Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Barbara Bauer
Barbara A. Bauer, 83, of Merrill died Friday, June 19, 2020, under the care of Ministry Hospice at the home of her daughters, Pam and Kristi.
She was born Aug. 20, 1936, in Marshfield, daughter of the late Robert and Evelyn (Dix) Brown. On Sept. 10, 1955, she married George Bauer in Aurora, Illinois. He preceded her in death on Aug. 2, 2001.
Barbara enjoyed being able to stay home and raise her children and grandchildren. She also worked at the Badger Basket Factory in Edgar for a few years. Some of her favorite pastimes included watching the birds, taking rides up north with George and spending time with her family. Most of all Barbara will always be remembered for her sense of humor and her love of laughing.
Survivors include her children, Pam Wanta, Merrill, Tim Bauer, Marinette, Kristi Stoltz, Merrill, Tom (Kim) Bauer, Kronenwetter, Laura (Terry) Reeves, Beaver Dam, Michael (Tracy) Bauer, Marion and 11 grandchildren and many great grandchildren, her sister, Sharon Gardner, Rochelle, Illinois, and her brother, Robert (Linda) Brown, Brookfield, Illinois, her sister-in-law, Dianne Brown, Illinois, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sons, Greg and Rob, her sister, Nancy Marth, brother, James Brown and sister-in-law, Shirley Brown and brother-in-law Jack Gardner.
Private family funeral services will be held at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar. Burial will be in the Edgar Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Christine “Chris” Gibberd
Christine “Chris” C. Gibberd, 75, Wausau passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 22, 2020, at her home.
She was born Aug. 15, 1944, in Norwich, England, daughter of the late Henry and Daisy (Wales) Cortright. On Nov. 18, 1972, she married Thomas Gibberd at St. Anne Catholic Church, Wausau. He preceded her in death on Nov. 6, 2006.
For more than 30 years Chris was a creditor at Employers Insurance of Wausau. Some of her favorite pastimes included reading, crossword puzzles, knitting, crocheting and volunteering at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Survivors include her siblings, Philip (Jane) Cortright, Cross Plains and Jude (John) Trimborn, Merrill, two nieces, three nephews, four great nieces and two great nephews and many friends.
Memorial services will be held at noon, Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau. Public visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of services all at the Stewart Avenue funeral home. Social distancing guidelines will be practiced. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Judith “Judy” Dettmering
Judith A. “Judy” Dettmering, 75, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2020, at Carriage Rehab and Healthcare, Rockford, Illinois.
She was born June 16, 1944, in Wausau, daughter of the late Michael Sr. and Edna (Tesch) Manowski.
Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed spending time with her family and her dog Molly, shopping, sitting outside watching the animals and playing card games. Judy was an avid supporter and gave many donations to animal rescues and shelters.
Survivors include, her children, Todd (Janet) Dettmering, Rockford, Illinois, and Tammy (Kerry) Lenort, Marshall, Minnesota; her grandchildren, Kasey, Caleb and Jazlyn; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Manowski and Jean Manowski; two brothers-in-law, Gary (Mary) Dettmering and Dennis (Mary Kay) Dettmering; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and husband, Gene, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Timmy Ryan Dettmering; and two brothers, Roger and Michael Jr.
Funeral services will be at noon on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at Restlawn Memorial Park Chapel, Wausau. Entombment will be in the Memorial Chapel Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of services at Restlawn.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
John Westfall
John R. Westfall, 72, of Marathon, Wisconsin, died on Saturday, June 20, 2020, with his wife and family by his side. John was born on Feb. 12, 1948, the oldest of six children to the late Gordon and Katie (Schreiner) Westfall.
On July 26, 1968, he married his wife of nearly 52 years, Jean Catherine Fochs, at St. Patrick’s Church in Halder, Wisconsin.
After graduating high school, John proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1968 through 1970 achieving the rank of Sargeant during the Vietnam War. He received a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart.
Together he and his wife raised three wonderful children, offering support and encouragement through all of their academic and athletic achievements. They also enjoyed traveling out West, and to Virginia, as well as visiting their daughter and sons and their families. They shared many trips to see the Brewers play with friends and family and enjoyed the occasional movie night and socializing at local taverns.
