Kaye F. Schirle
Kaye F. Schirle passed away in Weston on January 18, 2022 and went to be her Lord at the age of 85. She was born in Plymouth, Wisconsin on July 16, 1936.
Kaye lived in many areas of Wisconsin including Plymouth, Mauston, Madison, Sun Prairie, Hazelhurst with the majority of her life being spent in Wausau. She was born on a farm near Greenbush, WI and was active in the 4-H organization. She showed purebred Holsteins at both the county and state shows. She was married to the late Carl Gutenberger who was the 4-H agent of Marathon County for several years. She later married David Schirle, who also preceded her in death. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point after her two children began school. She was passionate about gardening and was known for her beautiful flower beds full of roses and other beautiful plants. Kaye’s career consisted of teaching for several years along with twenty years as a designer for Ethan Allen Furniture. Her creative side was evident in her watercolor paintings. She won several state awards and took painting trips to places like Hawaii to take in the beauty of her surroundings and the native flowers. She had an eye for design and could put together a room or an outfit in an instant. Her other hobbies included cooking, baking, and sewing. Kaye was very proud of and loved her children and grandchildren. She left us too soon missing the birth of her very first great-grandchild that will be born in April.
Kaye is survived by son, Brian (Teresa) Gutenberger and daughter, Sue (Kevin) Schlinkmann, grandchildren: Michele (Peter) Gernetzke, Ryan Gutenberger, Logan Gutenberger, Taylor Schlinkmann and Elly Schlinkmann; siblings Mary (Wayne) Myszka, Thomas (Kathy) Webb, Robert (Peggy) Webb and special friend, Howard Schneider.
Kaye is predeceased by her parents, Francis and Josephine Webb, brothers John and Charles Webb, husband David Schirle.
A memorial service will be celebrated later this spring. Condolences for the family may be offered at brainardfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Monks Botanical Gardens in Wausau.
Dorothy R. Scholtens
Dorothy (“Dottie”) Roberts Scholtens passed away on January 31, 2022 in Naples, Florida at the age of 96. She was born and raised in Columbus, Wisconsin within a strong Welsh community. She attended Michigan State University where she met her husband, Clarence (“Chum”) on a blind date arranged by her Pi Beta Phi sorority sisters. Dottie and Chum had a wonderful 52 year marriage and raised four children.
Dorothy was a kind, generous, and most importantly a loving person who held respect and responsibility to a high standard. She was very supportive and involved in her children’s school and social activities, always inserting a few lessons. She enjoyed life, was not hesitant to try new things, and when she did, she did so with gusto. Golf was her favorite activity, which she took up quite young and played until her shoulders no longer allowed her to swing. She started to enjoy downhill skiing and tennis in her 50’s, and then on to bridge and mahjong in her later years. Although she was competitive in these endeavors, her goal wasn’t only focused on winning, but also on how she could always improve her game – as evidenced by the many lessons, video tapes and books on the subjects.
Family was her priority and as that family grew and spread across the US, she organized many memorable family reunions where everyone could reunite, catch up and have some fun. Each year, up until her death, Dorothy would send a hand selected birthday and Christmas card to her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids with a handwritten personal note, and of course a check tucked inside. Also, for someone of her generation, she did an exceptional job of keeping up on technology. She was quite good at FaceTime (after a few reminders to keep her whole face in view) and was always one of the first to comment on the periodic electronic pictures family members would send,
She was a great matriarch who loved us all unconditionally. She will be missed.
Memorials can be made to Avow Hospice, Naples, Florida.
Kenneth E. Sitko
Kenneth E. Sitko, 68, Town of Texas, left his earthly life after a brief illness on January 31, 2022.
Kenneth was born November 26, 1953, in Wausau to Edward P. and Marcella (nee Kroening) Sitko. After graduating high school, Ken worked for Weyerhauser, now Domtar, for 42 years; retiring in 2016. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling. He played weekly Sheepshead games and was an avid auction goer. Ken, or Mr. Fix-It, was a terribly good mechanic. He could fix anything but a broken heart. He was a MacGyver known for “collecting things”. Ken was the glue that held our family together. We will miss him terribly.
Ken is survived by his wife Yvonne (Strassman) Sitko; mother Marcella Sitko; daughter Angela (Mike) Borchardt; son Keith (Tina) Sitko; grandchildren Bryanna Sitko, Alex Sitko, Brooke Sitko; great grandson Marcus Rykowski- the light of his life; stepdaughter Tara Stich; stepson Troy (Kim) Krezine; step grandchildren Jake Stich, Kamryn Stich, Kaitlyn Stich, Ben Stich, Cristian Krezine, and Carson Krezine; the grandchildren of his heart Nicholas Gibbs, Emma Gibbs and Matthew Gibbs; sisters Mary Jo (Jeff) Maly, Kathryn (Randy) Grieser; nephew Matthew Grieser; and numerous extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his dad Edward P. Sitko.
A funeral service for Ken will be held Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at 6:00 pm at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce Street, Wausau. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be addressed to the family to donate to the family church in Peplin and charities dear to Ken’s heart.
Our family wishes to thank the Town of Texas EMT’s and Yvonne, his wife and caretaker.
Lucille M. Schulz
The Home going for Lucille Marie Schulz, 91, Wausau, was January 26, 2022.
