Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Carl Frystak
Carl Frystak, 71, returned to his heavenly home on April 6, 2020.
His greatest joys in life were his relationships with God, his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his parents, his siblings and all his family and friends.
He lived a blessed life with his loving wife of 30 years, Debbie, proudly owning his own billiard service company, always cherishing being “Dad” to his children and “Papa” to his deeply loved grandchildren.
A devoted man who prayed daily for all of his family and always extended an abundance of love, admiration and appreciation for his stepson, son-in-law and daughters-in-law as if they were his own children.
His gentle sole is greatly missed by all he touched in his many caring ways, who celebrate that he is at peace with his creator.
In keeping with his nature, his service and burial is private. Those wishing to honor his life are welcome to make a donation to St. Therese Parish, Rothschild, Wisconsin, where he found solace and peace.
Marjorie Kalkoske
Marjorie Edith Kalkoske died peacefully at Primrose Memory Care Center in Weston, Wisconsin, her home since October of 2018. From her early years until her death, Marjorie exhibited the unique combination of intelligence, compassion, humor, perseverance and community involvement that those who cared most about her admired dearly.
Marjorie was born on July 4 (yes that July 4!), 1926 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the youngest of two daughters to Marie and John Hoerres. As a child growing up during the Depression years, Marjorie developed frugality, patience and both an appreciation for good fortune, and the ability to focus on better days that lay ahead.
Marjorie was a fine student and earned a scholarship to attend college and Miami University of Ohio, where she graduate with a B.A. in mathematics in 1951, an unusual and noteworthy accomplishment for a woman of her time. In her young adulthood, Marjorie enjoyed travel and skiing, two passions she would pass on to her own children in the years to come. She began working in the field of actuarial science for Employers Insurance of Wausau in the late 1950s, until resigning to care for her own children. Marjorie married Jack Kalkoske, a young teacher at Horace Mann Middle School in Wausau in 1957, and the couple had three children, Mark, Lynn and Todd. The family enjoyed camping with longtime friends, Barb and Jim Leffin, and many trips to Madison, Neenah, Tomahawk, Connecticut and Montana to visit relatives. Upon Jack’s early death due to ALS in 1978, Marjorie took on the mantles of single parent and breadwinner with determination. She studied mightily to compete with younger college grads in the emerging field of computer programming, excelling in her role as a systems analyst at Wausau Insurance until her retirement.
Finding success professionally opened other doors for Marjorie as she indulged her interests in acting and philanthropic activities. Among her many theater credits for Wausau Community Theatre productions were “Arsenic and Old Lace,” “Harvey” and “Mamie.” Volunteering also filled much of her time as she worked at Wausau Center for the Performing Arts, the CVA, the United Way, Aspirus Gift Shop, Wausau Festival of the Arts and she delivered Meals on Wheels to those in need. Marjorie was also active in several card clubs and her longtime bridge club friends remained dear friends for life. She also continued to nourish her travel bug in both the U.S. and Europe well into her 70s. She also enjoyed reading and her crossword puzzles immensely!
Preceding Marjorie in death were her faithful husband, Jack, and her loving sister, Mary Ann Halvorson of Madison. She is survived by her children: son, Mark and daughter-in-law, Sharon Kalkoske of La Quinta, California; daughter, Lynn Mitchell, of Wausau; and son, Todd and daughter-in-law, Jill Kalkoske of Milwaukee. In addition, Marjorie had five grandchildren, Nathan and Ellis Kalkoske of Minneapolis and Milwaukee, respectively; Madison and Afton Kalkoske, of San Francisco, California, and Towson, Maryland, respectively; and Kira Mitchell of Longmont, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Marjorie’s name to either the Alzheimer’s Association or the United Way. Due to the COVID pandemic, there will not be a service at this time, however, a family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to the family at brainardfuneral.com.
John Atkinson
John Paul Atkinson, 78, Mosinee, formerly of Weston, died Friday, April 3, 2020, at Ascension Saint Clare’s Hospital, Weston.
He was born June 18, 1941, in Stoughton, Wisconsin, son of the late Ralph and Agnes (Hovey) Atkinson. On April 4, 1970, he married the love of his life, JoAnn Ruth Scholl. She preceded him in death on March 21, 2018.
In his younger years, John worked for Marathon Electric Corp. in Wausau, then drove truck for Wausau Homes and Kolbe and Kolbe, until his retirement at the age of 75. John will be deeply missed by his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his three children, Ricky, Amy and Peter Atkinson; and two grandchildren, Marissa and Austin Atkinson.
Besides his parents and wife, JoAnn, he was preceded in death by his brother, Walter.
