Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Clemens Murkowski
Clemens J. Murkowski, 81, Athens passed away Sunday, April 19, 2020, at the Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield.
He was born May 22, 1938, in the town of Rietbrock, son of the late Harry and Balbena (Felzkowski) Murkowski.
For many years Clemens was a dairy farmer in the town of Rietbrock. After farming he went to work at Eastbay in Wausau until the time of his illness. Some of his favorite pastimes were fishing, watching football games on TV, especially the Green Bay Packers, and working in his garden. He always enjoyed sharing his raspberries with the neighbors.
Clemens proudly served his country in the United States Air Force.
Survivors include three nieces, Monica Murkowski, Vaneta Maach and Sherry Krueger and one sister-in-law, Shirley Murkowski and his cat, George.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Florian, and his brother Ervin.
A private family funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. The Rev. Thomas Huff will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Joyce Siewert
Joyce Siewert passed away on April 16, 2020, under the care of the Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services while staying at the Rennes assisted living facility in Weston.
She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Susan (Fochs) Dahlke born on June 8, 1929, with her twin brother, Jerome. She married Jim Siewert on Oct. 1, 1949, at Holy Name Catholic church in Wausau. They celebrated 59 years together before he passed away in March of 2008.
They had three children: Jerry (Sandy) Siewert, Patte (Jerry) Lewis and Scott (Deb) Siewert, all who survive and live in Wausau. Other survivors include her nine grandchildren: Joe (fiancee Meighan) , Jackie and Melissa Siewert, Mandy (Nate) Runge, April (Josh) Wanish, Adam (Amber) Siewert, Luke (Tahnee) Siewert, Mitch (Jess) Siewert and Katie (Marshall) McCarty. Her special niece and flower girl at her wedding Barbara Lattimer survives along many other nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a sister in law, Dolores (Bud) Dahlke.
Besides her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her siblings, brothers Harold (Bud), Harvey and Jerome and sisters Sue Gripentrog and Ruth Hirsch.
Joyce worked for many years at the J.C. Penney store in Wausau. She loved going to garage sales and had a lovely collection of lady head vases. She loved her grand and great grandchildren who affectionately called her ‘Nana’ or ‘Great Nana.’ She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother who will be sadly missed.
The family thanks the Rennes staff for their care and concern at this difficult time. During the restricted visitation due to the COVID-19 breakout the staff became our mom’s extended family and we are grateful to them all.
A private family burial will be held at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. A public visitation and memorial service will be celebrated at a later date at St. Anne Parish after the COVID-19 quarantine restrictions have been lifted. A complete listing of dates and times will be published later.
George Alafouzos
George Alafouzos, 80, Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston, after a long history with heart disease.
He was born March 1, 1940, in Athens, Greece, son of Demetrius and Marina Georgacas.
George immigrated to the U.S. (Grand Forks, North Dakota) from Athens, Greece in 1954. He started ninth grade in the fall of 1954 at Central High School in Grand Forks, speaking very little English. His beloved stepmother Barbara helped him to learn the new language. He easily formed many close friendships during this time, which helped him succeed and transition to life in the US. His friendship with fellow classmate Gary Swanson whom he met early on, has been lifelong. It was at the University of North Dakota where he met Bonita in the madrigal choir. He graduated from UND with a degree in art education.
On June 1, 1963, he married Bonita “Bonnie” Peters at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Bonnie’s family quickly also became his family as he spent time on the Peters farm in Viking, Minnesota. He was grateful to be accepted and loved by his new family.
George and Bonnie moved to Wausau, Wisconsin, to begin their teaching careers in 1963. George started as an art teacher at John Muir Junior High School, and continued working as an elementary art teacher for the D.C. Everest Area School District, and later for the Stevens Point Area School District until retiring in 2002. Many lifelong friendships were made during his 37-year teaching career.
The birth of his two children was the joy of his life and he considered them miracles. George and Bonnie traveled several times back to Greece to visit his mother Marina and the relatives. Tony and Alexia would join on subsequent trips. He had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed travel.
He truly loved being a part of the Marathon County Historical Society for 55 years as a volunteer docent for the Historical Museum (The Yawkey House), and most recently at the Woodson History Center. He also enjoyed being a member/volunteer of the Rib Mountain Lions Club, the Marathon County Historical Society, the Wisconsin Valley Coin Club and the Wisconsin Education Association Council.
Among his favorite pastimes, he loved history, antiques, classic cars and car shows, and deer hunting in the Dells with Randy Sus. George always enjoyed returning to Bonnie’s hometown of Viking, Minnesota, to see his many friends and relatives. He especially loved hanging out at the Viking Diner to catch up with the breakfast crowd!
