.
Sue’s life was a true “Rags to Riches” story. She was raised in an orphanage near Batavia, Illinois, (Mooseheart). After graduating from high school at Mooseheart, Sue went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of Wisconsin – Platteville, and completed master’s degree work in hospitality and tourism at UW-Stout.
Over the course of her life, Sue became a leader in the food service industry as co-owner of two Mr. Steak restaurants, and 2510 restaurant in Wausau, Wisconsin. During her tenure at 2510, it grew to be the highest grossing privately owned restaurant in the state of Wisconsin. In her ownership role, Sue touched many lives and was affectionately known as “Mrs. B”.
Sue also developed six fitness centers (Wisconsin and Indiana) and became the first female franchisee for Taco Bell restaurants (Beaver Dam, Watertown and Whitewater). She was an inspiration to many women by being strong and independent, while beautiful at the same time.
Sue was dedicated to community service where her interests took many forms. Over her life, she served on the board of directors for chambers of commerce (Beaver Dam and Wausau), Wausau Area Hospital, and American Family Children’s Hospital Advisory Board (Madison, Wisconsin). She also served as chairperson of the Wausau Hospital Accountability Board, was active in Rotary (Madison, Beaver Dam, Wausau, Prairie du Sac), and a member of UW-Extension’s Rural Leadership program.
Sue’s personal interests were many, and varied. She loved golf (her drives were always straight and she never kept score). She was an avid sports fan, attending hundreds of Wisconsin Badgers and Packers games over the years. She had a habit of purchasing a new car almost every year, then turning off all the new technological features so she could keep control herself. She was a health fanatic, encouraging others to take up a fitness regimen. She loved the Wausau area and living on the lake where she could sit by the campfire, go boating, enjoy the beauty of nature and feel the summer breeze.
Most importantly, she was passionate about spending time with family, including her grandson Jackson, son Tate and daughter Erica, organizing family vacations to Disney World for nearly forty years.
Finally, Sue’s story would not be complete without mentioning two very special talents she possessed. She had a gift for striking up conversation with any person, any place, and making people feel appreciated and good about who they were. She also had a gift for interior design, as her homes were always modern, chic, and immaculately clean.
Sue loved life, lived it to the fullest, and will live on in our hearts forever.
In addition to her husband, Bob, Sue is survived by son, Tate (Jamie Darnell) Baumer, Weston, Wisconsin; daughter, E.B. (Ben Sousa) Baumer, Madison, Wisconsin; grandson, Jackson Baumer; son, Jonathan Brandherm, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; her sisters, Francis Young, Marion, Indiana, Lora (Glen) Gainey, Noblesville, Indiana, Marie Rigdon, Marion, Indiana; sister-in-law, Marcia (Brandherm) Marta, Waupaca, Wisconsin; “special nephew” Kevin Rigdon, Marion, Indiana; “special niece” Nancy Rigdon, Marion, Indiana; Pat “Mr. B” Baumer (former spouse).
Sue was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Donald, Russell, Leroy; and infant daughter Stephanie Sue Baumer.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Michelle and Doug Briggs for the care and support they provided Sue in her final weeks, and all the doctors who made it possible for Sue to live a full and vibrant life for the last ten years.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sue’s name can be directed to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family. To share memories or condolences, please visit brainardfuneral.com.
Sue will be laid to rest during a private family service at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Pallbearers are Kevin Rigdon, Mike Hoffman, Jeremy Faust, Aaron Kania, Tony Cicha and Wayde Kreager. Alternate pallbearers are Doug Adams and Scott Wimmer, with grandson Jack Baumer serving as honorary pallbearer.
To protect the health and safety of all, services are currently being limited as required by state and local authorities and the CDC. Expressions of sympathy during this time can be left on the condolences page available with the obituary on our website. We also encourage you to view the video tribute and/or webcast of the service that may be available. Check the funeral home website for the latest COVID-19 update or call us at 715-845-5525.
Melvin Luther Jr.