A private graveside service will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Priscilla Cedar
Priscilla Wentworth Cedar, 94, of Wausau died Thursday April 2, 2020, at Stonecrest, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
She was born Aug. 8, 1925, in Sommersworth, New Hampshire, daughter of the late Raymond and Pauline (McIntire) Wentworth. On May 29, 1948, she married Robert Cedar in Manchester, New Hampshire. He preceded her in death March 6, 2005.
Those who were close to Priscilla know that she generously and wholeheartedly dedicated her life to caring for those around her — as a wife, mother, grandmother, healthcare worker and community member.
In the mid 1940s, Priscilla trained to be a dental hygienist at the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene in Boston, Massachusetts. She worked as a dental hygienist in Worcester and Boston, Massachusetts, and then later in Crystal Lake, Illinois, when her children were old enough for her to return to work.
Her second career began in 1969 when her husband, Bob, graduated from Chicago Theological Seminary and began his second career as an ordained United Church of Christ minister. For the next 30-plus years they served the communities of Ft. Atkinson, Wisconsin, River Edge, New Jersey and Freedom, New Hampshire. Priscilla played an active role in church ministry alongside Bob in the churches where he served as pastor, and was involved in countless church-related groups and organizations. These labors of love included roasting and selling peanuts with a group in Fort Atkinson to support the church, women’s circles knitting prayer shawls, numerous church socials and suppers, and other forms of community outreach and support. And every Sunday, Priscilla could be found singing in the church choir.
Priscilla was a 50-year member of P.E.O., a philanthropic organization supporting and celebrating the advancement of women through scholarships, grants, awards and loans.
In 2004, Priscilla moved to Wausau, Wisconsin, after her husband was diagnosed with cancer. She and Bob moved in with their daughter Nancy, who has been Priscilla’s caretaker for these last few years. Priscilla was a member of Wausau’s First United Methodist Church and local PEO Chapter CO.
She is survived by her two children, Nancy Cedar of Wausau, Wisconsin, and Bruce Cedar (Nonnie Hamovitch) of Brookline, Massachusetts. Priscilla was the proud grandmother of five exceptional granddaughters; Tessa Cedar, Arielle Cedar, Emma Cedar, Erin Seybold (Ramsey Meigs) and Kate Seybold (Jake Hauschild).
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister Patricia of Nashua, New Hampshire, and her brother Carlton of Madbury, New Hampshire.
Memorial services will be held at a later date after the coronavirus quarantine has been lifted. A complete obituary listing the date and place of the memorial service will be published at that time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in her to name to the following:
- Homme Foundation at homme.org/index.php/support-us/
Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
David Tessmer
David J. Tessmer, 54, of Athens passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital due to complications from an accident.
He was born March 11, 1966, in Janesville, son of Dale (Mary) Tessmer and Vicky (Jim) Rhyner. On Sept. 6, 1997, he married Pamela Krause at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Weston. She survives.
For many years, David worked at Marathon Electric and most recently was employed with Crystal Finishing, Weston. He was proud to be a veteran of the United States Marines.
Among some of his favorite pastimes, he loved hunting, camping at Lake DuBay Shores and loved fishing with his children and grandkids. He also loved playing cards, especially Sheepshead and Texas holdem with family and friends.
His memory will always be with you because he loved all of you unconditionally. He also loved all children as if they were his own. David will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his loving wife, Pamela Tessmer, Athens; his children, Gerald D. LeMay Austin J. (Cassie) LeMay, Randi D. (Jose) Ayala, Misty-Rea (Brian)Daugherty and Heather M. Daugherty; his grandchildren, Devin, Rigo, Mercedes, Alicia, Donovan, Anastasia, Candace, Xander, Zacharriah, Conner, Collin, Grason, Alex, Adisyn, Kandon and Emma; his siblings, Steven (Diane) Tessmer, Donald (Beverly) Tessmer, Andrew (Tonya) Tessmer, Shawn(Lorana) Tessmer, Jennifer (Jason) Leber, Paul (Jackie) Leitza and Scott (Theresa) Leitza; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Judy (Skip) Mortimer, Joan Macomber, Edward (Janice) Krause and Darlene (Denise) Drewek; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel Tessmer; his son, Kyle Rodriguez; his niece, TaylorTessmer; his nephew, Donald Tessmer Jr.; and his father-in-law Amos Woller.
At this time services are being delayed until further notice. A memorial service, visitation and full military honors will be conducted at a later date at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens.
Daniel Liss
Daniel P. Liss, 83, of Schofield passed away peacefully April 6, 2020, at Copperleaf Memory Care while under the care of Aspirus Hospice.
