Michael C. Meurette
Michael Charles “Otto” Meurette, 61, Schofield, passed away at home unexpectedly on January 22, 2022.
He was born on November 9, 1960, in Wausau, WI, to Kate and Burl Meurette, and grew up in Wausau. When he was just a young boy, a neighbor affectionately nicknamed him “Otto” and it stuck with him ever since. He was a Wausau East High School graduate and worked for various employers including SNE, Graphic Packaging, Nova Truck Wash, and most recently in retirement, Townline Market, happily working alongside family and friends, where he was known for his innovative ideas and quirky techniques.
Otto had a calming demeanor, taking every day in stride and making it look easy. He was everyone’s best friend and never needed to say much to have a whole room full of people giggling. He was rigid and tough, yet so gentle and kind, with a heart of pure gold. That rosy-cheeked smile of his could make any bad day better. With his witty sense of humor, he was everyone’s Most Valuable Player, whether on the golf course or a softball field. He enjoyed anything sports related, as long as he could listen to it in the garage in his chair. He was the grill master at any family function and the one you could call if you needed anything, but his most favorite thing was being the best Papa around. Doing anything for his grandkids was Otto’s passion.
Otto is survived by his wife, Tammy Meurette; sons: Jake (Taylor) Meurette, Tyler (Torie) Jagler, Chris (fiancé Rachelle) Meurette; grandkids: Breelyn, Croix, & Brooks; sister Marsha (Craig) Meurette-Wieman, brothers: Mark (Laura) Meurette, Sr. and Mitch (Lori) Meurette; sisters- and brothers-in-law: Sherry & Barry McEwn, Mick & Sharon Stahl, John Stahl, Connie & Gary Glenetski, Julie Yirkovsky, & Buddy & Barb Stahl, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Matty Meurette.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 5, 2022, at The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, 330 McClellan St., Wausau, including committal in the courtyard columbarium at St. John’s, with Fr. Chris Arnold officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 11:00 am until the time of services. Brainard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com. The service will also be live-streamed on Brainard’s website. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be used to place a memorial bench at Greenwood Hills Golf Course.
Guy C. McElhaney
Guy C. McElhaney, age 70, of Wausau passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2022.
Guy was born on June 11, 1951 in Wausau and was the son of C.J. and Helen McElhaney. He graduated from Wausau High School in 1969. After graduating from North Central Technical College, he went on to serve his country honorably in the National Guard. On November 3, 1973, Guy was united in marriage to JoAnn Dupuis. They would share 48 years and two wonderful daughters, Keri and Angela. In 1986, Guy partnered with his brother Vern and Stan Podgorski to launch a small hydraulic repair business that grew into Wausau Hydraulics and Machine. He was a talented self-taught hydraulic cylinder designer who loved to solve problems. He was a proud Eagle Scout and an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a loyal Green Bay Packers Fan.
Guy is survived by his wife JoAnn of Wausau; daughters Keri (Sean) Twohig of Fond Du Lac and Angela McElhaney of Green Bay; 3 grandsons Colin, Gavin and Declan Twohig; and brothers Keith (Ruth) McElhaney, Vern (Kathy) McElhaney, sister-in-law Virginia McElhaney and hunting partner/nephew Jon McElhaney. Nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Marvin McElhaney.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 4, 2022, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 615 Stark Street, Wausau. The Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9:00 am until the time of service at the church on Friday. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park.
Sharon M. Dehnel
Sharon Mae Dehnel, age 74, of Wausau died Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Sharon was born on May 31, 1947, in Wausau to the late Alvin and Agnes (Artus) Rusch. She was united in marriage to Leroy John Dehnel on August 14, 1971 in the town of Stettin. She grew up helping her Mom and Dad farm and graduated Marathon High School in 1965. Shortly thereafter, she had worked for Wausau Insurance in the Custodial Care area and promoted to a Supervisor position where she retired from in 2005.
Sharon looked forward to family gatherings where she enjoyed baking and cooking. She enjoyed taking care of her yard, cutting her grass, canning vegetables from her garden and giving them away as gifts. Her and her husband spent most of their time volunteering for the Lions Club – District 27-C1 and participated in numerous activities all year round. She was a woman of God and believed that angels were always looking out for her family. With her passing, her family has gained another guardian angel to look over them.
