Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Roman Przybylski
Roman “Romy” Richard Przybylski, 79, passed away May 4, 2020, at St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston.
Roman was born Feb. 12, 1941, to Frank and Leona (Ziech) Przybylski. He grew up in Wausau and its surrounding areas and at 17, Roman joined the military. He was in the United States Marine Corps from Feb. 18, 1958, to Feb. 16, 1962, and was in the reserves until Feb. 17, 1964. During his time in the service, he was stationed in Hawaii and Japan, It was an honor for Roman to have served his country. On Feb. 20, 1963 Roman married Carol Sorenson. Together, they had three daughters and one son, all of whom survive him- Laura Koplitz of Mosinee, Susan (Jim) Riedel of Wausau, Sandy (Gary) Kozlowski of Weston, and Michael Przybylski of Weston.
In Roman’s younger years, he enjoyed deer hunting, fly fishing and ice fishing with his brother Norbert and friends Bobby and Billy. He would take his daughters fishing, ice fishing, and nite crawler picking. Once his son was old enough, he took him fishing too. Every hunting season and for fishing, Roman would be calling everyone to see what they got.
Roman was employed at Marathon Electric/Regal Beloit from 1964-2009. He retired after 45 years. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. While working at Marathon Electric, Roman made many friends and kept in touch with them after his retirement.
After Carol became sick, Roman and his son Michael devoted their time to caring for her for the next 20 years. He and Carol would drive around to their daughters’ farms to feed their animals and after Carol’s passing, he spent time driving the dogs, Max, Malkem and Leo around, spoiling them with visits to McDonald’s and Kwik Trip for beef sticks.
Roman received the nickname “Neighborhood Watch” for his habit of driving around by his children’s homes every day, several times a day. He had “drive up visits” where he’d pull up and you’d have to go out to chat with him. He enjoyed fireworks-both buying and watching them. He would drive on Townline Road just to watch them or to the fairgrounds and surrounding areas.
Roman enjoyed painting houses as a side job with his uncle Reinhold and cousin Bobby. He was so proud of his paint job, all by brush, on Ron and Ruth Christiansen’s barn, his brother and sister-in-law. He also enjoyed gardening and growing all different plants. He especially enjoyed visits with his cousins and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
He liked all the major sports-both college and pro. He loved listening to the Brewers on the radio or taking his family to the games. He enjoyed football and basketball and gambled a little on the games though he was a “Bears Fan” at heart.
Roman enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was so loved and will be remembered by all for his generous heart. His entire family will miss him so much.
When Roman became ill in December, his daughter Susan stayed with him. Every breath became a struggle and on May 4, he was ready to join our Mama Carol in heaven.
Roman is survived by his children; grandsons Richard Kersten of Weston, Eric Kersten (Emily Matthews) of Wausau, Joey Kersten (friend Sarah Mueller) of Wausau, Kenny Kersten (fiancé Rachael Lionburger) of Milwaukee, Travis Kozlowski of Schofield, Tyler Kozlowski of Madison, Aaron (Heather Hintz) Larson of Wausau, and Ryan Larson of Minnesota; granddaughters Victoria, Mikenna and Sammi Przybylski of Weston; great-grandchildren Landan Riehle of Weston, Parker Williams of Schofield and Madison Kersten of Merrill; brothers Norbert (Arlene) Przybylski of Schofield, Thomas (Janice) Przybylski of Schofield; sister Mary Przybylski of Rothschild; sisters-in-law Shirley (John) Sorenson of Wausau, June Abt of Viroque and Elaine (Jerry) Seehafer; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and close family friend Ken Kersten. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Carol; great-grandson Atlas Jayce Kersten; niece Chansey Ann Przybylski; son-in-law Michael Koplitz; brother and sister-in-law Ron and Ruth Christiansen; brothers-in-law Tom Koppa and Edward Abt; aunts and uncles Reinhold and Gladys Ziech, Walter and Josephine Ziech and Florance and Burt Best; and cousins.
A celebration of Roman’s life will be held Saturday, May 30, 2020, at 12:30 p.m. at Brainard Funeral Home-Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery will follow. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DATE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS AND MANDATES. Please continue to check back for updates.
Roman was the best dad and grandpa and will forever be in our hearts.
