Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Brian Flugaur
Brian Anthony Flugaur passed away early Sunday morning, June 28, 2020, at the age of 58. He was born on Dec. 9, 1961, and was adopted by the late Robert and Rose Flugaur on May 15, 1962. Brian grew up in the Stevens Point area, attending local schools and graduating from Pacelli High School in 1980. He entered the United States Army on Jan. 7, 1981. He served as a motor transport operator in Germany and continued to drive a truck as a profession of choice throughout his career. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 29, 1983. He married Eileen (Wiedeman) Stibb on Aug. 1, 1987. They had two daughters, Alyssa and Andrea. He married Crystal (Kuklinski) Coerper on Sept. 10, 2011.
Brian is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Rose Flugaur, as well as his beloved canine companion, Gretchen.
Brian is survived by his wife, Crystal Flugaur of Rosholt; his two daughters, Alyssa (Justin) Graze of Peoria, Illinois, and Andrea Gomez of Rosholt, as well as his granddaughter, Sophia Gomez; and their much-loved canine companion, Sasha. He is also survived by his sister, Linda (Don) Bella of Tucson, Arizona; his father-in-law, Onofry (Oney) Kuklinski of Bevent; his brother-in-law, Bryan (Kim) Kuklinski of Wauwatosa; and by his prior wife, Eileen Flugaur.
A celebration of Brian’s life will be held Thursday, July 9, 2020, at 6 p.m. at the Kuklinski Family Land, 173643 Kennel Lane, Hatley. Visitation will be held from 4:30 p.m. until the time of service. Social distancing and masks are strongly encouraged. Please be sure to bring a smile, a memory and a chair to the services.
The family would like to thank the staff at Saint Clare’s Hospital and Wausau Manor for their attention and care during the past several months.
Lauree Karl
Lauree Karl (Rebro, Lange), 73, of Wausau passed away June 25 at Stone Crest Residence.
She was born April 19, 1947, in Muskegon, Michigan, to the late Thomas and Bette (Zatzke) Rebro. She was one of four children, growing up in Whitehall, Michigan, and New Holstein, Wisconsin. Lauree was a passionate elementary school teacher in the Wausau School District for 23 years. She loved the outdoors, swimming, camping and walking. She was also an avid reader. She enjoyed traveling to warm climates during her school spring breaks. She was a lifetime member of the Woodson YMCA. Lauree especially loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and extended family.
Lauree is survived by her two children Christian and Leslie, four grandchildren Alex, Tayler, Jackson and Ava, three brothers Thomas, Bruce and Mark, and many beloved cousins around the country.
A celebration of Lauree’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 1, at 4 p.m. at Brainard Funeral Home- Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. until the time of service. Masks and social distancing are appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wausau School Foundation.
The family would like to thank Stone Crest Residence and Dr. Marie Tomasi for their care.
Isabelle Ganterer
Isabelle Ganterer was as kind and loving of a woman that there ever was. She showed her love for her family by always being there. She loved to take care of her grandchildren and was a generous soul who always put others before herself.
Isabelle was a caregiver. She opened her heart and home to care for her parents and her husband when their health did not allow them to care for themselves. She raised her grandson Todd after his mom passed away when he was 13 years old and did it all without ever a complaint.
You never spent time with Isabelle without being greeted with a hug. She was a lover of chocolate chip and sugar cookies, little children, her furry grandkids, and was “Grandma” to all that knew her. Her love and kindness will live on in the hearts and memories of those who loved her.
Isabelle Frances Ganterer, 91, of Wausau, passed away with her loving family at her side under the care of hospice while at home. She was born in Wausau on March 15, 1929, to the late Walter and Victoria (Royt) Blaschka. She worked for a short time cleaning at the Wausau Hotel before she met, fell in love, and married Donald Ganterer on Nov. 18, 1950, at St. James Catholic Church Rectory. Spending 58 years loving and caring for one another. Together they raised their four children, James, Joan, Debra, and Geraldine in a kind and loving home. Donald passed away on Oct. 3, 2008.
