Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Carol Lenzi
Carol Ann Lenzi, 82, Wausau, died Saturday, March 21, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Carol was born Dec. 1, 1937, in Milwaukee to the late Charles and Evelyn (Heuter) Warner. Early on, she worked at the old Yeshek’s Tower and was the minnow girl at Doc’s on Squirrel Lake. She attended Minocqua High School for a semester and later graduated from West Allis High school. Carol married James Lenzi on June 8, 1957, in West Allis and the couple was later blessed with their daughter, Valerie. Over the years, she worked from home as a piano, organ and accordion teacher.
Carol was a very kind and caring wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed spending time at the family cottage on Squirrel Lake in Minocqua and working with James to run their small four-cabin resort.
Carol is survived by her husband of 62 years, James; daughter, Valerie Lenzi; grandchildren, Ashley (Matt) Lenzi-Warner and Gary Ringstad; great-grandchildren, Gabriella, Megan and Tasha; brother, Douglas (Colleen) Warner and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her father and mother-in-law, James and Virginia Lenzi.
According to Carol’s wishes, she will be cremated and there will be no services at this time.
The family wishes to give Aspirus Wausau Hospital their sincerest appreciation for their kind and compassionate care for Carol.
Patricia “Patty” Hastreiter
Patricia “Patty” Zielke Hastreiter, 89, died on Saturday, March 21, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, surrounded by her loving family.
Pat was born Dec. 22, 1930, in Rib Lake, Wisconsin, the daughter of Harold Zielke and Theodora (Niggemann) Zielke. She grew up in Rib Lake, helping in her parents general store as soon as she was old enough to make change. After graduation she attended St. Joseph’s School of Medical Technology in Marshfield to become a lab technician. While in Marshfield, Pat met Al Hastreiter and on July 26, 1951, they married in Rib Lake. The couple moved to Pulaski, New York, to begin their life together. Pat and Al adopted three children; Alan, Lee, and Lynn, with whom they moved to Indianapolis in 1961, where Pat was a full time homemaker. She enjoyed being a Girl Scout troop leader, sewing her children’s clothes, and playing bridge. Pat and Al moved to Wausau in 1970, creating Hastreiter Hardwoods, Inc. in 1973. They ran the company together until retirement in 1990. They enjoyed 43 years of marriage before Al’s passing in 1994.
Pat loved spending time with Al at their “river house,” keeping a large and colorful flower garden, and enjoying the company of her children and grandchildren. She could shop with the best of them, dressed to the nines for every holiday, and never passed up the chance for a scoop of ice cream. Pat especially loved music and felt joyful while singing in her church choir, “The Saturday Night Singers” at The Church of the Resurrection. Pat found love a second time when a high school romance was rekindled with Joseph Clayton “Claytie” Grow, whom she married in January 2004 only to lose him six days later from an aneurysm.
Pat is survived by her two daughters; Lee (Michael) Shipway of Wausau, Wisconsin, Lynn (Matt) Vande Sande of Middleton, Wisconsin; one daughter-in-law Jessica Hastreiter of Wausau, Wisconsin, one sister-in-law, Mary Zielke of Overland Park, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Patrick (Julie) Shipway of Burnsville, Minnesota, Matthew Hastreiter of Boulder, Colorado, Samantha Shipway of New Richmond, Wisconsin, Elizabeth Hastreiter (Dean Gumtz) of Wausau, Wisconsin, Megan Vande Sande of Middleton, Wisconsin, Andrew Hastreiter of Wausau, Wisconsin, and David Vande Sande of Middleton, Wisconsin; and two great-grandchildren, Brent Jennejohn of Wausau, Wisconsin, and Isabella Shipway of Burnsville, Minnesota; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Pat was preceded in death by her grandparents; her parents; her husband, Al; her brother, Harold “Mike” Zielke; her son, Alan; and husband, Claytie Grow.
A private family funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2020, at Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel. Fr. Mark Pierce from Church of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau, will preside. A live stream of the service will be made available at brainardfuneral.com, and will be available for future viewing.
The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice Services in Fitchburg for the wonderful care provided in her last days. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Pat’s name may be sent to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center or Agrace Hospice Services.
Online condolences may be shared at brainardfuneral.com.
Marvin Meier
Marvin Carl Meier passed away on March 20, 2020, in Wausau, Wisconsin, at the age of 83. He was born Aug. 18, 1936, in a log cabin in Spirit Wisconsin the third of six children to Carl and Olga Meier. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Rosalie Meier, and brother Albert Meier.
After grade school in the one room school house in Spirit, he graduated from Rib Lake High School in 1954 and joined the U.S. Army where he was deployed as a linguist specialist in Germany listening to Russian transmissions. Upon his return he enrolled in college and found a calling in forestry, graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1965 with a Master’s in Forestry.