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Bonita “Bonnie” Alafouzos, Wausau; son, Tony Alafouzos (Kristina Schuldt) Eau Claire, Wisconsin; daughter, Alexia Gossett (Ryan Gossett) Wausau; granddaughters, Ella and Wren Gossett; siblings and families: Sister, Kaliope “Popy” Georgacas, Athens, Greece; nephew, George Georgacas (Alexia) great nephews Jason and Kimon; Sister, Anne Conn, San Diego, California, niece Gwen; brother, Christopher Georgacas (Sue) Mahtomedi, Minnesota, niece Lauren, and nephew Alex; cousin, George Liatsos (Eleni) Sanford, Florida, and many cousins in the U.S. and Greece.
He is further survived by his brothers-in-law, Gary Peters and Jerome Peters (Cheryl) Viking Minnesota; sister-in-law, JoAnn Peters, Viking, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews in Minnesota.
He was preceded in death by his father, Demetrius Georgacas; mother, Marina Alafouzos; stepmother, Barbara Georgacas; Uncle Gus Georgans; Uncle Homer Georgacas; Aunt Sophia Liatsos; Aunt Barbara Barkulis; grandparents in Greece; mother-in-law, Selma Peters; father-in-law, John Peters; brothers-in-law, Donald Peters and Wayne Peters; and sister-in-law, Fern Peters.
A private family service was held. A public memorial service will be planned at a later date at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, Rib Mountain.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Rib Mountain Lions Club, Woodson History Center, Marathon County Historical Society or Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, Rib Mountain.
Glen Nelson
Glen H. Nelson, 91, of Schofield passed away peacefully April 15, 2020, at Rennes Health and Rehab Center. Glen was born June 20, 1928, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to the late Clarence and Anna (Drehmel) Nelson. He married Lorraine Marie Treu in 1949, who preceded him in death.
Glen was a hard worker, first for the Wausau Fire Department and then American Can and Weyerhaeuser in Rothschild, before retiring in 1991. He enjoyed watching sports (especially the Brewers) and playing church league dartball for St. Paul’s Hornets. He also worked on St. Paul’s Church Work Crew. Glen loved the fellowship of snowmobiling with the Rothschild Urbanaires Snowmobile Club. He spent deer season at the R&R lodge where he was the cook for over 35 years. He appreciated a green yard and worked diligently on it as well as enjoying a beer every day.
Glen is survived by his sons, Garland (Peggy Ramsey) and Kurt (Donna Bindl) Nelson; daughter, Carrie Nelson Stotler; as well as his brother Jack (Mae) Nelson and sister, Betty (Bob) Andrew. He is further survived by four grandchildren; Nick (Jenny) Nelson, Pam Nelson, Chris (Heather) Nelson and Nikki (Erik) Steigerwald; and five great-grandchildren, Eli and Gavin Nelson, Stella and Gavin Steigerwald and Bryn Nelson. He was preceded in death by his son Doyle and special friend Elva VanVonderen.
A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2020, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 426 Washington St., Wausau. Pastor Philip Schneider will officiate. Visitation will take place at 9 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Entombment will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park. Service date and times are subject to change due to COVID-19. Please check Helke.com for service updates.
Glen’s family wishes to thank the Rennes staff for their comfort and care.
Family and friends may go to helke.com to share online condolences.
Barbara Hauer
Barbara Hauer, 84, of Wausau passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2020, surrounded by her family.
She was born July 2, 1935, in Wausau to the late Herbert and Bertha (Neumann) Schave. Barb grew up in Wausau and was a 1953 graduate of Wausau High School. She fell in love with Eugene Hauer after meeting him on a blind date at the circus in Marathon Park. They were married at St. Anne Catholic Church on April 18, 1959. While raising their three boys, Eugene worked at Hoffer Glass and Barb for the state of Wisconsin until she retired in 1995. Barb was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau, volunteering for numerous activities over the years. She loved to read and spend time with her family. Barb was a woman who always tried to do her best, which was a trait passed down from her mother.
Survivors include her husband, Eugene of Wausau, three sons, Timothy (Melissa) of Verona, Todd (Reyne) of Wausau, Terry (Karen) of Balsam Lake, nine grandchildren, Erin, Anne, Tess, Maddie, Jordan (Shelby), Alysson, Johnny (Amanda), Christopher (Amy), Kalyn (Dustin), five great grandchildren, Scarlett, Lucy, Jack, Briggs, Casey, one brother, Jim (Gerry) Schave of Wasilla, AK and one sister, Karen Schave of Sun City West, AZ. Barb was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Schave and three sisters, Ruth Beilke, June Ronek and Marion Detert.