Sharon is survived by her husband Leroy, her children; Tracey (Tom Joss) Dehnel and Troy (Vanessa Chestnut) Dehnel, her grandchildren; Tristen, Clara, Tyler, Tyler Joss, Kylie Joss, Hayden Zuber and Savannah Zuber, her sister Kathy Schlief (Ron), her in-laws; Robert Dehnel, Eddie Dehnel, and Robert Rajek, and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her In-laws, Donna and Eugene Behnke, Ardell Rajek and Sue Dehnel.
There will be a public visitation at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce Street, Wausau WI on Thursday, February 3 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm. There will be service at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in the town of Stettin on Friday, February 4 at 11:00 am with visitation held at 9:30am until time of service. A private family burial will follow at Stettin Christian Church Cemetery. Family wish for those that want to share memories of Sharon after the service to join them at Memories Ballroom for a luncheon. Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, is assisting the family with arrangements. To share condolences and memories with the family, please visit www.helke.com.
Family wishes for a donation in Sharon’s name to the Lions Club District 27-C1 instead of flowers.
Fern L. Zastrow
Fern L. Zastrow, age 93, of Merrill entered into the loving arms of her Savior on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Woodland Court in Merrill.
Fern was born on February 16, 1928 in the Town of Berlin to the late Martin and Viola (Wilde) Grueneberg. She married Leo Zastrow on June 16, 1945 t Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in the Town of Maine. They were married for 70 years and made their home farming on Fern’s grandparents farm in the town of Berlin. Fern could often be found milking cows and cleaning equipment. After their retirement, Leo and Fern took many trips together, especially enjoying Oregon and lots of fun casino trips. Leo preceded Fern in death in 2015. Fern loved church, baking desserts, card parties, polka music, going to her son’s and great grandson’s ballgames and most of all being with her family and friends.
Fern is survived by her three children Darlene (Gary) Balz of Marathon, Charles Zastrow of Merrill and Judy (Ken) Blaubach of Wausau; six grandchildren Scott Balz, Steven (Denise) Balz, and Tracy (Jeremy) Gertschen all of Marathon, Mike (Angie) Blaubach, Bob (Andrea) Blaubach, and Michelle Blaubach all of Wausau; ten great grandchildren Taylor, Jordan (McKenize), Brianna (Adam), Brooke (Fiance Jordan), Brett, Ashley, Connor, Cameron, Bryce and Breck.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son Gene and brother and sister-in-law Lloyd and Doris Grueneberg.
Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church, 6720 County Road A., Wausau. The Rev. Joel Willitz will officiate. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until the time of service at the church on Wednesday. Burial will follow immediately after the service at the Town of Berlin Cemetery.
IN lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6720 County Road A, Wausau, WI 54401
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Woodland Court for their 5 years of love and care and to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice for their care.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Ashley M. Krezine
Ashley Marie Krezine, age 33, of Wausau, was killed tragically in an accident on January 22, 2022.
Ashley was born in Wausau on March 11, 1988, to Jeffrey Krezine and Laurie Plum. She graduated from Wausau East High School in 2006. Ashley had a love for music, kayaking, camping, fishing, and tubing on the water. Ashley found her niche as a personal care worker and enjoyed taking care of others. More than anything, Ashley had an extreme love for her three children and dog Lucky, they were her entire world.
Ashley is survived by her children, Nicholas, Emma, and Matthew; parents, Jeffrey (Jerri) Krezine and Laurie Plum; honorary mom, Yvonne (Ken) Sitko; stepbrother, Troy (Kim) Krezine; stepbrother, Jeremy Johnson; stepsister, Tara Stich; nephews, Jake Stich, Ben Stich, Cristian Krezine, and Carson Krezine; nieces Kamryn Stich, and Kaitlyn Stich; beloved dog Lucky; significant other Jeremy Jimmerson; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents and aunt, Beverly Schultz.
A celebration of Ashley’s life will be held Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at 2:00 pm at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce Street, Wausau with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm.