During college, he was an active member of Gamma Delta where he met Joleen Nyla Franklin, a grade school teacher from Milwaukee who was teaching in Wausau. The pair married in 1964 and following Marv’s graduation they moved to Panguitch, Utah, where Marvin began his career with the U.S. Forest Service, a career that took him and family to Ogden, Utah, Washington, D.C., Anchorage, Alaska, and Atlanta, Georgia, where in 1994 he retired from the position of acting regional forester for the Southern States Region.
Joleen and Marvin returned to Wausau, Wisconsin – a town they remembered fondly and that was close to their forest land in Price County. Retirement gave Marvin the time and opportunity to work with his own forests – Sweet Spirit Woodlands. He was also an active member of WWOA (Wisconsin Woodland Owners), and Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Wausau. He enjoyed working in his forests, wood carving, classical music, and writing poems.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joleen, and his three daughters Kristina Meier, Marcy Horton and Julie Newton, grandchildren Kayla Meier, Jacob Meier and Lucas Horton, sister Gladys Ann Howard and brothers Michael Meier and Timothy Meier and their respective families.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caring staff at Reflections Applegate for making his time there comfortable and pleasant. Marvin will be cremated, and a memorial service will be held at a later date when friends and family can gather comfortably. He loved the beauty of nature, his family, his fellow man, and Jesus Christ his Savior. Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at brainardfuneral.com.
Selma “Sally” Schroeder
Selma “Sally” Clara Schroeder, 92, of Athens passed away into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, March 23, 2020.
Sally was born Aug. 8, 1927, in Wausau, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Albert and Clara (Pankonien) Luedtke. She was a Wausau resident until Sept. 27, 1952, when she and Arnold Schroeder were married in Wausau and moved to Athens, Wisconsin, to live their life together and raise four children. After nearly 60 years of marriage, Arnold passed away June 28, 2012.
Sally loved attending Trinity Lutheran church in Athens where she sang in the choir and participated in Bible study groups. She was a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. Sally and Arnie loved traveling and spending time with family and friends at the cottage in northern Wisconsin. Sally enjoyed fishing, gardening, canning and cooking.
Besides her husband, Sally was preceded in death by her sister, Verne (Luedtke) Apple; and brothers, Elmer Luedtke and Lawrence Luedtke.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathie (Gary) Farrington, Tucson, Arizona; sons, David Schroeder, Wausau, Allen (Shari) Schroeder, Wausau and Mark Schroeder, Athens; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A heartfelt thanks from Sally’s family to the staff of the Athenian Living Center for the care they provided Sally during the past two years. The family also would like to thank the health care workers who provided Sally and the family with care and comfort in her final days.
Due to current nationwide health concerns, a memorial service will be held at a later date at Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com
Geraldine “Gerry” Parsch
Geraldine M. “Gerry” Parsch, 77, Wausau, died Sunday, March 22, 2020, at Wausau Manor.
She was born Oct. 1, 1942, in Mosinee, daughter of the late Adolph and Dorothy (Schreiber) Bittner. On July 30, 1961, she married Charles Parsch in Waukegan, Illinois. He survives.
Prior to her retirement, Gerry had been employed as a bookkeeper at Knudson Construction.
Gerry had a passion for sewing. One of the things that she was most proud of was sewing paraments for St. Andrews Lutheran Church.
Survivors include her husband, Charles, children, Chuck (Sarah) Parsch, Wausau, Pam (Daniel) Mundt, Marshfield, Cathy (John Quinn) Miller, Wausau, Daniel (Jeri) Parsch, Pace, Florida, grandchildren, Jennifer Alvarez, Andrew Parsch, Melinda Mundt, Megan Mundt, Joseph Mundt, Chelsea Robbins, Aric Miller, Mar Miller, Devon Parsch, Dylan Parsch, Danielle Sturzenegger, Caitlin Schmidt, Taylor and Josh Gavin and seven great-grandchildren; siblings, Judy Thurs, Rothschild, Tom Bittner, Wausau, Bill Bittner Brainerd, Minnesota.
Besides her parents, Gerry was preceded in death by two siblings, Jacalyn Schoeder and Michael Bittner and one grandson, Christopher Mundt.
Memorial services will be held at a later date at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Rib Mountain. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Pittsville.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Raymond Krueger
Raymond H. Krueger, 91, Wausau passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born June 16, 1928, in Wausau, son of the late Paul and Anna (Butt) Krueger.
For over 34 years Ray worked as an equipment operator for the Marathon County Highway Department, retiring in 1990. Some of his favorite pastimes included gardening, lawn work, traveling, being a church usher, the retirement club and AFSCME #15.
Survivors include his son, Daniel Krueger, daughter, Lois (Russell) Bauer, brother Bennie (Doris) Krueger, sister Viola Brunow, sister Dorothy Wiesman, and many nephews and nieces.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Melvin, brother in-law Eldor Brunow, sister in-law Delores Krueger and close companion Irene Zaitz.
