Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Eric Peerenboom
Eric Michael Peerenboom, 41, of Wausau passed away peacefully under the care of Aspirus Hospice Services on June 26, 2020.
Eric was born Sept. 16, 1978 in Wausau, Wisconsin. It was in his early years that we learned that Eric had multiple physical disabilities and mental challenges in life. He attended grade school at Lincoln Elementary School and went to Wausau East High School, where he graduated with a Special Education Degree.
Eric is survived by his mother, Linda (Michael) Sagstetter, and his father, Dr. Jay (Tammy) Peerenboom; siblings, Linsy, Mary, Nach, and Kate; nephew, Elijah, two nieces, Blayre and Ellie; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. He had a countless number of friends but there are three very special friends that we must mention. Those being Sharon, LouAnn and Melissa.
Eric loved Oscar the Grouch, “Sesame Street,” “The Flintstones,” “LaVerne and Shirley,” “The Jeffersons” and cows and horses. He loved to attend Rainbow’s End Camp for children with disabilities sponsored through Wausau Aspirus Hospital. He enjoyed his years in Special Olympics. His favorite pastime was swimming with his mom and his friend Sharon at the aquatic center warming pool at North Central Health Care Facilities. Afterward we would have to go and get his regular Reuben sandwich, fries, and coke at Arby’s to eat.
Through his short time on earth we learned many things from having a child like Eric in our life. We learned patience, we learned accepting differences, we learned taking challenges and overcoming obstacles, but most of all we learned a deeper kind of love for each other.
This is not goodbye Eric, just see you later. You will be missed but certainly not forgotten. Fly high my little man. We love you.
Private family services will be held at a later date at Zion Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park. Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau 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 memory of Eric Peerenboom can be directed to North Central Aquatic Therapy or Aspirus Rainbow’s End Camp.
At this time, we would like to thank Aspirus Hospice Services for the wonderful and comforting care that they gave Eric in his final moments in this world. We would also like to thank his group home, Brown’s Living for the great care and love that they had shown Eric over the last five months. You made his life so much brighter in his final days, thank you.
Phyllis Lunt
Phyllis June Lunt, 88, of Ottumwa, Iowa, formally of Wausau, died on Friday, June 26, 2020, at Vista Woods Care Center in Ottumwa, Iowa.
Phyllis was born on Feb. 5, 1932, to the late Henry and Clara (LaBon) Kohnhorst. She married Clifford H. Lunt on Feb. 24, 1951. He preceded her in death on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008.
Phyllis enjoyed crocheting, gardening, cooking, sewing and the ladies aid through the Lutheran Church.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Debra (Gordon) Wright, Jeffrey (Rebecca) Lunt, Michelle (Richard) Celania and Josh (Brandy) Lunt. 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. Besides her husband, Phyllis was preceded in death by Michael S. Lunt, grandchild, and Courtney K. Lunt, great grandchild.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2020, at 10 a.m. at Restlawn Memorial Park, 235962 N. Troy St., Wausau. Pastor Lance Hoelscher will officiate. Burial will follow. Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Vernon Kesy
Vernon “Bud” Kesy, 94, of Wausau passed away on June 20, 2020, at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital, in Weston, Wisconsin.
Vernon was born on May 9, 1926, to Frank and Charlotte (Marsceau) Kesy of Mosinee, Wisconsin. He married Valeria E. Koss on July 29, 1961, who has been patiently waiting nearly 30 years to be reunited with him.
He was a science teacher at Newman High School for 34 years retiring in the early 90s.
Vernon is survived by his two sons, Tad Kesy and Joel Kesy, as well as two nephews. Besides his wife Valeria, Vernon was preceded in death by his sister Lenore Doepke.
Visitation will be held at noon on July 10, 2020, at Church of the Resurrection, 621 N. Second St., Wausau, Wisconsin, followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. officiated by Rev. Mark Pierce. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery in Mosinee, Wisconsin.
Jeanette Guralski
Jeanette Marie Guralski, 92, formerly of Athens, joined her heavenly Father Friday, June 26, at Waterford Assisted Living in Colby.
Jeanette was born Aug. 19, 1927, in the township of Cassel, to John and Catherine (Stephani) Krebsbach. She married Herbert Michael Guralski on June 2, 1948, at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Edgar. They celebrated 44 years of marriage prior to Herb’s death on Dec. 1, 1991.