We invite you to join a live stream of Barbara’s funeral ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 23, 2020. To join the live stream, please go to the bottom of Barbara’s obituary at helke.com. Online condolences may also be shared. Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau, with the Rev. Zach Holdorf officiating. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum at Restlawn Memorial Park.
We would like to thank the exceptional staff at Pride TLC for the special care and kindness they gave Mom and our family during her stay.
The family requests that instead of sending flowers, please direct memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church or School, 501 Stewart Ave., Wausau, 54401.
Stephen Sibley
Stephen W. Sibley, 59, of Wausau passed away unexpectedly at his home on April 10, 2020.
Steve was born in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada on Aug. 21, 1960, to the late William and Lois (Carley) Sibley. Steve’s father was a Baptist minister and, as such, their family relocated several times. They settled in Wausau in 1971, where Steve graduated from Wausau West High School.
In December of 1983, Steve married his best friend, Debra Meyer, in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. Steve had a tremendous passion for history and went back to school later in life, obtaining his Bachelor of Arts and History degree from the American Military University in 2019. At the time of his death, he was pursuing his Master’s in history.
Steve worked many jobs throughout his adult life and was especially devoted to social work as a foster father for many children. Later, he owned a courier business delivering pharmaceutical supplies to nursing and retirement homes.
He was a great husband and father who will be fondly remembered for his wit, humor and love for his family. He loved being outside in Wisconsin’s warmer months and playing golf. When he was home, he spent time watching movies with his wife and listening to his favorite music. His basement, known by those close to him as “Sibz Place,” was his scrapbook. He filled every inch with meaning and stories about the lives of his family and many friends. He is deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Steve is survived by his wife, Debra Sibley; his four children, Joshua Sibley, Benjamin Sibley, Sarah (Collin) Schepp, and Rachel Sibley; his twin brother Jonathan (Denise) Sibley and his younger brother James (Cindy) Sibley; his brothers-in-law, Merlin Anderson and Thomas Greaves. Further, he is survived by his parents-in-law, Gerald and Elaine Meyer; sisters-in-law, Sherry (Scott) Georg and Michele (Cary) Peterson. Steve is preceded in death by his parents, William Sibley and Lois (Carley) Sibley; and his three sisters, Mary Anderson, Delores Sibley, and Kathryn Greaves.
A private service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church of Wausau. A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family in Steve’s memory at Helke Funeral Home, c/o Debra Sibley, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, WI 54401.
Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with services. To share memories and condolences, please visit helke.com.
Maxine Leverton
Maxine A. Leverton, 84, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2020, at Tender Reflections Assisted Living, Weston.
She was born Nov. 4, 1935, in Milwaukee, daughter of the late Orville “Buck” Leverton and Harriet (Hipschman) Leverton.
Maxine was a 1955 graduate of Wausau High School. She worked for many years at Employers Mutual Insurance. She then worked in other customer service positions until her retirement. She was a life-long member of Wesley United Methodist Church where, in her younger years, she was a member of the church choir.
Maxine enjoyed attending summer concerts at the park and getting a bite to eat with her family. She spent many summers up north on Lake Tomahawk, and always had her camera ready to capture memories. Though she didn’t have children of her own, she enjoyed shopping with, and spoiling her nieces with the latest styles.
Survivors include her three nieces, Kelly (Bill) Schremp, Kristie (Rich) Reichenberger, and Kim (Jason) Van Galder; her great-nieces and nephews, Nicholas (Heather) Thomas, Cory (Tramain) Jarocki, Alix Reichenberger, Cole Reichenberger, Lindsey Van Galder, Kyle Van Galder and Anna Van Galder.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Diane Merce.
A private family service will be held.
The family wishes to thank Tender Reflections Assisted Living and Interim Health Care for taking care of our special aunt. She is loved and will be missed.
Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family. To share memories and condolences, please visit helke.com.
Richard Cisewski
Richard Cisewski, 81, of the town of Hull passed away at his home on April 18, 2020. He is the son of the late Phillip and Sally Cisewski born March 15, 1939.
He worked at Jeorn’s Furniture Co. for 34 years, then nine years at Hammel Forestry Plant till retirement. Richard enjoyed gardening, hunting and making firewood. He was in the U.S. Army and discharged in July of 1964.
