Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
James “Jim” Schneck
If you were blessed to see the beautiful sunrise and hear the birds singing early in the morning of Monday, May 4, 2020, you were witness to the celebration of Jim Schneck as he was welcomed back home into his kingdom.
James Melvin Schneck was born May 28, 1945, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to Melvin and Eleanor (Wegner) Schneck. Even as a young man he worked hard for his family, was generous with his smile, and made friends (buddies) easily. Weekends meant church at St. Stephen’s and summers meant camping and fishing along the banks of the Wisconsin River with his cousin, John.
Jim graduated from Wausau High School with his sweetheart, Sue Ann Miller, in the spring of 1964. After high school he studied drafting at Northcentral Technical College. Jim and Sue married on Nov. 13, 1965, at St. James Catholic Church in Wausau. Together they were proud parents to Sarah, Wendy, Paul, John, and MaryKim.
Jim built and remodeled homes for many families in central Wisconsin and the Waunakee/Madison area with Schneck Construction, Dun-Rite, and Waunakee Remodeling. He was truly a gifted builder. Jim was a friend of Bill W. With Sue, he shared The Big Book and The Twelve Traditions throughout the United States. Many would tell you he saved their lives; he would tell you, they saved him. When he wasn’t at work or at his children’s events, you could find him in the woods, in a cornfield or on the lake, no matter the weather. Through the best of times and the most challenging, family and faith kept us centered.
Jim married his loving wife Chris Bryson Schneck, on Aug. 28, 2010, and spent his retirement with Chris traveling, hunting and fishing, and spending time with his 10 grandchildren – they had no greater fan! He was an active member and friend of Highland Community Church, and always found something that needed fixing. Jim continued to find peace in the woods, on the lake and with family and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Sue. His parents, Melvin and Eleanor, sister and brother-in-law Susan and Jerry Slagoski. Mother- and father-in-law Dr. William C. and Lorraine Miller and brother-in-law Jonathan Tim Miller.
He is survived by his loving wife, Chris, as well as his children and grandchildren; Sarah and Paul Thuot (Gleason), and their children Andy and Molly, and Becky; Wendy and Jesse Furrer (Wausau) and their children Baylee, Kayla, and Jake; Paul and Trina Schneck (Rothschild) and their children Alanna and Landon; John and Tracie Schneck (Oshkosh) and their children Logan, Ian, and Emma; MaryKim Schneck and Jason Reger (Eden Prarie, Minnesota). Sisters Sandy (Dennis) Gorecki, and Sharon (Jack) Kramer. Sisters- and brothers-in-law Kay and Bill Reis, Angela and Dan Nimsgern, and Chris and Sharon Miller, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Jim was a most loved stepfather and grandfather to Shane (Shelagh) Hannah, Elliott, Crosby; Kathryn (Tom) , James and Alex; Mike (Louissa) ; Aaron (Stephanie) Kevin, Colleen, Branden, Michael, Finn and Mia.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be planned at a later date. In the meantime, we can celebrate Jim by taking time to watch geese fly overhead, head out on a boat with a pole, take a walk in the woods or nap in a tree, laugh, cheer for your grandkids, sing “Amazing Grace,” say a prayer of gratitude, make someone feel loved.
Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation at https://www.parkinson.org/expert-care/centers-of-excellence.
Brainard Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. You may sign the family guestbook at brainardfuneral.com.
Irene Kaminski
On May 1, 2020, Irene passed away with her family by her side. The greatest joys in her life were her relationship with God and her family. A day never went by that she didn?t pray for someone in her family. Her kind and loving way will be missed by all who knew her.
She was born Jan. 29, 1927, in Schofield, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Barney and Francis Chack. She married Harry Kaminski who preceded her in death on March 23, 2001.
Survivors include her children, Gary (Dena) Kaminski, Lynn (Mike) Trembath, Scott (Debra) Kaminski, Todd Kaminski and Iris (Scott) Durrant; eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and her sister Delores Block.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister Esther Zoromski and many brother and sister in laws.
Due to the COVID pandemic, there will not be a service. Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to the family at brainardfuneral.com.
John Werner
John Werner, 99, Marathon, passed from this life on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at the Hospice House, Wausau.
He was born Jan. 28, 1921, in Marathon, son of the late Andrew and Frances (Wunder) Werner. John was a dedicated, lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Halder and farmed in the town of Emmet for many years, prior to his retirement.