Virgil Landretti
Virgil J. Landretti, 85, of Rib Mountain died on Friday, May 15, 2020, at The Aspirus Hospice House, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, surrounded by his loving family.
Virgil was born on Nov. 26, 1934, in Ironwood, Michigan, to the late Tony and Corrine (Alleva) Landretti. He married Mary Sue Beckstrom on Aug. 24, 1957; she survives.
Virgil loved to cook. One of his greatest pleasures was to entertain his large family and many friends. His lifelong inclination to “get things done” was contagious and helped to make him a success as a podiatrist, as well as a generous father and reliable friend. The ski house that he and Sue maintained in Ironwood, Michigan, was a place of fond memories, of big family lunches at Powderhorn Mountain and of weekends filled with good times teaching their six children to ski.
For years, Virgil enjoyed riding a motorcycle, including one special trip with Sue, her “one and only” grand tour all the way to California and back.
Taking passion in whatever he did is perhaps the most fundamental expression of Virgil’s soul. It was always there in the way he organized and cooked with friends at so many charity events such as the Newman High dinners, turning each into a celebration of friendship and community.
Virgil is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Sue; his six children, (John, Pat, Paula, David, Tom, and Tony); eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A private family service will take place on Thursday, May 21. Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.brainardfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Virgil’s name can be directed to St. Vincent de Paul of Wausau, Aspirus Hospice House or St. Anne’s Church.
Betty Markowski-Hintze
Betty Markowski-Hintze, 73, passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on May 12, 2020, at House of the Dove in Marshfield.
Betty was born on March 27, 1947, to Leo and Victoria (Spal) Markowski at Medford, Wisconsin. She received her education in the Owen Withee schools. Betty married Eugene(Jack) Smazal and were later divorced. She married Donald Hintze and were also later divorced. She worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield in dietary for 20 years. While living in Wausau, she worked for Kennedy Rehab Center in Weston.
She is survived by two daughters, Betty Smazal and Kelly (Mike) Svboda, both of Marshfield, and one son, Kenneth Gumz, Jackson, Wi. Further survived by six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters, MaryAnn Cardinal, Milwaukee, Delores Wink, Thorp and Linda (John) Barna, Owen. Further survived by many nieces and nephews and her loveable cat, Little One. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and sister in infancy, a grandchild and brothers-in-law, Ronald Cardinal and Lawrence Wink, Sr.
A special thank you to House of the Dove Hospice for their excellent care and compassion. Betty will be missed by family and many friends.
Jacquline Anger
Jacquline Elizabeth Anger (1938 – 2020). Wife of Terry John Anger. Daughter of John Gaylord and Elizabeth Vivian Anderson – deceased. Born March 4, 1938, in Massachusetts and moved to Wisconsin with her mother, where she lived in many cities from Three Lakes, Wisconsin, to Mosinee, Wisconsin. She has three sons: Randal Hembd – deceased; Bryon Hembd Sr., LaCross, Wisconsin; Eric Stiefel – R.M.S., California. She has three daughters: Raanna Stiefel – California; Tamira (Stiefel) Captain – Appleton, Wisconsin; Lorali (Stiefel) Hill – Hamburg, Wisconsin. She endured three marriages and was gifted with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is a graduate of Nicole College, Rhinelander, in business marketing; became a foster care mother for children with special needs, (where she cared for children too numerous to mention) and adopted a few as her own because of her love for children. She also loved animals, nature, the arts and Christian work. She put her hand at farming, business, education and raising a family. She was a gifted talker (full of stories and humor.) She was kind at heart, willing to help anyone in need. She was an avid church attender, prayed unselfishly for all, devoted to Bible learning. She was also a world traveler and spoke three languages. All her pictures of her would reveal a classic pose, a radiant smile, or holding someone’s child or animal in her arms. Her love of babies was a standard “Let me take it home with me.”
