Obituaries are a service of Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.

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Donald “Don” Southworth

Donald “Don” Southworth

Donald C. “Don” Southworth, 89, of Wausau passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

He was born Sept. 30, 1930, in Milwaukee, son of the late Claire and Agnes (Klister) Southworth.  On May 25, 1957, he married Annette Wagner at Holy Name Catholic Church, Wausau.  She survives.

For over 25 years, Don worked at Drott/J.I. Case as a tool engineer and manufacturing engineer. 

He was active in scouting for over 50 years, starting with his sons in Webelos, and then the Scoutmaster until 1979.  All three sons are Eagle Scouts.  He received the Silver Beaver Award, was on the Rib Mountain Eagle Board of Review, approved over 2,000 projects and ran 629 reviews for new Eagles.  He was on the Samoset Council Board for many years as well.  Don also played basketball in adult men’s league until the age of 55.

He was very active in the American Legion, attaining the office of Post Commander, Post Historian, 8th District Commander and Department Vice- Commander and also was active in the Fun Days in Marathon, serving as chairman.

Don was also chairman of Brokaw Credit Union, a board member of CAP for many years and also a member of the Marathon District School Board.

Don proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for four years.

Survivors include his wife Annette Southworth, Wausau, his children, Susan Southworth, Wausau, Donald (Lynn) Southworth Jr., Wausau, Stephen (Tammy) Southworth, Mosinee and David (Yvonne) Southworth, Wausau, 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, his siblings, Mary Hessefort, Madison, John (Betty) Southworth, Stratford, Dennis (Nancy) Southworth, Rhinelander, Dan (Marg) Southworth, Aniwa and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, George and Jim Southworth and Bernice Guerten and Charlotte Bolz.

A Private Family Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, July 27, 2020, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau.  The Rev. Robert Thorn will preside.  Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon where full military honors will be conducted by the Alois Dreikosen Post #469, Marathon.  Public visitation will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2020, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau. 

Social distancing guidelines will be practiced.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau, Troop 458, Marathon or Post #469, American Legion of Marathon.  There will be a parish rosary service at 5:30 p.m. Sunday evening at the Stewart Avenue funeral home.  Online condolences may expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.


Dennis and Linda Hole

Dennis and Linda Hole

In loving memory of Dennis and Linda Hole of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dennis Hole, 73, died May 24, 2020, and his wife, Linda, 68, died June 3, 2020, both dying due to complications with COVID-19.

Together, they had three children, Dennis Jr., Anna and Andrew. 

Dennis was born in Mosinee, Wisconsin, and is survived by his children; and two sisters, Lila (Walter) Salzwedel and Carla (George) Waldvogel.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Odin and Ardis; and two brothers, Bob (Gloria) and Ronald.

Linda is survived by four siblings, Richard, Daniel, Sheryl and Teresa.  She was preceded in death by five siblings, William, David, Michael, Penny and Mary.

Andrew called Carla every day to let her know how Dennis and Linda were progressing.  God bless him.

We would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, first responders, police and sheriffs all over the world who work so hard to save lives.

Everyone be careful and stay safe.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.


Dr. Lee Zielsdorf

Dr. Lee Zielsdorf

Dr. Lee M. Zielsdorf, 77, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 19, 2020, under the care of Hospice of the Valley at his home in Peoria, Arizona.

Dr. Zielsdorf was born on Dec. 30, 1942, to Marvin and Lavilla Zielsdorf in Wausau, Wisconsin.

He graduated from Wausau Senior High School in 1961.  He was a member of the 1960 Wisconsin State Basketball Championship team.  In 1961, he received the American Legion Bronze Metal for athletics.

Lee received his undergraduate degree in pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1967.  He played baseball for the University in his freshman year.

Lee was a Vietnam veteran, serving with the United States Army from 1969-1971.  After his discharge from the Army, he attended the Podiatric Medical School in Chicago, earning his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree in 1976.  After completing his surgical residency, he joined the practice of Dr. Charles Witt in Bourbonnais, Illinois.  He retired from this partnership in 2001 and moved to Arizona.

Lee enjoyed cowboying and being in the cattle business.  He was part owner of the MTZ Cattle Co., a commercial cow-calf ranch in Colorado.  He also enjoyed hunting with his beloved German shorthaired pointers, and playing golf with friends whenever possible.

He leaves behind the loves of his life: his three children, Lee M. Zielsdorf Jr. of Arizona, Kristina Heinze (Tyler) of Illinois, and Shannon Zielsdorf M.D. of Los Angeles, as well as his two beautiful grandchildren, Hayden and Holden Heinze of Illinois, and his ex-wife, Annabella Zielsdorf of Illinois.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of the Valley, Peoria, Arizona.