Herb and Jeanette had eight children and farmed on the Guralski homestead in the town of Rietbrock for 32 years. Jeanette was known as an excellent cook and baker. She was an amazing culinary coordinator, able to feed large crews of workers on the farm with her delicious broasted chicken, beef roasts and pork chops complete with scrumptious vegetables grown in her large garden, freshly baked bread and her legendary canned pickles. Many people were privileged to enjoy Jeanette’s dessert making skills, especially her pies, tortes, cookies, candies and kolaches. After taking a cake decorating class, many grandchildren enjoyed grandma’s specially baked and decorated cakes for birthdays, first communions and graduations. She even baked and decorated wedding cakes for her daughter and a family friend.
Family was everything to Jeanette. With her quiet demeanor and big heart, you were always well-loved and well-fed in her home. No one ever left the table hungry!
Faith was very important to Jeanette. She was a member of the Holy Family PCCW women’s group in Poniatowski. After retiring from farming she worked seasonal employment at Figis in Marshfield and enjoyed working for several ginseng farmers in the area.
Jeanette is survived by her eight children: Joline Schug, Athens; Gary (Maggie) Guralski, Monroe; Larry (Mary) Guralski, Wausau; Jeffrey Guralski, Wausau; Lyle (Pearl) Guralski, Athens; Charlene (Brian) Nowacki, Athens; Ronald (Christine) Guralski, Marathon; and Rosann (Joseph) Fochs, Sherwood.
Jeanette was well-loved by her 25 grandchildren: Roy (Carrie) Schug, Athens; Karen (Tim) Miller, Mosinee; Dawn (John) Clausnitzer, Stetsonville; Lori Schug, Minneapolis; Connie (Natt) Zuleger, Weston; William (Jenna) Schug, Athens; Corey (Rachel) Guralski, Waunakee; Pam (Nick) Adams, Middleton; Brad (Maci) Guralski, Wausau; Kurt (Jenna) Guralski, Wausau; Alexander Guralski, Racine; Kelsey Guralski, Racine; Valeri (Shannon) Wenzel, Colby; Katy (Kevin) Yessa, Edgar; Rachel, Michaela and Andrew Nowacki, all of Athens; Ethan (Stephanie) Guralski, Wausau; Leah Guralski, Wausau; Katrina Guralski, Waukesha; Libby Guralski, Marathon; Brianna Fochs, Davis, CA; and Aubrey Fochs, Whitewater. In addition, she was blessed with 28 great-grandchildren.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband, Herb, grandsons Brandon Fochs and Ian Guralski, and son-in-law, Delbert Schug.
Jeanette’s siblings and in-laws have all preceded her in death except for Melanie Krebsbach, Colby. Her siblings and in-laws included: Alfred (Josephine) Krebsbach; Lorretta (Louis) Ploederl; Urban (Annie) Krebsbach; Edmond (Marie) Krebsbach; Raymond (Melanie) Krebsbach; Mildred (Robert) Wilichowski and little sister, Isabelle Krebsbach who died at age 4.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, July 10 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski, at 11 a.m. with visitation from 10 a.m. to time of service. Reverend Thomas Huff will preside. Mass will be live streamed on Facebook, or for later viewing at www.petersonkraemer.com. Interment will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Poniatowski. Public visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at Holy Family Church. CDC COVID-19 guidelines must be followed.
Online condolences may be shared at www.petersonkraemer.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Brandon J. Fochs Scholarship Fund, (a scholarship created to encourage community volunteerism for Kimberly High School students) administered through ThedaCare Hospital Foundation, Neenah (130 2nd Street, Neenah, WI 54956) or Aspirus Health Foundation-Hospice Fund, 425 Pine Ridge Blvd., Wausau, WI 54401.
Our family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to all of the staff from Waterford Assisted Living who cared for Jeanette these past nine years. You all enriched her life with love, laughter and friendship. We also wish to acknowledge the Aspirus Hospice Care team for their expert and kindhearted care. The compassion shown by both teams allowed Jeanette to live her golden years to the fullest and final days with respect, dignity and comfort.
To all of Jeanette’s special nieces, nephews and friends who visited her over the years, she cherished time spent with each of you and often told us of your wonderful time together.