Mary A. Schuster
Mary A. Schuster, 78, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 28, 2022 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born July 2, 1943 in Green Bay, daughter of the late Elmer and Elaine (Freicks) Gillis. On November 26, 1960, she married James V. Schuster at Holy Name Catholic Church, Wausau. He preceded her in death on February 26, 2017.
Among Mary’s favorite pastimes, she enjoyed cooking, camping and most of all, spending time with her family.
Survivors include her children, Barbara (Thomas) Majewski, Sun Prairie, Steven Schuster, Wausau, Deb Arendt, Green Bay and Michelle (Ken) Pozorski, Kronenwetter; her son-in-law, Steven Arendt, Sturgeon Bay; grandchildren, Rebecca (Dr. Jacob) Johnson, Lake Mills, Colin Pozorski, Rock Falls, IL, Ryan Pozorski, Camp Pendleton, CA, Brodie and Brennan Arendt, both of Green Bay; and her sister, Marlene (David) Schmirler, Wausau.
Besides her parents and husband, James, she was preceded in death by her son, Michael Schuster.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at Resurrection Catholic Church, Wausau. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Private burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the kind, compassionate care given to Mary. Also, a thank you to honorary members of the family, Shawna and Shane Finnegan for being such a special part of our lives throughout the years.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Donald J. Rauen
Donald John Rauen, 81 of Wausau passed away on January 29, 2022 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Don was born to the late George and Mabel (Schmidt) Rauen on March 30, 1940 in Wisconsin.
He graduated from Athens High school in 1958.
He married the love of his life Janice “Jan” (Paul) on May 25, 1963.
Donald also served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1965.
Donald is survived by his loving wife Jan, 2 children Kimb (Keith) Rauen Heidmann, Jay (Tara) Rauen, grandchildren, Ella Rauen, Lily Rauen, boerthers Norbert (Nancy Haehke) Rauen, William (Sharon) Rauen, Gary (Holly) Rauen, and Dale (Kathy) Rauen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mabel Rauen.
Don’s work ethics included being an insurance agent, real estate broker, postal worker, rural mail carrier, bus driver and driving for various companies.
He loved working outside, card playing being a social talker but most of all loving his two granddaughters.
Per Don’s wishes no funeral services will be held. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please donate any memorials to an organization of your choice.
Sandra J. Eisenman
Sandra Jean (Miller) Eisenman, age 72, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away on January 18, 2022 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born September 1, 1949 in Wausau to Benedict Joseph and Elizabeth Theresa (Kralcik) Miller, Wausau, WI. She graduated from Newman High School in 1968, and lived & worked in Wausau all her life.
Sandi met her husband of 51 years in 1969. She and John were married on November 21, 1970 in Wausau, WI. The couple spent the years after their marriage in Wausau, raising their children. After retiring, Sandi thoroughly enjoyed spending her time with John, traveling for pleasure, as well as to see her children and grandchildren. Sandi enjoyed cooking and reading, and loved planning road trips with interesting stops for she and John.
Sandi is survived by her husband, John Douglas Eisenman, and her children: Jennifer Eisenman Wood, Roswell, GA; Joshua (Tiffany Grobe) Eisenman, Bishop, TX; and her grandchildren: Sawyer and Nala Eisenman (Joshua); and Moira Eisenman, Omaha, NE
Sandi is also survived by her siblings: Marilyn Miller (Jerald) Halvorsen, Wausau, WI; Ronald Miller, Tomahawk, WI; Kathleen Miller (Michael) Boulineau, Forest Lake, MN; and Robert (Ann Marynik) Miller, East Grand Forks, MN; as well as brother-in-law, Jeffrey (Donna) Eisenman, Robert, LA; sister in-law, Ann Eisenman, Wausau, WI; and nephew, Jeffrey Eisenman, New Orleans, LA.
Sandi was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Edward John and Helene Genevieve (Kainz) Eisenman; her brother, Gerald Miller, Wausau, WI, and her sister, Marsha Miller(Robert) Armitage, Quincy, IL.
Sandi requested that no memorial service be held. Instead, in remembrance, the family asks that charitable donations be made to the Marathon County Historical Society, or to the Marathon County Public Library.