Survivors include his nieces and nephews; Rev. James (Stephanie) Werner, Watertown, David (Jamie) Werner, Ladysmith, Joan (Rev. Paul) Alliet, Appleton, Sister Fran Sulzer FSPA, Park Ridge, Illinois, Judy (Don) McCormack, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Kenneth (Christine) Sulzer, Mosinee, Mary (Dave) Haka, Florence, Ariz., Gary (Mary) Sulzer, Mosinee, Tom (Kay) Sulzer, Eleva and several grand nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by two siblings, Clara Sulzer and Edward Werner.
A private funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Halder. Private burial will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Marathon.
Visitation will be on Saturday, May 9, 2020, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Halder. Family and friends wishing to pay their respects are asked to practice social distancing and keep the state recommendation of 10 or fewer individuals present at one time in mind. Your patience is requested as measures will be taken to abide by the special guidelines currently in place.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the Aspirus Hospice House staff for the kindness extended to John during his time there.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Walter “Bud” Guralski
Walter P. (Bud) Guralski, 83, Athens, died Sunday, May 3, 2020, at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born April 29, 1937, in the town of Rietbrock, son of the late Walter Sr. and Clara (Wojciechowski) Guralski. On May 30, 1959, he married the love of his life, Gertrude Schug, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. This May they would be celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary.
Walter was a life-long member of Holy Family Catholic Church. He did what he loved his whole life, farming. He also worked at Marathon Cheese where he did odd jobs, but most enjoyed caring for the Goldbach family yard. Among his many interests, Walter most enjoyed fishing with his brothers, sons and grandchildren. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, hunting, planting trees, mowing lawn, playing sheepshead, sitting around the campfire, and just living life to the fullest. Special to him was the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Gertrude, 10 children; Sandy (Tom) Schueller, Steve (Roxi) Guralski, Sharon (Mike) Kraft, Sally (Steve) Riehle, Sheila (Wade) Kutz, Scott (Mickie) Guralski, Shawn (Angie) Guralski, Shane (Carrie) Guralski, Shelly (Kevin) Schaetzl and Sarah (Pat) Schreiner ; 26 grandchildren Jennifer Harris, Joshua Schueller, April and Cody Guralski, Garrett, Phillip and Briti Kraft,Dillon Riehle, Taylor Schreiner, Amanda, Christopher and Johnathon Borchardt, Nicholas and Nathan Kutz, Amber Fischer, Mason and Shayla Guralski, Aiden and Evan Guralski, Kimberly Mroczenski, Aaron and Cassie Schaetzl, Nancy, Katlyn, Kyle and Grace Schreiner; 12 great-grandchildren Abagail Harris, Aerahley Kraft, Gianna Nordeen, Shyann, Lincoln and Cooper Borchardt, Bennett, Ellie, Mia and Cecilia Borchardt, Felicity Fischer, Jason Mroczenski. Bud was further survived by his siblings, Ray Guralski, Bob (Alice) Guralski, Delores Gajewski, Joan (Norman) Soczka, Violet Farkus, Lucille (Jim) Kleparski, Barbara Diers and brother-in-law Lyle Steder.
Besides his parents, Walter was preceded in death by siblings Ervin Guralski, Art Guralski, Janet Steder, Agnes Guralski; grandchildren Michael Schueller, Tonya Borchardt, Jason Schueller and Tyler Guralski.
Thank you to all the caregivers from Ascension Hospice for your wonderful care and compassion over the past few months. Special thanks to Kate, Stephanie and Pastor Mark, you touched our family in a special way.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at a later date at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. A complete obituary will be published listing the date and time of the visitation and Mass after the quarantine restrictions have been lifted.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
George “Junior” Swanson
Born April 15, 1919 – Died May 5, 2020 (of old age)
George, or Junior, as many people called him, lived his entire life in Wausau except for 1942 through 1946, when he was in the military. He grew up helping in his father’s store, the Poppy, at the corner of Stewart and Third avenues.
After graduating from Wausau High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and after training joined his twin brother William L. Swanson (died 2016) in England. They served together in France, Belgium and Germany in the Ninth Air Force, VIII Ground Support Command.
He married Lynnette Hanneman on Jan. 25, 1947, as part of a double ceremony with twin William and his bride, Mary Ackerman, also deceased. He married Doris Kopp, deceased, on Sept. 16, 1995. Lynnette survives him as do their two sons, Timothy Swanson of Cold Spring Harbor, New York, and Richard Swanson of Chicago, Illinois, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
He was employed by Wausau Papers for nearly 30 years and was a long time member of both the Wausau American Legion and the Wausau VFW.
He had a great sense of humor as can be seen from the photo taken recently.
A graveside service will be held Friday, May 8, at 10 a.m. at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.
Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family.