Melvin E. Luther Jr., 82, of Wausau died Monday, March 16, 2020, at the Hospice House.
He was born Oct. 11, 1937, in Evanston, Illinois, son of the late Melvin Sr. and Julia (Hurd) Luther. On Oct. 11, 1969, he married Mary Ann H. Faillaci at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic in West Allis. She survives.
Melvin was a member of the Army National Guard 1-105 Tank Company Armor Unit, Antigo, and was activated to Fort Lewis, Washington, for the Berlin Crisis and Vietnam. After graduation from Elcho High School in 1955, Melvin attended UW-River Falls for two years and later graduated from MATC from the machinist program.
Melvin helped his father on their potato farm in Elcho and was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church and their Holy Name Society in Elcho. Later, Melvin was employed with Hammerblow in Wausau, then Murray Machinery as a machinist. He also worked at Jarp and after retirement, had done repair delivery for the Sears Corp. The Luthers have been members of St. Michael Parish in Wausau since 1974.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann, a daughter, Melanie Luther, Minneapolis, two grandchildren, Isabella and Benjamin Javidan and one step grandson, Charles Sparrow.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2020, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will preside. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Friday, May 15, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Frank Albee
Frank Lloyd Albee, 81, of the town of Easton, died Friday, March 13, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Frank was born Dec. 8, 1938, in Schofield to the late Ichabod and Mary (O’Keefe) Albee and his late stepfather, Lester Whippler, who helped raise him after his father died. Following his graduation from high school, Frank faithfully served in the U.S. Army. He began working for Milco window manufacturing, a division of Apogee, eventually rising to plant supervisor/manager. Frank met Mary on her birthday, May 23, 1963, and marryed her on May 9, 1964, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. The couple was blessed with two sons, Greg and Jon.
Frank was a very kind, caring and hardworking man who dearly loved all of his family. He would call his sons daily sometimes a few times a day to see how they were doing, and his grandchildren could do no wrong. Known for his many “Frankisms”, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his long-time buddy Wes Little. For years, Frank cared for a large vegetable garden and would share his bounty with friends and family. In his free time, he enjoyed all Wisconsin sports and spending time up north on Willow Lake, especially at his nephew Jeff’s bar Boyle’s Resort in Tripoli.
Frank is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary; sons, Greg (Le-Ann) and Jon (Deb); grandchildren, Steven, Taylor, Emily, Grace and Jackson; sisters, Ardus Plaza and Patricia Kraucyk; and extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his siblings, Joy Wendt, Faith Brown and Jim Albee.
There will be a private graveside committal for Frank with a public memorial service at a later date. He will be buried at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery, Aniwa. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
Sandra Michaelis
Sandra Kay Michaelis, 72, passed away on March 15, 2020. She was born on Oct. 15, 1947, in Holgate, Ohio, to Lawrence and Hildegarde (Panning) Michaelis. She graduated from Holgate High School in 1965 and received her degree from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
She worked for Social Security for over 40 years serving at offices in Toledo and Sandusky, Ohio, and then in Chicago and Ypsilanti, Michigan, before retiring from the office in Wausau, Wisconsin.
She was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Wausau, Wisconsin. She served on Altar Guild, Lutheran Women’s Mission League, and as treasurer for the Church.
She was also very close to family, traveling back to northwest Ohio on holidays to be with her parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews. She also enjoyed traveling, including a trip to the Holy Land, visiting relatives in Arizona, and taking a trip to Alaska with her mother to visit her nephew.
Sandra is survived by her brother, James (Connie) Michaelis in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Suzette Wilhelm; and brother, Kevin Michaelis.
There will be a memorial service at Christ Lutheran Church in Wausau, Wisconsin, at a future date.
This will be followed by a memorial service at St. John Lutheran Church, Holgate, Ohio, at a future date.
You may sign the family guestbook at helke.com.
Those wishing to make a donation are encouraged to consider Lutheran Women’s Mission League of Christ Lutheran Church or to Christ Lutheran Church itself.