Her spiritual journey began at 1:50 p.m., Mother’s Day, May 11, 2020, from a major stroke and a massive brain hemorrhage. I have listened to many who knew her and this is what I heard. “She was a classy lady; Always said what was on her mind in truth; Willing to help anyone; Caring and compassionate; Lived life to the fullest; Proud of her heritage; Had a story for everything and everybody; Funny and humorous; Hard working; One that wouldn’t take any “Sass”; Had a sharp mind and doesn’t forget anything; I knew her as a dare devil and sometimes a bit of a stinker; Was proud of her flowers and gardening; Knew how to laugh and have fun; Was like a mother to me and would always be there when I needed a talking; Vibrant and even if she was in emotional or physical didn’t show it. Out-going and adventurous; Always made me laugh and feel loved; I could confide in her and she would help me with my deepest fears; She was comforting and genuine; Fearless; She has a way to make you laugh and feel that things were ‘OK’; I could call on her anytime and she would always take time for me; She sure knew her scriptures; I wish I knew her better and could spend more time with her because she is so fascinating; Boy, did she have a life, and the stories she could tell; What an amazing woman of many talents.” The list goes on, about how she touched everyone that she came into contact with. I would say, as her husband, “she was a living legend, a complimentary to my being, a lover, a teacher, a nurse, a wife; she was the part that made us whole – the yin to my yang, the up to my down, the in to my out, the salt to my pepper, the stop to my go. She was the answer to my question; the filling to my dough-nut and the emptiness to my life. She was my partner, my confidant, my support. She was the love of my life.”
She will be missed, but never forgotten. She has taken the hand of the Lord and walked that narrow path through the gates of her new home to continue serving the one she loved more than I. May her voice be heard in the heavenly choir as she continues to praise our Lord through eternity and awaits her brothers and sisters arrival into that eternal home. God bless and keep. Amen.
Edwin Pranke
Edwin A. Pranke, 89, town of Almon, died on Saturday, May 16, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on Dec. 11, 1930, in a logging camp on the Stockbridge Reservation, the son of George and Vera (Wickman) Pranke.
On Dec. 13, 1950, Edwin was united in marriage to Delores Malueg in Tilleda. She preceded him in death on April 10, 1995.
Edwin and his brother, David, owned and operated Pranke Brother’s Salvage Yard, town of Almon. His business was his pride and joy. Edwin loved to garden and attend Hodag annually. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Survivors include three daughters, Sandi (Richard “Stretch” Treptow) Pranke of the town of Almon, Tracy (Dale) Bierman of Bowler and Stacy (Alan) Benz of Appleton; nine grandchildren, Ron (Ruth ‘Libby’) Beilke, Angeleana ‘Angel’ (Tom) Posner, Tammy Treptow, Cody (Danielle) Bierman, Logan Bierman, Cory and Dana Benz, Aaron Pranke and Randy (Brittany) Pranke Jr.; great-grandchildren, Shawn Beilke, Olivia ‘little Libby’ Beilke, Blake and Thomas Posner, Malaki and Randi Mae Pranke, Erica Connahvichnah, Kaylin Bierman, Chloe Bierman and Jasmine and Evan Pranke; great-great grandchildren, Paige, David and Jesse Beilke and a brother David Pranke Sr. of the town of Almon.
Edwin was preceded in death by his wife; parents; a son Randy Sr. a sister Fern Bernarde and his significant other, Judie Erickson who he spent the past 20 years with.
A public visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2020, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. The family requests attendees follow the social distancing guidelines.
A private family funeral service will be held with the Rev. Lois Graper officiating. Burial will follow in the town of Almon cemetery.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Otto Rettkowski
Otto E. Rettkowski Jr., 83, of Tigerton died on Friday, May 15, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on Feb. 26, 1937, in Tigerton, the son of Otto and Hazel (Kellbach) Rettkowski Sr.
Otto was a United States Army veteran serving from 1955 to 1957.
He was employed at General Motors in Janesville for over 42 years, as well as working for Ed Wellnetz builders. After retirement, Otto moved back to the Tigerton area. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Otto is survived by his daughters, Lori A. (Mark) Warren and Lisa (Mike) Beggs, all of Janesville; three grandchildren, Kim, Ashley and Tanner; special friend Joann Mills of Tigerton; former wife Judy Bigelow; siblings, Ervin (Friend Joanne) Rettkowski of Janesville, Joan (Herman) Kersten, John (Beverly) Rettkowski and Ronald (friend Delores) Rettkowski, all of Tigerton and several nieces and nephews.
Otto was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jeffrey in infancy and a sister-in-law, Shirley Rettkowski.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Union Cemetery, Tigerton, with military rites conducted by the Schlender-Polley American Legion Post #239.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