Melissa Lewandowski

Melissa Lewandowski

Melissa Lewandowski, 47, of Wausau passed away on Monday, April 13, 2020, at St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston.

She was born March 20, 1973, in Lombard, Illinois, to William Lewandowski  and the late Mary (Machan) Lewandowski.  For several years, Melissa had worked in the claims department at Liberty Mutual Insurance.  Her friendly personality and  ability to talk to just about anyone lead Melissa to work in several local  restaurants which included Sconnies, Perkins, Loppnow’s and  Hoffman House. Melissa was a true sports fan, watching the Packers, Brewers and Nascar.  Some of her favorite past times included reading, bowling and listening to country music especially the concerts during fair week. 

Survivors include her father, Bill of Wausau, brother, Mark of St. Cloud, Minnesota, sister, Kristen (John) Deal of Mebane, North Carolina, and three nieces, Elyse Lewandowski and Reagan and Claire Deal.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary, and her beloved beagles, Sparky and Lola.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, at 11 a.m. at St. Anne Parish, 700 W. Bridge St., Wausau.  Father Tom Lindner will officiate.  Private burial will be in St. Methodius Catholic Cemetery, Adams, Wisconsin.  Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.  The family thanks you for wearing your face mask and observing social distancing.  Online condolences may be shared at helke.com. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to your local animal shelter, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or the charity of your choice.


Robert Reid

Robert Reid

Robert Head Reid was born on Jan. 29, 1947, in Crandon, Wisconsin, and left this world in the early morning on July 21, 2020.

Bob passed away peacefully in his sleep, comforted by his daughter, Tina, and granddaughter, Christina.He joins his parents Kathleen Prince/Smith, Earl Smith, and his biological father, Glenway Reid. He is survived by his children: Danny Robert Reid, Crystal Lynn Reid, and Tina Louise Reid/Ellis. His legacy continues on with his grandchildren: Christina Judith Ellis, Alexander Robert Reid, Jacob Robert Reid, and Justin Richard Williams.

Also survived by his brother, Danny Glenway Reid, and sister, Linda Jeanne Reid/Brodeske, along with his other half-siblings.He was lovingly cared for through his final days by his wife/soulmate and mother of his children; Judith Ann Solie/Reid/Talley.

Bob led an adventurous life as the jack-of-all-trades, master of none (as he’d say). He loved driving anything on wheels, no matter how many wheels – motorcycles (Harley Davidson, of course), a great variety of cars through the years (whether it was his or someone else’s), and 18-wheelers during his years driving big rigs.

He was tough. From the rebellious days of his youth, to his days running a business, dealing with his own rebellious children (and grandchildren) – he was the quiet-tough-guy.

He was a hunter and fisherman. Many stories and memories will be of Bob the Outdoorsman. Many deer and fish became meals on his table over the years.

He was a builder. Literally Bob the Builder. Whether it be intricate decorative woodworks, waterbeds, or homes – Bob could build it. Unfortunately, he was not good with electric.

He built a home from the ground up in which he raised his three children with his wife, Judy. Together, they built a family. He protected his family. He provided for his family.

He was an artist. Whether it was cartoons or charcoal drawings, he had a talent for bringing life to a blank canvas or a block of wood.

He was a prankster. He had a great sense of humor and if you knew him, you have memories of laughing with him.

He was a quiet man. A strong man. The man you could count on. If he said he would do something, it would be done.

He was always there to help others. He asked for nothing and gave everything.

He is gone from this world physically, but his actions in this world will carry on in the hearts and minds of all who had the honor of knowing him.

He lives on with his children, grandchildren, family and friends whose lives have been enriched by him forever. Bob Reid: beloved son, brother, husband, dad, grandfather (Bumpa) and friend.

Until we meet again.

Date, Time, and Place of Remembrance:
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020
4 p.m.
4110 Kinglet Circle
Wausau, WI 54401


Terrice Rohde

Terrice Rohde

Terry Lee Rohde, 77, departed from this life on July 17, 2020. A man of everlasting love for his friends and family, will be dearly missed by his wife, Sherrie, of 58 years, his three children, Pamela (Mark), Brenda (Jerry) and Curt (Tracy), nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and many extended family members.

Born into a family where he is one of 11 children, family is what Terry knew best. He did everything he could to surround himself with that love. He enjoyed providing rides on his pontoon boat, camping up north, family outings, countless softball games and tournaments and even casual get togethers in someone’s yard. Terry was always there. You could find him sitting quietly, taking in all the energy and life around him. Almost as if he was listening to all of the conversations at once. Suddenly, his silence would be broken as he would throw witty camaraderie into the conversation and make everyone laugh and smile. That was Terry, and his way of showing love.

And we will forever carry that love and his memory in our hearts.