Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Helen Anderson
Helen Rose Anderson, 94, Wausau, died Thursday, May 7, 2020, at Applegate Terrace under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
Helen was born Nov. 24, 1925, in Brokaw to the late Glen and Selma (Weege) Campbell. She married Stewart William Anderson on Oct. 11, 1947, in Wausau. The couple was blessed with six children: Paul, Susan, David, Peter, Marie and Nancy. She was a strong woman raising their six children while Stewart was at work. After 69 years together, Stewart died on Jan. 29, 2017.
Helen was a dedicated wife, mother grandmother and great-grandmother. In her free time over the years Helen had several pastimes: knitting, sewing, gardening, reading, working on puzzles and painting. Helen also took a special interest in keeping her bird feeder well stocked so she could watch the many birds that came to visit.
Helen is survived by her children, Paul (Mary) Anderson, Susan (Jerry) Seidl, David (Connie) Anderson, Peter Anderson, Marie Anderson and Nancy (Michael Mushinskie) Anderson; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Clara, Jerry and Glen Jr.; and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her siblings Clifford and Betty.
In accordance with Helen’s wishes, there will be no service at this time. Brainard Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at brainardfuneral.com.
Memorials may be directed to a charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the nurses and staff of Applegate Terrace and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their kind and dedicated care for Helen.
Donald Allen
Donald K. Allen, 87, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away Monday, May 4, 2020, at Ascension Hospital in Weston, Wisconsin. Donald was born on Aug. 14, 1932, to John and Corrnie (Deitch) Allen in Somonauk, Illinois.
On April 18, 1952, he married Mildred Schabacker in Rochelle, Illinois. Donald spent 68 years in loving marriage with Mildred. They enjoyed spending their time together hunting, camping, snowmobiling, dancing and playing cards. Donald spent his career selling, leasing and driving a truck. He hauled oil and livestock until he bought his own 18-wheeler and began hauling for Fedex.
Donald is survived by his wife, Mildred, by his children; Brenda Lewis of Rockford, Illinois, Wayne Allen of Wausau, Wisconsin, and Russ Allen of Freeport, Illinois. His grandchildren; Tammie (Jeff) Seibold, Melinda (Mitch) Morey, Amanda (Matt) Jones, Caleb Lewis, Aaron Lewis, Rick (Dawn) Homan, Issac Allen, Nicole (Matt) Fransen, Terra Allen and Joshua Allen. He is also survived by 17 great grandchildren.
In addition, Donald is predeceased by five sisters: Zelda Allen, Margaret Tuntland, Helen Ramsett, Harriet Cater and Blance Schene and three brothers: John, Robert and Howard Allen.
Your life was a blessing. Your memory is a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
There will be no services at this time due to the current circumstance. In remembrance of Donald, a celebration of life will take place at a later time. Brainard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Mary Albee
Mary Ann Albee, 76, of the town of Easton died on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Mary was born in Wausau on May 23, 1943, to the late Erling and Virginia (Little) Salvesen. Mary met the love of her life, Frank Albee, on her birthday, May 23, 1963. They were married on May 9, 1964, at St. Michaels Catholic Church; loving each other unconditionally for 55 years, 10 months, and nine days, until Frank passed away on March 13, 2020.
An extremely caring person who always took care of others and put their needs before her own, Mary never judged others, accepted everyone for who they were, and was always willing to share her time, and, of course, her baked goods. She never went a week without talking to her very best friend, Betty Ellefsen, who she has known for over 50 years. Mary enjoyed taking drives up north to Willow Lake, being outdoors, camping, watching the hummingbirds, reading, baking, crocheting and going to the casino. She was a huge sports fan who loved to watch the Milwaukee Brewers, Wisconsin Badgers Basketball, and football in a pinch. Mary’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Mary is survived by her two sons, Greg (Le-Ann) and Jon (Deb) Albee; grandchildren, Steven, Taylor, Emily, Grace and Jackson; brother, Bill (Karen) Salvesen; as well as her sister-in-law, Mary Gene Salvesen.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her brother Bob Salvesen.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2020, at Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery, E19431 Church Road, Aniwa. Pastor Joe Pinzl will officiate. Family and friends are asked to follow the social distancing rule when they arrive. Please go to helke.com to leave an online condolence for the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
Gary Kurtzweil
Gary Kurtzweil, 75, of Wausau passed away on Friday, May 8, 2020, at Our House Senior Living.
Services at Holy Name of Jesus Parish will be announced at a later date. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Michael Bahr
Michael G. Bahr, son of George & Margaret Bahr, was born on Oct. 17, 1941.
He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on May 7, 2020.
Mike spent his childhood in Wittenberg looking for adventures, helping neighbors with odd jobs, playing ball and forging friendships that lasted his entire life. In high school he developed a strong work ethic in his family’s Ben Franklin store and the Badger Theater, where he could be found most weekends working the movie projector or selling concessions.
In January 1964, Mike began his military career in the U.S. Army, serving as a Military Police Officer in Vietnam until January 1966. Following his tour of duty he returned home and joined the American Legion Bloecher-Johnson Post 502, with whom he proudly was a member for over 50 years. He didn’t miss a single Wittenberg Homecoming and looked forward to visiting with everyone each year.
June 18, 1966, began a 45-year marriage to the love of his life, Vernita Sullivan, who preceded him in death. Together they raised four children.
Mike partnered with his father in the family business. They eventually closed the theater to expand the retail store to twice its original size, making it a modern self-serving store. In 1997, they received an award honoring 50 years of continuous management as a family-owned Ben Franklin store.
Community service was important to Mike and he set the standard high. In addition to military and Legion service, he was also a very active member of his church. Mike belonged to the Knights of Columbus, actively fundraised for the Green Bay Packer Bishops Charity, and volunteered much of his time with the Holy Family Men’s Club in various leadership roles.
Outside of church he supported the Elcho Food Pantry, Wittenberg Chamber of Commerce and various community service projects.
A relaxing and fulfilling retirement started in 1997 at Post Lake where Mike and Vernita built their dream home. It was here that he spent his days fishing, hunting, throwing horseshoes and visiting with friends, new and old.
Mike’s legacy will live on through his family: son Paul (Rebecca) Bahr, grandchildren Lauren and Matthew; daughter Susan (Matt) Black, grandchildren Jonathan, Alicia, and Madalyn; son Philip (Petra) Bahr, grandson Brian; and son Steven (fiancée Diana Henry), grandson Rylan.
A public visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2020, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg.
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 public visitation.
Mikes family would like to invite the public to a graveside service, which will be held at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery, Wittenberg, at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 15. Military rites will be conducted by the Bloecher-Johnson American Legion Post #502.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
