Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
George Drefcinski
George M. Drefcinski, 80, Rib Mountain, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at home, after a long battle with cancer.
He was born Oct. 10, 1939, in Stevens Point, son of the late Joseph and Florence (Goetz) Drefcinski. After graduating from NCTC with an Associate Degree in Business Management, he moved to Milwaukee. George worked at Morley-Murphy Co. and then for REX Chainbelt, where he met Sharon Owen. They were married on Oct. 8, 1966, at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in West Allis. George then took a position with Wisconsin Bearing Co. (now Motion Industries), and the family moved to Rib Mountain in September of 1973.
Among his favorite pastimes, he loved spending time with friends hunting, playing golf, fishing, and shooting pool. George was also an avid reader and enjoyed time working in his yard. He was a longtime member of the Town of Maine Lions Club and the Wausau Elks Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon; son, Craig (Kim) Drefcinski of Mason, Ohio; daughter, Leigh Ann (John) Laskowski of Sussex; grandchildren, Skylar, Payton and Riley Drefcinski and Evan and Kameron Laskowski; sisters-in-law, Heidi Drefcinski of Janesville, Geraldine Hoefer of Florida, and Kathy (David) Bennett of Des Moines, Iowa; as well as many loved nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 8, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Entombment will be in the Garden of Eternal Rest Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Monday from 10:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Matthew Catholic Church, 221 S. 28th Ave., Wausau, WI 54401 or the Town of Maine Lions Club, c/o Beth Bartelt, 144744 Hillcrest Drive, Wausau, WI 54401.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Kenneth Ahrens
Kenneth E. Ahrens, 73, Marathon, was called to eternal rest Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at Aspirus Hospice House surrounded by his loving family.
Ken was born June 21, 1946, in Wausau, to Virginia (Assells) Ahrens, Wausau, and the late Edwin Ahrens. On June 3, 1978, he married Betty Knauf at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon.
Ken worked as an accountant with Customer One Cooperative, Marathon, and later with Dairy Services, Stratford. Church and community were important to Ken. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church serving as a Eucharistic Minister, usher, and money counter. For the past several years he also managed the parish cemetery. He was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and served as an officer of the Rib Riders Snowmobile Club for many years.
Ken had an infectious laugh and made friends everywhere he went. His favorite pastimes were hunting, camping, and an occasional trip to the casino. Ken most enjoyed the time he spent with family, watching his granddaughter’s basketball games, and taking walks with his granddog, Dude.
Ken is survived by his loving wife Betty of 42 years; mother Virginia; daughters Sandy (Larry) Buchberger, Wausau, Sara (Paul) Jaglinski, Wisconsin Rapids; granddaughter Jordyn Jaglinski; sister Kathy (Ed) Hagenbucher, Wausau; and brother Edwin Jr. “Paulie” (friend Sue Austin) Ahrens, Wausau.
Ken’s family would like to extend their appreciation to the nurses and CNAs at Aspirus Hospice House for their kind and compassionate care.
The celebration of Ken’s life will be at 11 a.m. Monday, June 8, 2020, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon. Visitation will continue on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Social distancing recommendations will be observed for the visitation and funeral.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
John Fedie
John Fedie, 70, of Stevens Point passed away on June 2, 2020, due to complications from the treatment of his spreading prostate cancer.
John was born on June 8, 1949, to the late Alfred and Lillian (Brenn) Fedie in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He graduated from Regis High School and UW-Eau Claire. Then he moved to Stevens Point to pursue his career in banking.
He is lovingly survived by his daughter Alexandra Fedie (Rob Provorse) of North Freedom, Wisconsin; his former wife Debra Presley (Martinson); along with many friends, extended family, neighbors and his golfing buddies.
No service will be taking place. Cremation services are being provided by Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society of Schofield, Wisconsin.