Jeanette was a special person who loved without boundaries. She made everyone who knew her feel special. May we all aspire to live life as she did.
Patti Levings
Patti J. Levings, 67, Wausau passed away Saturday, June 27, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born May 2, 1953, in Merrill, daughter of the late Donald and Betty (Krueger) Streich. On Aug. 28, 1971, she married Stephen Levings at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. He survives.
In 1978, Patti and husband Stephen moved to Los Alamos with their five young children where they lived and prospered for 35 years. She worked various jobs in Los Alamos, New Mexico, including Los Alamos Medical Center. After retirement, Patti and Stephen owned and operated a consulting business and contracted with Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Honeywell Kansas City Plant.
In 2014, Patti and Stephen moved back home to Wisconsin due to many health issues complicated by the high altitude in Los Alamos.
Patti greatly enjoyed her family especially her grandkids, her church was very important and comforting to her. Patti enjoyed looking at her flowers and all the birds that visited.
Survivors include her husband, Stephen Levings, Wausau, her children, Amy (Juan) Vigil, New Mexico, Jennifer (Kenny) Walker, Texas, Daniel (Brandy) Levings, David (Pam) Levings and Josh (Raven) Levings, all of New Mexico, 9 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, one brother Steve (Karla) Streich, New Auburn and two sisters, Carol (Gene) Jasinski, Wausau and Donna Ward, Wausau and many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, Wausau. Canon Aaron Huberfeld will preside. Public visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 10:40 a.m., followed by a rosary and then Mass to follow. Social distancing guidelines will be practiced. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Jolene Nowak
Jolene V. Nowak, 39, died peacefully in her home, Sunday, June 28, 202,0 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services with her husband by her side reading messages to her from all of those who so loved her.
She was born Feb. 14, 1981, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, daughter of James P. Marshall and Janet (Lindner) Marshall.
It is no mistake she was born on a day representing Love. Elegance, beauty, grace, patience, compassion and kindness best describe the mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend Jolene was to so many. She will be greatly missed.
In her younger years, Jolene was a hero to her many younger siblings and enjoyed being an accomplished student.
Jolene received her Bachelor of Science Degree in counseling from UW-Stevens Point in 2003. Before heading off to graduate school, she met and fell in love with James Nowak. He followed her to Eau Claire, where she received her Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling, 2007. She began her counseling career at Lutheran Social Services.
Jolene married the love of her life, James Nowak on Aug. 11, 2007. Their marriage was built on God’s love and their faith kept them strong. James became her hero and champion as she navigated her way through her health challenges. She could never say enough about how much his strength sustained her desire to conquer and cherish each day. They made each other so happy.
Giving life to Carson (11) and Addyson (10) were among her greatest accomplishments. Being a mother came easy to Jolene as it was something she greatly delighted in. She was their angel on earth and is now their angel in Heaven.
Jolene completed her counseling career in 2019 as the Clinical Director at Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Counseling. She was revolutionary in her field, specializing in victims of trauma and abuse.
Jolene was active in volleyball, Fourth of July camping, boating, socializing, bible study, and would never turn down a good steak, shrimp, Mexican or Chinese dinner with friends.
In moments of solitude, you would find Jolene reading, listening to Christian music, watching home renovation shows and spending quality time with her family.
Even though we know Jolene was far too good for this earth, our hearts are deeply saddened in saying goodbye. Her 18 month battle with cancer has taken her home to a place where we will all be reunited with her one day.
Engraved in our hearts, her warmth, bravery, and infectious smile will always be remembered as we carry on the legacy this precious daughter of God has left.
Job well done good and faithful servant.
She is survived by her husband, James Nowak; children Carson and Addyson Nowak; father, Jim (Darlene) Marshall; mother, Janet Marshall; grandparents, Tom and Helen Marshall and Francis Weigel; brothers and sisters, Jimmer (Wendy) Marshall and Jeremy (Jayme) Marshall; Alexis (James) Banks, Paul (Ashleigh) Okins, Brian Strey, Scott (Alicia) Strey, Lindsay (Ben) Sydow, Mitchell Marshall, Elliot (Kelsey) Marshall and Lucy Marshall; nieces and nephews, Dawson and Jackson Marshall, Briar Ostrowski, Amelya and Henry Marshall, Cloe, Chaya, Cainan and Christiana Okins, Gwen Strey, Shia and Presley Sydow and Danica Hederer.