John had a love for nature and was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting whitetail deer, black bear, coyote and bobcat with friends and family and also enjoyed trout fishing with his children and grandkids. His knowledge and appreciation for the outdoors was passed on through his family and all who had the honor of being in the woods with John.
John also loved playing, watching and coaching baseball and softball. He played baseball in high school and fastpitch softball for many years after returning from Vietnam.
When his children were old enough to play themselves, he began coaching softball and baseball and continued to serve as the assistant coach or volunteer coach for the Marathon High School and youth baseball and softball programs for over 3 decades. The dedication, and passion he had for baseball and softball were a positive influence on the lives of countless children and young adults. As a grandfather, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports, always offering helpful advice and just the right encouragement whenever needed.
He worked as a rural mail carrier for Marathon’s U.S. Post Office for 39 years where he logged over a million miles and along the way, developed great friendships with many of his neighbors.
John is survived by his wife Jean, children Cheryl (Frank) Lencz, Joseph Westfall, and Thomas (Laura) Westfall and the grandchildren he adored, Stephen Lencz, Braeden Lencz, Brianna Lencz, Alayna Lencz, Chayce Westfall, Jagger Westfall, Charlotte Westfall and William Westfall. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Judy (Dick) Ashbrenner, Geraldine (Larry) Natzke, Carol Berndt, Irene (David) Mroczenski, and LuAnn (Mark) Schneider.
He was preceded in death by his parents Gordon and Katie Westfall and brother-in-law Jim Berndt.
There will be a visitation on Friday, June 26, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home in Marathon. The funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marathon on Saturday, June 27, at 10:30 a.m. Additional visitation will be held in Church prior to the Service from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Social distancing will be practiced.
In lieu of flowers, John requested memorials be directed to:
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society online: https://www.lls.org/ways-to-donate , phone: 888-557-7177, mail: complete donation form and send to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 98018. Washington DC 20090-8018 *** in honor of John Westfall.
Marathon Baseball and Softball programs. Donations can be sent to: Marathon Baseball Association, 1409 West Knox Street, Wausau, WI 54401.
Elton Burish
Elton F. Burish, 88, died peacefully at home on June 19, 2020, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. He was born April 22, 1932, in Francis Creek, Wisconsin, son of the late Edward and Leora (Jost) Burish. He married Joyce Urban on May 19, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau, Wisconsin.
Besides his wife of 64 years, he is survived by a daughter, Cheryl Zajackowski, and son, Robert Burish, both of Marathon. Two grandsons, Jesse (Ashley) and Justin (Haley) Zajackowski; granddaughter, Brianna (Chris) Mauney; five great-grandchildren, Miyah, Aiden, and Bristol Zajackowski, Kinsley and Bailey Mauney; one step-great-granddaughter, Amie Martin; siblings, John, Janet Skrzypchak, Shirley Reid, Norbert (Barbara), Thomas (Kathy) and Michael; sisters-in-law, Lillian, Mary Jane, LouAnn and Shirley; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Gary; three sisters, Infant Margaret, Sister Beatrice and Beatrice (David) Wadzinski; seven brothers, Reuben (Gloria), Eugene (Donna), Marlen (Theresa), James, Edward, Anthony and Kenneth; a sister-in-law, Suzie Burish; and brother-in-law, Clarence Skrzypchak.
The funeral service for Elton will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Wausau. Rev. Tim Swanson will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, June 26, at Helke Funeral Home; resuming at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the church until the time of service. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
We ask that everyone coming to the visitation and funeral service wear a facemask and maintain social distancing.
The family especially wishes to thank Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, Haley Ulrich and Christine Hoppenworth for their special care during this trying time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 600 Stevens Drive, Wausau, WI 54401, the Aspirus Health Foundation for Hospice Care, 425 Pine Ridge Blvd., Wausau, WI 54401, or the Orphan Grain Train, PO Box 1466, Norfolk, NE, 68702-1466.
Ann Marie Meyer
Ann Marie Meyer, 89, of Wausau left her earthly home peacefully, on Monday, June 22, 2020, at her home.
