Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Kenneth Bukowski
Kenneth Donald Bukowski, 82, of Birnamwood died on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on Nov. 15, 1937, the youngest son of late Michael John and Victoria (Buska) Bukowski.
Kenneth graduated from D.C. Everest High School in Schofield in 1957, going on to earn an Art Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1961. He served 30 faithful years as an art teacher in the Spencer school system until he retired in 1992. Kenneth was a cheerful person with a big laugh and a joyful presence. He loved travel, painting, the casino, stamp collecting and his house on Mayflower Lake.
Survivors include his niece, Julie Bukowski, Wausau; and five nephews, Richard Lee (Colleen) Bukowski, Eagle River; Bruce (Janet) Bukowski, Annapolis, Maryland; Daniel (Tamzin) Bukowski, Alexandria, Minnesota; Jack (Faith) Clark, Mosinee; and Andrew (Karen) Clark, Minocqua. In addition, he is survived by more than 20 great- and great-great- nieces and nephews.
Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Richard John Bukowski; his sister, Irene Clark (Bukowski); and one nephew, Thomas Clark.
At Kenneth’s request, there will not be any formal funeral services. In lieu of a memorial, Kenneth’s family is asking that a donation be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Diane Bartell
Diane Bartell, 87, was received into the open waiting arms of the Lord at 10:02 p.m. Monday, April 27, 2020. She came into this world the same way she left—laughing and singing, laughing and singing.
She was born Dec. 2, 1932, in the small town of Tipp City, Ohio, graduated from high school and attended college where she met the love of her life, her husband, Paul, whom she married Dec. 27, 1952. They raised two boys in north central Wisconsin who were their pride and joy.
Diane and Paul opened a small service-based company focused on printing services, telephone answering service and temporary help services. Through their hard work and dedication, the small company flourished and continued to be operated by their sons. Diane was a long time Rotarian, and loved what Rotary stood for. She was a Paul Harris Fellow.
She possessed a positive spark and a smile she shared so freely—always with a word of encouragement for anyone. The compassion she possessed was evident to everyone she came in contact with, as she would make them feel special and uplifted. To give perspective into Diane, there was a fellow high school classmate who was not able to pursue his dream of entering medical school due to the high cost. Diane helped raise money for this classmate, who eventually earned his medical degree and ended up serving patients of Tipp City Ohio his entire career.
Even though Diane never really lost that Southern Ohio country girl, she was a Badger through and through. She loved watching her Badgers and was for decades a booster and season ticket holder.
Survivors include her two sons, Brad Bartell, Wausau; Bruce (Melinda) Bartell, Mosinee; a sister, Joanne Heckmann, Tipp City, Ohio; a brother, Sam (Pat) Grim, West Milton, Ohio. Along with all past employees of the company she and Paul were so blessed to have, she considered them as part of her family. Besides her parents and husband, Paul, she was preceded in death by a brother, Ed Grim.
Private graveside services were held at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Memorials may be sent to The Diane Bartell Memorial, c/o Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, WI 54403.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Keith Mortenson
Keith C. Mortenson, 66, of Birnamwood died on Thursday, April 30, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Keith was born on March 10, 1954, in Wausau, the son of Lloyd and Gloria (Meyer) Mortenson.
On May 21, 1977, Keith was united in marriage to Susan Cunningham at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Birnamwood.
Keith was employed at Greenheck for many years until his retirement due to health reasons. He loved woodworking and crafting many furniture pieces. Keith enjoyed time in the outdoors tending to his lawn and garden. He was very musical and enjoyed playing the banjo. Keith was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Birnamwood, and was a former Sunday School teacher and served on the board of elders.
Keith is survived by his wife, Susan of Birnamwood; his father, Lloyd of Birnamwood; two sons, Jed Mortenson of Minneapolis and Logan (Brianna) Mortenson of St. Paul; two brothers, David (Jeffrey) Mortenson of Tampa Bay and Jeff (Janet) Mortenson of Duluth, Minnesota; a sister, Debra Hart of Birnamwood and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Keith was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Mortenson.
A private Christian funeral will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Birnamwood. Rev. Matthew Christians will officiate.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