Jolene was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harold and Harriet Lindner.
Pallbearers for the services will be John Marshall, Jimmer Marshall, Jeremy Marshall, Elliot Marshall, Logan Meyer and Nick McCauley.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. with social distancing recommendations practiced Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at St. John Lutheran Church, County Road N, town of Wein. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Private services will be at St. John Lutheran Church. A celebration of life will also be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Margaret Przybylski
Margaret L. Przybylski, 80, Hatley, died Sunday, June 28, 2020, at Mount View Care Center Rehab, Wausau.
She was born May 13, 1940, in Wausau, daughter of the late Walter and Mary (Rychter) Przybylski. After completing her Master’s Degree in teaching, Margaret taught school in Manawa for a short time and retired from Mosinee Middle School where she taught sixth-grade reading and communications for over 35 years. Along with her father and uncle Roman, she and her sisters operated a dairy farm in the town of Bevent.
Margaret was a lifelong member of St. Ladislaus Parish in Bevent and volunteered in many capacities, including member and past president of the Rosary Society, parish typist/secretary and was a CCD teacher for over 30 years.Among her many and varied interests, Margaret enjoyed a variety of crafts, reading, counted cross stitch, crewel and made clothing for herself and sisters. She was fond of cooking, baking, canning, sausage making and with all this, enjoyed the outdoors flower and vegetable gardening.
Survivors include her sisters, Barbara and Lucille Przybylski, Hatley; many cousins, including a special cousin, Tom Shebelski and two “adopted sons”, Mike and Jim.
Besides her parents and uncle Roman that farmed the home place, she was preceded in death by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 4, 2020, at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent. Rev. Augustine Bentil and Rev. Greg Bohren will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Social distancing guidelines will be enforced and everyone attending is required to wear a mask.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Wilfred “Willie” Hall
Wilfred “Willie” J. Hall, 97, of Edgar passed away on Monday, June 29, 2020, while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Applegate Terrace, Wausau.
He was born on Sept. 29, 1922, in the town of Cassel, son of the late Leonard and Josephine (Mucha) Hall. On May 12, 1953, he married Ruth Syring at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. She survives.
Willie was the owner/operator of Will’s Radio and TV in Edgar for many years. He then went on to be a mail carrier and was also a volunteer fireman in Edgar for more than 30 years. Some of his favorite pastimes included taking trips to the casino, golfing, bowling, spending time with his grandchildren, playing cards and traveling with Ruth.
Survivors include his loving wife, Ruth Hall, Edgar, his children, Dennis (Mary) Hall, Green Bay, Diane Hall, Clearwater, Florida, Kenneth (Nan) Hall, Minneapolis, Kathryn (Randy) Facklam, Chippewa Falls and Dr. Angela Hall, Portage, 11 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings, Leonard, Michael, Julius, Walter, Victor, Arnie, Marcella Thurs and Juanita Schmidt.
A private family Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 2, 2020, at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. The Rev. Thomas Huff will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Public visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the private family funeral mass. Social distancing guidelines will be practiced. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Edgar Fire Department or St. John’s Catholic School. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
James “Jim” Stark
James (Jim) Stark, 75, of Marathon, passed away on June 24, 2020, of a sudden heart attack. He was born in May 1945, the son of Joseph and Theresa (Jansen) Stark.
Jimmy was raised in Mosinee and was often referred to as one of the Stark twins. He graduated from Mosinee High School and served in the Wisconsin National Guard. For over 40 years he worked at Mosinee/Wausau Paper Corp., known by the nickname “Doolittle,” and he retired from the mill in 2012. In 1996, Jimmy married his childhood sweetheart, Kathleen, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marathon. He enjoyed the outdoors, swimming, watching Packer games with his daughter, and daily chats with his brother John.
Survivors include his wife Kathleen; daughter Patricia, Whiting; and four sons, Daniel (Cathy), North Carolina; Darrell, Wisconsin Rapids; Russell (Sheila), Mosinee; Keith, Arizona; and grandsons Tyler, Tanner and Dylan; his twin brother John (Charlene), Janesville; brother David (Arline), Mosinee; and sister Eleanor (Leonard) Midlikowski, Mosinee; and sister-in-law Barbara Stark, Mosinee. Jim was preceded in death by siblings Eunice, Arlene, Norman, Ronald (Sara), and Joe Jr.
Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at noon. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, assisted the family with arrangements.
Gladys Langenhahn
Gladys Ann Langenhahn, 82, of Wausau passed away at her home on Sunday, May 17, 2020.
She was born in Wausau on May 16, 1938, to the late Aldoph and Geraldine (Schaut) Zimmermann. She married Allen Langenhahn in the town of Easton on June 6, 1959. For 44 years, they loved each other unconditionally, until Allen passed away in 2003.
Reading, traveling, going on a picnic, and line dancing with the Silver Liners were some of the things that Gladys enjoyed. She would volunteer whenever she could to help with the kids. She was a 4-H leader Sunday School Teacher a member of the Red Hats and Ladies Aid. Gladys was a cosmetology instructor and a cosmetologist for 43 years; She also owned her own hair salon. Gladys will remain in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved her.
Gladys is survived by her children, Richard (Victoria) of Wausau, Jeffrey (Nicole) of Plover, Tracey (Brad) Juedes of Pulaski and Dean (Jessica) Waukegan, Illinois; grandchildren, Joshua, Ashley, Steffaney, Lauren (Mike), Nicholas, Cassidy, Shayla, and Nora; great-grandchildren, Chanel and EvaMarie; sister Ellen Zimmermann and brother, Garth (Dave) Zimmermann.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
A Celebration of Life to take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. Entombment took place at Restlawn Memorial Park. Family and friends are asked to go to www.helke.com to leave an online condolence.
Thomas Patenaude
Thomas J. Patenaude, 81, formerly of Rhinelander, passed away on June 26, 2020, at St. Clare’s Hospital in Weston, Wisconsin.
Thomas was born in Green Bay on Oct. 28, 1938, to the late Joseph and Kathleen (Schwalbach) Patenaude. On Sept. 12, 1959, Thomas married Mary Burg, who proceeded him in death in 2004. On Aug. 25, 2006, he married Millie Belluomini. They divorced in 2010 but remained very close through the years. Tom was employed at Tecumseh Products in New Holstein.
Spending time Up North, hunting, fishing, and of course cheering on the Green Bay Packers were some of the things that Tom enjoyed doing, but most important to Tom were his family and friends. Tom will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved him.
Tom is survived by his children, Jory (Kevin) Brockman of Phelps and Jack (Brenda) Patenaude of Stockbridge; as well as his grandchildren, Gustin (Louisa) Patenaude, Alex (Nicole) Patenaude, Landin (Emily) Brockman, Riley (Sam) Kalata; and three great-grandchildren. He is further survived by Pat Saatkamp of Sheboygan, Jim (Aggie) Patenaude of Arena, Paul ( partner Peter) Patenaude of Madison, Dan (Jean) Patenaude of Park Falls, Steve Patenaude of Appleton, Jerry Patenaude, Phil (Jean) Patenaude of Weyauwega; sister-in-law, Jean Patenaude and Arnie Peterson; two brothers-in-law, Ben (June) Burg and Don Burg of Stockbridge; two sisters-in-law, Leatrice Hungerford of Madison and Janice (Roy) Buelow of Hilbert.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife Mary; brother Bill; sisters, Joanne and Kati; brothers-in-law, Fred Saatkamp and LaVern Hungerford.
Family and friends may go to helke.com to leave words of condolences and remembrance.
Ronald Mathson
Ronald Mathson, 83, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2020, surrounded by his children. Ron was born April 19, 1937, in Blair to the late Ruby Mathson. He was raised in Strum, Wisconsin, with his two siblings, Alyce (Rod) Higley of Eleva, and Dennis (Deb) Mathson of Eau Claire.
After graduating from Eleva-Strum Central High, Ron spent two years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Shangri-La. His career was in food sales with Holsum Bread, Kraft Foods, and Johnsonville, among others. Ron loved his work and found joy in the social interaction that he had with his customers and colleagues.
Ron married his loving bride Beth on Dec. 18, 1960. As a couple, Ron and Beth were fully devoted to each other. Their love story began in Eau Claire and continued through their move to central Wisconsin in 1974 for a treasured 49 years. Together they raised three boys: Scott, Dave and Tim. In their retirement, they enjoyed playing card games, taking pontoon rides together, and vacationing in Texas during the winter months. After Beth’s death, Ron longed for the day they would be united again in Heaven.
