Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Elroy Tapper
Mr. Elroy K. Tapper, 92, peacefully passed to the Lord on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at Stone Crest Dementia Center in Wausau from complications of heart failure and dementia.
Throughout his many years, he remained devoted to God, to Mary Ann (Annen), his loving wife of 69 years, and family; and to his many friends in the community. He was loved for his caring and kindness within our family, as well as for his gentleness of spirit; and further his always present, wry, playful sense of humor.
Elroy worked many years at the Tapper’s Dairy, a family business started by his father and mother in 1926 and prior to that as the manager of an automobile and fuel service station. In retirement, he was active as a charter member of the Sunrise Optimist Club, a benefit organization for community youth groups. He also volunteered at the North Central Health Care facilities for many years. He and Mary Ann together enjoyed attending family activities and sports games participated in by children and grandchildren. They also enjoyed card games and other social activities with their numerous friends.
Born on May 7, 1927, in the town of Wausau, he was the fifth of seven brothers and a sister born to the late Helmuth A. Tapper and Alma Raduechel. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; sons, Jeffrey (Angelina Lee) and Kim (Gwen); daughters, Amy (Thomas, deceased) Robinson and Lisa (Ken) Parsch. He is further survived by his brother, Gordon; sister, Beth Flory of the Wausau area; and sister-in-law, Esther Tapper of California. He and Mary Ann have 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Myron (Ethel), Gilbert, Leslie (Mildred), Gerald, David (Pat); and brother-in-law, Ralph “Turk” Flory.
The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Forest Park Village, Stone Crest Dementia Center, The Bay at Colonial Manor and Aspirus Wausau Hospital, particularly the Wound Center, for their assist and support.
Elroy’s funeral service will be live-streamed at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2020, at brainardfuneral.com during a private family service held at Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel. Rev. Dr. Steven Gjerde from Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau, will officiate. A public memorial service will be held at a later date. Elroy’s service will be made available for future viewing on Brainard Funeral Home’s website.
The family asks that gifts and memorial offerings be directed to the broadcast fund at Zion Lutheran Church.
Donald Ford
Donald Eugene Ford Jr, 58, of Schofield passed away unexpectedly on April 21, 2020.
Don was born on April 22, 1961, to the late Donald E. Ford Sr. and surviving R. Jill Edenfield.
He enjoyed being outdoors, helping his neighbors and working on vehicles. He adored his grandchildren and was proud to have served in the United States Marine Corps.
Don is survived by his children, Holly (Nikko) Whiteside, Rainbow City, Alabama, and Shanna Ford, Rothschild, Wisconsin; seven grandchildren, Nikko Jr, Asia, Kassandria, Jhayda, Daymon, Nevaeh, and Tenley; his mother, R. Jill Edenfield; biological siblings, Melanie, Dean, Miles, Brooke, Robin, Noel, Kelly and Autumn; as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides his father, Don was preceded in death by his grandson Rylan.
Per the families wishes, a private memorial service for Donald will be held at a later date. Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at brainardfuneral.com.
Valeria Baumann
Valeria A. Baumann, 94, of Wausau passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
She was born Dec. 28, 1925, in Rib Falls, daughter of the late Herman and Anna (Crochiere) Steidinger. On May 29, 1948, she married Gordon Baumann at St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church in Marathon. Together, they farmed in the town of Rib Falls and in 1972 they moved to Wausau.
Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed embroidering, crocheting, spending time at their cottage in Harrison Hills, traveling on bus tours and playing cards. She also volunteered at the Dime & Dollar Store in Wausau.
Survivors include her husband, Gordon Sr.; children, Donna (Byron) Draeger, Jean (Gary) Krause, Debra (David) Zunker and Jerry (Janette) Baumann; grandchildren, Todd Krause, Tanya (Ron Bigelow) Krause, Toby (Trinity) Krause, Tyler (Lindsey) Krause, Danielle Zunker, Jenna Baumann and Jayda Baumann; great-grandchildren, Harper, Haydyn, Tanner and Landon; sister, Angeline (Marvin) Matthiae; and sister-in-law, Mavis Steidinger.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Gordon Jr. in 1971; parents-in-law, Elgart and Ella (Doerr) Baumann; sister and brother-in-law, Arleen (Milton) Brandt; brother, Herman Steidinger Jr.; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Elroy (Doris) Baumann.
Private funeral services will be held at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery in Rib Falls.
Online condolences may be expressed at petersonkraemer.com.
Rose Rustad
Rose Rustad, 80, of Amherst Junction, Wisconsin, passed away at home with her loving family at her bedside. She was born on July 1, 1939, to the late James and Lorene Catozzi and was raised by Lorene and her stepfather Paul Giese. She married the love of her life Raymond Rustad on March 2, 1957. Together they had five children, Pam (JJ) Jackson, Linda, Laura, Karen (Rudi) Rudiger, Sam (Scott) Osman.
Their family included five grandchildren, Justin (Shelly) and Travis Jackson, Stevie and Ali Rudiger, Jesse Osman, and her siblings Bev, Jim, Paul, Nancy, Susie, and Janie. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Raymond, who passed away on Dec. 31, 2011, as well as her daughter Pam, her brother Paul, and her parents.
First and foremost, Rose had a passion for life and a love of family. She loved cooking, gardening, especially her flowers, spending time with her family, reading, farming, and above all, her husband Ray. Rose was loved and cherished by her family, and numerous other people considered her part of their chosen family. She loved children both young and old, and was called “Grandma” by many.
A service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local Humane Society, Meals on Wheels, or a charity of your choice.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com.