Isabelle is survived by her children, James (fiancée Gloria Johnson) Ganterer, Joan (Jeff) King and Debra Melang; four grandchildren, Tina (Greg), Todd, Rachel (Jerrick) and Robbie; her furry grandchildren, Holly, Cinnamon, Bubbles, Yooper, Buddy, Socks, Sad Eyes and Cuddle Kitten; seven great-grandchildren, Tanner, Devin, Tony, Eli, Noah, Emma and Ashtyn; two step-grandchildren, Solomon and Jeffrey; and one step-great-grandchild, Krystal. In addition to her parents and husband, Isabelle was preceded in death by her daughter, Geraldine Warnick, and her son-in-law, Mike Melang.
A funeral of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2020, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Wausau. The Rev. Sam Martin will officiate. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau; and again, on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the services at the church. Family and friends may go to Helke.com to leave words of condolence and remembrance.
Harry Kulas
Harry Michael Kulas, 95, of Galloway, Wisconsin, met his eternal reward on Thursday, June 25, 2020, surrounded by his loving family at the home of his daughter in Plover, Wisconsin.
He was the fifth of 14 children, born June 8, 1925, to John and Katherine (Goszkowicz) Kulas in Rosholt, Wisconsin.
During his lifetime, Harry served his church, community and country. He entered the U.S. Army/Air Force on March 23, 1945. He served in Okinawa, Japan. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Army of Occupational Medal Japan. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 5, 1946, at the rank of Staff Sergeant.
On May 7, 2012, Harry was recognized for his service by going on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. He said, “That experience was a trip of a lifetime and one he will always cherish.”
Harry married Evelyn Schulist on Nov. 12, 1947, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Torun. After their marriage, the couple bought their first farm in Galloway, where they farmed until their retirement in 1990. In 1997, they sold their farms to their sons, Steve and Duane. In his last years, his family took care of him with the primary caretakers being his son, Jim and daughter and son-in-law, Teri and Gary Lepak.
Harry taught CCD at his parish, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and was a member of the St. Joseph’s Men’s Society. He served as the assessor and town supervisor for the town of Franzen. Harry helped establish and lead the 4-H Club in the town of Franzen. He served on the Board of the Central Wisconsin Electric Coop. He was a member of Elderon Memorial Post VFW #8068 and served as their treasurer for many years.
Harry could fix anything and had a strong compassion for animals. He did a lot of his own veterinary work on his farm and for neighbors. He also built many barns in the area. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Harry and Evelyn had a huge garden which they shared with family and friends. He especially loved to can and share the fruit of his labor. Harry had a good sense of humor and always had a joke to tell.
Most important to Harry were his faith and family. Harry and Evelyn’s 10 children, 41 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and spouses include:
Gary (Marilyn) of Amherst Junction, daughter, Brenda (Brian) Plum and their sons, Jordon and Caden.
James (Mary, deceased) of Galloway, children: Jennifer (James) Brown and sons, Dylan and Carson; Michael; Jon (Melanie) and children, Korbin, Paylin, Kastin and Kollins; Chris (Dana); Peter (Dana) and children, Elise and Jackson; Joe (Pam) and children, Landon, Malayna, Grady and Verena; and Robert Kulas.
Phyllis (Ralph) Lepak of Stevens Point, and children: Brian (Tina) and children, Shannon and Gavin; Kevin (Tracy) and daughters, Jersie and Sydnee; Kristi (Jason) Bartel and children, McKenna, Zander and Gage.
Ken (Marlene) of West Bend, and children, Bradley, Darrell, Allison, and Matthew (Kaitlin) Kulas and children, Evelyn, Layton and Aubree; Julie Wade and children, Jake (Kelsey) and Brandon; Gina Kusters and children Ryan and Samantha; Jay Wonser and daughter, Madison and her daughter Karma.