Ron cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren at his house on the Eau Pleine. His enthusiasm for a good meal was appreciated by his family at each holiday or family gathering. He was a meticulous planner which was evident in his detailed lists of everything from simple grocery runs to Canada fishing trips. His passion for Wisconsin sports is remembered and carried on by the Mathson family.
Ron is survived by his children, Scott (Kathryn) Mathson of Dunlap, IL, David (Kelly) Mathson of Mosinee, and Timothy (Susan) Mathson of Mosinee; 12 grandchildren, Jordan of Dunlap, IL, Cameron (Marissa) of Kansas City, MO, and Taylor (Krista) of Chicago, IL, Lane of Madison, Lydia (Branson) Witucki of Wausau, Samuel “Timmy” and Savannah of Mosinee, Kristen of Milwaukee, Michael (Molly) of Weston, Bryce (Meredith) of Milwaukee, Lucas (Allison) of Milwaukee, and Zander of Mosinee; and one great granddaughter, Adley, daughter of Michael and Molly of Weston.
A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. at the John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Ave., Schofield, WI, 54476. A graveside service with opportunity for social distancing will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2020, at the St. Stevens Cemetery, W8704 37th St., New Lisbon, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, monetary contributions will be donated to the Children’s Center of Cebu in the Philippines.
Grace Wood
Grace Ann Wood, 81, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 26 at Aspirus Hospice House. She was bon on July 22, 1938, to the late Arthur and Adeline (Schulz) Hass. She married the love of her life Donald in 1981. She worked for Wausau Insurance Co. for approximately 25 years and then retired in 1993.
Grace is survived by her two sons and three daughters; Larry (Bar), Jeff (JoAnn), Julie (Paul), Judy (Wayne), Sheri (Mike) and stepdaughters Rachel, Heidi and Brenda. She is also survived by brothers James (Toni) Hass and Henry (JoAnn) Hass and sisters Joyce (Jack) Freitag, Alice (Tom) Freitag, Lee (Dick) Schultz, Jan (Mike) Nissan, and Patsy (Roger) Plautz, six wonderful grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and numerous beloved family members from her late husband Donald.
Grace had a long full life with many hobbies along the years. She enjoyed her luncheons with her Wausau Insurance pals and was so grateful they continued to come to her once she was not able to drive. She loved her Bear Club and making Mohair Bears. Judy has plans to finish some of her bears and hopes to make this her new hobby later in life. She was so crafty and sold many different holiday crafts at the Christmas Barn. Then there was her love of baking! Julie was baking with mom until the end. Her favorites were PB cookies, oatmeal raisin, and of course PB PIE. Julie has copies of these recipes for anyone that would like to take one home.
A celebration of life was held in Grace’s honor on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home.
She as preceded in death by her husband Donald on Aug. 14, 2017. They are together again!
Phyllis Wierzba
Phyllis C. Wierzba, 73, of Galloway died on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born on Sept. 17, 1946, in Stevens Point, the daughter of Walter and Esther (Kazmierczak) Wierzba.
Phyllis farmed the family farm in the town of Franzen for many years. She also worked at Bushman’s Potatoes and Ambrose Flees’ Potatoes. She enjoyed raising chickens, ducks, geese and many other farm animals. Phyllis was a member of St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent and its Rosary Society. She was an excellent cook and baker and always treated her nieces and nephews well.
Phyllis is survived by her siblings, Jane (Lesley) Bloecher of Kronenwetter, Myron Wierzba of Galloway, Carol Flees of Rosholt and Robert (Sue) Wierzba of Mosinee; brother-in-law, Robert Stoltz of Bevent; sister-in-law, Jane Wierzba of Schofield, many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Phyllis is also survived by Ambrose’s children, Ricky (Melanie) Flees, Betty (Mike) Sommers and Dan (Dorothy) Flees.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Jim; a sister, Virginia and a special friend, Ambrose Flees.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2020, at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent. Fr. Augustine Bentil will preside. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday at the church beginning at 4 p.m. and ending with a Rosary Service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday from 8:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church.
Social distancing will be practiced and the Mass will be limited to 100 attendees.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home of Wittenberg is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at SchmidtSchulta.com.