At this time funeral services are being delayed. A funeral service is anticipated to take place at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau, with burial to follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Ray’s family would like to thank the entire staff at Mountain Terrace Assisted Living for the past year of wonderful care and support they all gave him during his stay with them. Also a sincere thank you to the Aspirus ER and hospital staff during this pandemic.
Terrance “Terry” Gorski
Terry “Speed” Gorski, 60, of Mosinee passed away on March 21, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born to Harry Gorski and Diane (Bong) Sniegowski on Aug. 29, 1959. He worked as a heavy machine operator and mechanic. He loved to work on just about everything. He received an award for State Champion Back Hoe operator. He loved life and loved his family unconditionally.
He is survived by his children; Nichole (Ryan) Michaels, TJ (Marissa) Gorski and Trisha Gorski, along with his parents, grandchildren; Tye Gorski, Lily Fischer, Ava Cherek, Rhyder Cherek, Blake and Bryce Michaels. Siblings; Sherry (Eddie) Gorka, Vicki (Mark) Zywicki, and Sue (Jerry) Kluz and many nieces and nephews.
Services were held on Monday, March 23, 2020, at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 900 Old Highway 51, Mosinee. Visitation was from 6 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m., with Fr. Marion Talaga officiating.
Marion Schrank
Marion Johanna (Holtz) Schrank, 90, died Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at Stonecrest, Wausau. Marion was born in the town of Norrie, Marathon County, the daughter of the late Carl Frederick and Clara Josephine (Erickson) Holtz and also lived in Shawano, Stevens Point and Wittenberg.
Marion is survived by her daughters; Pamela (Robert) Bogacz, Sherry (Chuck B.), Debbie (Paul) Gustafson, and Candy (Chuck G.); two grandchildren, Courtney and Katrina; brother Carl Holtz; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Marion was preceded in death by three sisters Alice Lund, Dorothy Fischer, and Gladys Baehman.
Marion grew up on the Holtz Brown Swiss dairy farm and helped with farm chores. In high school, she was a drum majorette in the band, a carnival queen, and active in sports and home economics. After graduating from Birnamwood High School in 1948, Marion was a typist at Employers Insurance in Wausau. Following years of homemaking and supporting her family, she earned a nursing degree in April 1981 at the top of her class. She worked at the Birch Hill Nursing Home in Shawano from 1977 to 1999 and was the December 1990 employee of the month.
Marion was a fun-loving, gentle lady and all who knew her will miss her smiles, humor and good nature. She loved her grandkids, nieces and nephews, granddogs, birds, trees, and flowers. She enjoyed swimming, water- and snow skiing, and travel – up north to the cottage and to many locations, including Sweden, New Zealand, Hawaii, Canada, the BVIs, Mexico and many states. She was an accomplished gardener, bowler, golfer, seamstress and watercolorist. She was a wonderful mother, homemaker, and excellent cook. Marion was married to Arvin Schrank from 1950 to 1989.
A celebration of Marion’s life will be scheduled at a later date and will be held at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home in Birnamwood. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery, Norrie, Wisconsin.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at Schmidtschulta.com.
The family suggests memorials, in Marion’s name, in lieu of flowers. Memorials may be donated in honor of Marion to the Homme Home (www.homme.org) or Aspirus Hospice Services (www.aspirus.org).
The family wishes to thank all the staff of Forest Park Village Gardens, Stonecrest, and Aspirus Hospice for their years of loving care.
Cynthia Borski
Cynthia M. Borski, 58, of Hatley died unexpectedly on Friday, March 20, 2020, in Weston.
Cynthia was born on Oct. 19, 1961, in Wausau, the daughter of Henry and Genevieve (Literski) Kudronowicz.
On Oct. 15, 1983, Cynthia was united in marriage to Terry Borski at St. Ladislaus Catholic Parish, Bevent.
Cynthia graduated from Mosinee High School in 1979. She was a technical assistant at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company of Wausau, where she worked for 38 years. She enjoyed spending time ‘Up North” and loved musky fishing and deer hunting. Cynthia and Terry were in the process of building the cottage of their dreams in Vilas County. Cynthia was a very caring person who put everyone before herself. She loved spending time with her grandkids and attending their sporting events. She enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers, especially with family and friends.
She is survived by her husband, Terry; one son, Jason (Molly) Borski of Mosinee; four grandchildren, William, Alexander, Rose and Lily; three siblings, Nancy (Mike) Delikowski and Barbara (Dennis) Bornberg, all of Hatley, and Robert (Madonna Jozwiak) Kudronowicz of Elderon; mother-in-law, Loretta Borski of Arnott; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Genevieve; one brother James H. Kudronowicz and father-in-law, Adolph Borski.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent. Fr. Augustine Bentil will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home of Wittenberg is assisting the family.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Cynthia had many friends and was loved be all. She will be sadly missed by many.