She was born in Wausau on July 24, 1930, the youngest of 15 children born to the late Paul and Pearl (Schulta) Richey. On July 16, 1949, she married Edward P. Meyer in Wausau. He preceded her in death on March 6, 1972.
Ann Marie worked various jobs during her life, including press operator for Wausau Laundry for over 20 years, and cleaning for the ENT and Eye Clinic in Wausau, from which she retired. She enjoyed visiting with her many grandchildren. Her face lit up a room when she saw her great-grandchildren.
Ann Marie loved to bake. Brownies, chocolate crinkles, and fudge were among her specialties. She was a generous soul, cooking for others and inviting folks over for holidays. She was generous with her time and resources whenever her family needed anything. She reveled in her sisters and loved to laugh with them.
She enjoyed gardening, puzzles, playing cards, polka and country music, and picking wild blackberries (the kind that left scratches all over her legs).
Survivors include her children, Geraldine Graebel; Vanessa, Katherine, and Robert, Debbie Robertson (Frank); Edward Meyer III, Cindy Noack (Merlin); Tom Kurth, Jr. Sherrie Cox (Rod); Brennan, Lee (Sheila) and Elise and Kira. She was preceded in death by her son, Bill Meyer. Ann Marie delighted in her 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter.
A Special “Thank you” to her caregivers at Mountain Terrace Assisted Living and to Bernie at Aspirus Palliative Care for checking in and taking such good care of her.
In addition to her parents, husband, and son, she was preceded in death by all of her siblings: Regina Weiloch, Frank Richey, Severina Nezda, Paul Richey, Walter Richey, Sister Anne Richey, Johanna Sauer, Leo Richey, Frances Lohnsdorf, Louise Pilch, Raymond Richey, Irene Novitzke, Aggie Van Ness, and Marion Kazmierczk.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2020, at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
You may leave condolences for the family by visiting our website at helke.com.
Raymond Villiard
Raymond R. Villiard, 78, of Mosinee, Wisconsin, passed away June 22, 2020, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He married the love of his life, Sharon Aspseter, in 1961. Ray worked as a proud salesman at Ecolab for 32 years, retiring in 2002. He never really retired from anything as he was always busy doing something and seldom in the house doing nothing. He simply couldn’t sit still. He had a work ethic to be proud of and a strong Catholic Faith.
Ray was a member of St. Marks Parish, Rothschild, for over 45 years. He made life-long friends of his customers and co-workers. While not at work he enjoyed fishing, gardening, and the annual deer hunting season to Beverly Hills Camp with the guys. Ray and Sharon enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas with his brother John and wife, Bev. Most of all he enjoyed being home and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was often found helping his neighbor’s or tinkering in his back shed or beautiful yard. He always had a smile and a helping hand to whomever was in need. Ray touched many lives with his kindness and will be missed dearly.
He is survived by his wife Sharon of 58 years and their five children. Dawn Villiard, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Cheryl Rye (Ken) of Mosinee, Wisconsin. Teresa Villiard (Jim Neitzke) of Mosinee, Wisconsin, Brian Villiard (Nichole) of Rothschild, Wisconsin, and Curt Villiard (Betsy) of Weston, Wisconsin. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Austin Villiard, Mariah (Lawton) Lohff, Tahareh Mohammadian (Weston Nelson), Michaela Guerndt (Joshua Bear), Alexandria Villiard (Jason Rosales) and Savannah Frei (Henry Schroeder), his Brother John Villiard, Sisters in law Adeline Villiard, Sue Leader and Janet (Ben) Burcalow, Brothers in law Clayton and Ed Aspseter (Wanda) and several Nieces and Nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents William and Lydia Villiard, father and mother-in-law Harold and Veda Aspseter, his sister Alyce, brothers Henry and William, sisters-in-law Beverly, Sharron, Jeanette and Judy, brothers-in-law Harold Dean (Biz) and Jim, four nephews and three nieces.
The family will hold private graveside services at Windfall Cemetery in Exeland, Wisconsin, on July 8.
The family would like to thank all of his doctors at Aspirus and Ascension Home Hospice for the wonderful care given during his treatment of cancer.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home and Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at HonorOne.com.