He married Christine Kuzynski. They later divorced, but together had five sons; Jerome and Dawn Cisewski, Custer, Patrick Cisewski, Marshfield, Dennis Cisewski, Stevens Point, Daniel and Sharon Cisewski, Linwood Brian and April Cisewski, Plover, nine grandchildren; Timothy and Shari Cisewski, Jay Ciserski, Rachel and Chris Sankey, Stephine Cisewski (fiancé Landon Cole), Matthew Cisewski special friend Brittany Falkauage, Chase Cisewski, Kaitlin Cisewski, Skler Cisewski, Christopher Cisewski; eight great-grandchildren; Michel, Lucas, Lillan, Eva Cisewski, Taylor Trenton Cameron, Cylie Sankey and Richard (dad) girlfriend for 28 years Mary Bellinger. Richard is further survived by his sisters Pat Filipiak, Hedwig Lewandoski, Jane (Tony) Rucinski, Cathy (Ken) Grezenski and brother Kenneth (Agnes) Albin (Grace), Harry (Ann) Eugene (Karen), Barney, Clarence (Jacki) and many nephews and nieces.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Art and Ervin and sister Florence.
Per Richard’s wishes, he will be cremated. Do to COVID-19 a family Celebration of Life will be at a later date.
Family would like to give a special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Aspirus Hospital for helping take care of Dad these last few years.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com.
Richard “Rick” Potter
Rick Potter, 67, of Nekoosa passed away unexpectantly on Tuesday, April 14, at Wausau Aspirus Hospital.
Mr. Potter was born November 1952 in Wisconsin Rapids. He married Sandra M. DeByl on Aug. 14, 1999. He lived most of his life in Wisconsin Rapids working as a K-12 school counselor for over 20 years. He was well liked by and did a lot of good for many children.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1981 and served as a Naval Flight Officer until 1984. His military service and cross-country bicycle trip from the East Coast to the West Coast were important accomplishments for him in his life.
Rick loved nature and valued the environment. He was an active member and contributor to the Port Edwards Lions Club, air and water quality groups, and wildlife rehab, especially the Raptor Education Group in Antigo. Rick was instrumental in helping to establish solar panels on the McMillan Library roof.
Rick was a very kind and generous man. His way of living his life was to do no harm and to leave the world a better place. He loved to read and learn and was always there for people who needed help. Rick was generous in his life and he was generous in his death. As an organ donor he has already helped to save at least one life. His donations will help to improve the quality and length of life for others.
Rick was predeceased by his father Raymond and sister Sandra. Survivors of his immediate family include his wife, Sandra “Sam” DeByl, his mother Betty Ann Potter, his brother Michael Potter (Linda), and sister Linda Freund (Michael Murray).
Also several wonderful nieces and nephews and their children.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Also a memorial will be established by his family at a later time. Rick will be missed.
Allan Mackoway
Allan Mackoway, 74, passed away on April 14, 2020.
His favorite pastimes included golfing, hunting, fishing, playing cards and being social with friends and family.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Shirley, his sister, two children; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and many extended family members.
His friends knew him as Al or Mack. His children knew him as Dad. And his beloved grandchildren called him Papa.
He had a quiet wisdom, with lessons of respect responsibility and love. He will be deeply missed by those close to him.
Private family services were held at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild, with Father Al Slowiak officiating.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisted family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com.
Roger Kuklinski
Roger L. Kuklinski, 79, of Hatley died on Friday, April 17, 2020, at Wausau Manor.
He was born on Nov. 4, 1940, in Bevent, the son of Leo Sr. and Francis (Suchon) Kuklinski.
On Aug. 31, 1963, Roger was united in marriage to Sandra Easker at St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley.
Roger was an assembler at Greenheck for over 36 years until his retirement. He was a member at St. Florian’s Catholic Church and enjoyed going out to eat with his family and friends at local restaurants. Roger enjoyed hunting, fishing and especially enjoyed the many trips throughout the country he took with his family.
Survivors include his wife, Sandra; three children, Chris (Bruce) Hanke of Lakewood, Colorado, Carole (Eric) Lange of Milwaukee and Lisa (Alan) Erdman of Pelican Lake; three grandchildren, Amanda and Zach Moffat and Matt Kuklinski; stepgrandchildren, Jeremy and Alex Erdman; great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Ava, Matty and Kaiya Kuklinski and siblings, Edwin (Angie) Kuklinski of Polonia, Charles (Shirley) Kuklinski of Arizona, Ron (Lori) Kuklinski of Hartford, Leo (Lorretta) Kuklinski, Jr. of Stevens Point, Lawrence (Luann) Kuklinski of Plover, Kenneth (Shirley) Kuklinski of Amherst Junction and Delphine VanLysel of Fremont.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers and two sisters.
A public visitation will be held at St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley, on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
A Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley. Fr. Gregory Bohren will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
The family encourages the community and friends wishing to pay their respects to practice social distancing and keep the state mandates in mind. Please be patient as measures will be taken to practice social distancing during the visitation time.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