Teri (Gary) Lepak of Plover, and children; Kelly (Mark) Mueller and son, Cole; and Jason (Krystal).
Tom (Debbie) of Rosholt, and children, Tom, Katie and William (deceased).
Jeff, Deceased, (Valerie) of Wittenberg, and children, Matt (Allissa) and children, Alaina, Cammie, Olivia and Daniel; Cassie (Scott) Brandt and daughter, Elizabeth; Melissa (Brett) Resch and sons, Emmitt and Maverick; and Ashley (fiancé, Mitch Schnabel).
Steve (Pat) of Wittenberg, and children, Eric (Dani) and son, Grant; Phil (Shana) and sons Bentley, Westley and Knoxley; Allan (Sheri) and children, Noah and Kaylie; and Sara (Nicholas) Groeschel.
Susan (Jeff) Karcheski of Plover, and children, Kyle, Tyler and Jenna.
Duane, deceased (Teri) of Ploverg, and sons, Mitch, and Adam (Stephanie) and daughter, Avery.
Harry is further survived by his brother, John (Corine) Kulas; sisters, Agnes Worzalla, Anna Kizewski, Mary Ann Riley, and Barbara (Frank) Konkol.
Harry is predeceased by his wife, Evelyn; sons, Jeff and Duane; grandson, William Kulas, and daughter-in-law, Mary (Schmidt) Kulas. He is further predeceased by his brothers and their spouses, Anton (Cecelia), Victor, Stanley (Rose), and Edward; sisters, Elizabeth (Leo) Mlodik, Angeline Morton, Caroline (Alvin) Bronk and Margaret (Martin) Wierzba and brothers-in-law, Anton Worzalla, Robert Kizewski and Robert Riley.
The Kulas family will welcome visitors on Monday, June 29, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Galloway. There will be a Rosary Service at 7:30 p.m. Social distancing will be practiced.
Diocese guidelines currently limit the seating due to COVID. Therefore; a Private Family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church on Tuesday. Fr. Augustine Bentil will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery with military rites conducted by the Elderon Memorial Post #8068 VFW. The Mass was live-streamed on the Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home Facebook page beginning at 11 a.m.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
The family wishes to especially thank the many doctors, nurses and care caregivers who helped him the past years
Florence Watters
Florence E. Watters, 97, of Bowler passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2020, at Birch Hill Health Services in Shawano, under the care of Theda Care at Home Hospice.
Florence was born on June 3, 1923, in Bowler, Wisconsin, the daughter of Frank and Olga (Jahnke) Neitzel.
She graduated from Bowler High School in 1941. After World War II broke out, she went to Milwaukee to work at Zuckert’s Manufacturing where she sewed buttons on military uniforms for four years to help the war efforts. After the war she returned to Bowler and took a job at Hotz’s Manufacturing in Shawano.
On Sept. 11, 1948, Florence was united in marriage to George Watters at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Bowler. They moved to Symco, Wisconsin, for a few years where they operated a cheese factory. In 1956, they purchased a farm in the township of Seneca and operated it along with several small enterprises until selling it to family members. Florence was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Tilleda, Wisconsin, where she helped make quilts for foreign relief and local rest homes. Florence loved being close to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her favorite times were spent gardening and relaxing by the family river cottage entertaining friends from across the country.
Florence is survived by her sons, Bruce (Susan) Watters of Bowler and Reid (Trish) Watters of Tilleda; two grandchildren, Bethany (Andy Miller) Watters and Kiley (Randy) Pingel; 11 great grandchildren, Stephanie, Keegan, Kellen, Jackson, Adison and Mason Pingel, Kade, Christian, Grace and Conner Hartleben and Emma Watters.
Florence was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents; two brothers, Ervin (Vicky) Neitzel and Arthur (Violet) Neitzel and one sister Arlis Neitzel.
A Funeral Service will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2020, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Rev. Lois Graper will officiate. Burial will be in Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Tilleda. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