Daniel was born Jan. 30, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Harold and Cora (Moran) Liss. He married Nancy Ahrensdorf, and later Terri Kuhn, both of whom preceded him in death. Dan joined the Coast Guard and worked for Wausau Homes, Wausau Furniture, and Brokaw Papermill, from where he retired. He enjoyed hobbies such as woodworking, fishing and being with family.
Daniel is survived by sons Douglas (Karen Borchardt) Liss and Greg (Joann Scheff) Liss; sisters Janet Liss and Rose (Sherman) Liss; half sisters Jeanie, Alice, Teri, and Kathy Liss; half brothers Johnny and Joey Liss; and numerous cousins. He is further survived by five grandchildren- Michelle (Liss) Nichols, Megan Liss, Raechel Liss, Rene Liss and Rebekkah (Liss) Hahn; and four great-grandchildren- Eli, Silas and Elowyn Nichols and Wilson Liss. In addition to Nancy and Terri, he is preceded in death by sister Mary (Defer) Liss and parents.
Daniel’s family wishes to thank the Copperleaf and Aspirus Hospice staff for their comfort and care.
Flowers and memorials in Daniel’s memory may be mailed to Douglas Liss, 152675 Dahlia Lane, Wausau, WI 54401.
Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family. To share memories, photos and condolences, visit helke.com.
Patricia Taylor
Patricia Ann (Powers) Taylor went to join the love of her life in the hereafter on April 6, 2020, at the age of 91. Although she never knew her own mother and didn’t meet her father until much later in life, she reached out and mothered many.
An active 4-H leader and school bus driver, she cherished all her “kids.” She was born and raised by her grandmother Sarah Lemma in Schofield. Upon meeting Al (Phoney) Taylor, at the roller-skating rink, she told her best and lifelong friend, Joannie Finch, that she was going to marry that boy. They were married 66 years, many of which were spent as residence on Lake Dubay, near Knowlton.
She loved watching and feeding birds and gardening. She sewed, crocheted, crafted, dabbled in genealogy and was an active sales person for several home party companies and wrote a column for the Mosinee Times. Patricia was an excellent cook, her Nescos full of baked beans and 5-gallon buckets of potato salad were a high demand staple at every family and community gatherings. One of her favorite things to do was fill up the gas tank and go “bummin.” This usually included visits with friends who hadn’t been seen for a while, or maybe just a drive to nowhere in particular with a garage sale along the way. It always included songs. She had a beautiful voice and was active in church choir in her younger years.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Alphonsus Jerome Taylor (Phoney) 1922-2012, and son Claude Lee Taylor (Spud) 1948-2004.
She is survived by her children: David Ray (Nancy) Taylor of Seward, Alaska, Joy Taylor, Mosinee, Wisconsin, Sean Taylor, Matlock, Washington, daughter Sarah (Dale) Merchant, Junction City, Wisconsin, nine grandchildren, Aaron Bornowski, Leah Stubb, Travis Taylor, Crystal Jagodinski, Alan Merchant, Sebastion Rhodes, Chad Taylor, Jeremy Taylor, Jennifer Beran, six great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who she mothered along the way.
Pat had a wonderful sense of humor, so maybe she is up there saying, ”PPPPTTTTTT” to you too!! .Or “Put that in your pipe and puff on it!”
A celebration of her life will be held on Oct. 6, 2020, her 92nd birthday, if we are free of social distancing restrictions at that time.
Cards may be sent to family c/o Sarah Merchant POB 112, Junction City, WI 54443. There will also be a Facebook memorial page in her name, Patricia Ann Taylor, to share pictures and stories.
Donna Murray
Donna R. Murray, 67, of Wisconsin Rapids passed away April 2, 2020, at Eden Brooke Nursing Home. Donna was born Aug. 10, 1952, in Wisconsin Rapids to Louis and Leota (Struss) Polzin. She was with her significant other Keith M. Livernash for 27 years.
Donna loved her family dearly, especially her daughter and grandchildren. She loved to sit in her chair outside or inside and watch her flowers grow and the birds sing. She had a real green thumb for gardening.
She is survived by her significant other, Keith, her daughter Kelly (Dan) Chandonais of Wisconsin Rapids, her four grandchildren, Kristina (Jordan), Isabella, Alex and Hunter of Wisconsin Rapids and her seven sisters Carol (Roger) Vantry of Wisconsin Rapids, Patty (Brett) Schaefer of Arpin, Mary (Pat) Favia of Illinois, Diane (Kurt) Jensen of Pittsville, Judy (Karl) Wagner of Florida, Jody Tate (Brian Tuel) of Florida and Heidi (Kevin) Studzinski of Waupaca, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Martha.
Funeral arrangements will be at a later date.