Stanley Chack
Stanley L. Chack, 101, of Rothschild passed away peacefully on March 16, 2020, at Mount View Care Center.
He was born on Oct. 23, 1918. Stanley joined the United States Army on June 6, 1942, and served in World War II until his discharge Dec. 5, 1945. He married the love of his life, Elsie (Sann), together they celebrated 40 years. He worked for Sterling Chemical as a foreman and was a post commander of Rothschild and Schofield American Legion and VFW. He enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing, and gardening. The most important things for Stanley were his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his children; Doug (Barb) Chack, Rothschild, Karen Kelbley, Weston and Sue (Mike) Wiesneske, Schofield. Siblings; James (Lola) Wojicechowski, Weston, Lloyd (Gerri) Wojicechowski, Wausau, Henry (Eileen) Wojicechowski, Weston and Alice Calkins, Greenfield, and six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Visitation will be on Thursday, March 19, 2020, at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Ave., Schofield, Wisconsin from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Service will follow on Friday at Covenant Community Presbyterian Church, 1806 Weston Ave., Schofield, at 10 a.m. with a one hour prior visitation. Pastor Jim Gates will be officiating.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences can be expressed at HonorOne.com.
Murl Hahs
Murl Hahs (nee Schmidt), 92, passed peacefully on March 16. Murl was born on a Friday, Jan. 13, 1928, in the township of Birnamwood to her late parents, Fred & Erma (Kufahl) Schmidt.
She grew up on the “rocky” family farm in Birnamwood with her parents and 10 siblings. Murl began her first eight years of education at Balsam Grove, a one-room, one-teacher school with 40 to 50 neighborhood students. In 1945, she graduated from Birnamwood High School. In 1947, she was accepted as a student nurse at Milwaukee Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing under the guidance of Sr. Emma Herch, RN, who would daily remind students, “We are not here to dream and to drift, we have work to do and loads to lift, shun not the struggle bear it, it’s God’s gift”. Murl graduated as an RN in 1950 and continued to work at Lutheran Hospital for 34 years.
On Oct. 2, 1971, she was married to Chester Hahs and became a member of another caring and loving family. Whether it be the small creek that rippled behind the barn, Pelican Lake (especially ice fishing), deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico on the Blue Heron with Captain Curley and Sarah, to the icy waters of Sturgeon Lake in Ontario, Murl was always ready to go fishing. She also enjoyed gardening, knitting, crocheting and sewing, making mercy quilt tops for Lutheran World Relief and countless sweaters for family and friends, many which are still being worn today. Murl also enjoyed picking wild raspberries in surrounding woods and wild blueberries in Canada which she later baked into pails of cookies for her nieces and nephews. It was a toss up on who enjoyed these endeavors more – Murl or her nieces and nephews! She was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Birnamwood where she was baptized, confirmed and married.
Survivors include her siblings, Milton (Suzanne) Schmidt and Earl (Judy) Schmidt of Birnamwood, Carol Kocina of Independence, Minnesota, and Rachel Kluck of Tomahawk; sisters-in-law, Judith Schmidt of Birnamwood and Orah Hahsof Cumberland; a stepdaughter Diane (Thomas) Krueger of Rochester, Michigan, and stepson-in-law William Pieczynski of Manitowoc; and beloved grandchildren Amy Tasch, Greg Krueger (Bethany), Ali Kay Smith, and Kathy Stafford. She is further survived by great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many loving family members and friends. Murl was preceded in death by husband Chester, her parents, stepdaughter Jane Pieczynski, and siblings Donald, David, Roy, Doris, Erma Jean, and Verna Viegut.
From Murl: Thank you all for an enjoyable and rewarding earthly life, but the best is yet to come. I am a child of Jesus Christ and am going home. Hope to see all of you there. Bye, Murl.
In following the guidelines recommended from the state of Wisconsin, the funeral service for Murl will be celebrated at a later date. Notification will be given when the funeral is scheduled.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, is assiting the family with funeral arrangements. Messages of support and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