Lucy was born March 26, 1930, to Leo and Esther (Pyan) Radtke.
Lucy married Paul L Schulz on July 26, 1951; they were married for 62 years until his death in 2014.
They had four children: Paul (Malia), granddaughter Novice Lowman (Nick Wyeth), great grandchildren Oliver and Talitha; Pamela, granddaughters Jourdan and Elisabeth Burnett; Jennifer; and Bruce (deceased).
Our extended family: Mary (Randy) Schuettpelz and their children: Loriann (Jason) Schafer; Tim (Tanya) – Taylor, Trenton, Trevor, Trinity, Tanner; Carrieann (Cole) Zondag – Connor, Cadin, Carter.
Lucy’s siblings: Arlene (Harvey) Schulz; Virgina Sikorsky-Knutson; Virgil (Deanna), Ronald (Mary), Shirley (Harold) Petersen, David (Sue), Sandrea (Keith) Hustedt, Connie Radtke, Steven (Venus).
She was preceded in death by siblings: Clarence (June), Norman, Melvin (Carol), Delores, Gloria Matha Mabugu, Cynthia Falcon, and Timothy.
Lucy liked to crochet, make plastic canvas crafts and bake. She enjoyed going to the casino and would bake what she called “Casino Cookies” to munch on while there. She loved Country music, especially Hank. On Sundays, she would jam to Polka music. During the years we had a boat, summers would be spent on various lakes boating and fishing.
Lucy was a Proverbs 31 Woman. She worked tirelessly to provide for her family. In summer, she gardened (kids were recruited to pull weeds) and in fall the harvest was canned / frozen to eat in winter. She was a talented seamstress who made clothes for her family and passed on her skill and love of sewing to her daughter, Pamela. Her love for family showed in all she did and the sacrifices she made for us.
The family would like to thank the staff of Rennes and Compassus for the care and kindness shown to Lucy.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Florian M. Ahles
Florian “Ollie” M. Ahles, 89, Colby passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 30, 2022, while under the care of Heartland Hospice at Waterford of Colby.
He was born June 2, 1932, in Mosinee, son of the late Edward and Dolores (Hauk) Ahles. On June 25, 1955, he married Joyce Schaefer at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Milan. She survives.
For more than 16 years Ollie worked at Pied Piper Shoe Factory and then went to work at Kraft Foods for 28 years until he retired. Some of his favorite pastimes included fishing, playing cards, watching westerns, traveling, spending time with his family, reading and doing crossword puzzles. Ollie will be fondly remembered as a jokester to all who knew him and a huge collector of windchimes.
Ollie proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 until 1954.
Survivors include his loving wife, Joyce Ahles, Colby, his children, Thomas (Ann) Ahles, Wausau, Robert (Sandra) Ahles, Marathon, Gwyn (Dale) Strasser, Edgar, Kaye (Steve) Homeyer, Medford, Andrew Ahles, Wausau, Matthew (Colleen) Ahles, St. Paul, MN and Tracy (Mark) Paul, Edgar, 15 grandchildren, Neil, Heather, Kaci, Paul, Joshua, Justin, Travis, Jennifer, Brandon, Katelynn, Caleb, Jacob, Christopher, Rose and Mitchel, 13 great grandchildren, Addisyn, Alicia, Sierra, Melody, Jasmin, Cynthia, Alyssa, Cameron, Jones, Emma, Kylie, Jaxton and Croixson and one brother, Edwin Ahles, Tomahawk.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Jessica Homeyer and a sister-in-law, Marjorie Ahles.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Noon, Friday, February 11, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Marathon. The Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Private family burial will be at a later date in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Full military honors will be conducted by the American Legion, Alois Dreikosen Post #469, Marathon. Visitation will be held on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Marathon. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Andrew D. Riske
Andrew David Riske, age 73, passed away on January 28th surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer. He was the son of the late Raymond and Alvina Riske. Andy was born in Stevens Point, WI on June 19th, 1948.
Andy is survived by his loving children Wendy (Rex) Runke, Custer, WI; Tammy (Colin) Kobishop, Plover, WI; Darcy Turner, Milwaukee, WI. He was “Grandpa” to 8 grandchildren and “Pa” to 4 great grandchildren.
His surviving siblings are Gertrude (Doug) Rubey, Almond, WI; Marion (Florian) Strasser, St. Naizianz, WI; Paul (Sharon) Riske, Stevens Point, WI; Doris (Dennis) Kunst, Plover, WI; Jerry Riske, Plover, WI.
He is preceded in death by his parents, lifelong partner, Sharon Turner, brothers Eddie Riske, Joseph Riske and Richard Riske.
Andy was a mason worker and left this trade to pursue his passion with the family business Pups-n-Stuff in Plover. As co-owner and manager he had a unique way of communicating with customers; his off handed remarks and humor had them coming back and keeping in touch. He loved spending his free time fishing, gardening, going to casinos and making precious memories with his family. “Pa” was the best!
We will all miss our time drinking coffee outside, taking walks and playing at the park.
A celebration of Andy’s life will take place at a later date with family and friends.
Virginia L. Pagel
Virginia was an exceptional, unique, hard working woman with many talents. She will always be remembered for how she helped so many people, her love for family, her cardinal collection, beautiful gardens and her quirky humor.
Some of her favorite hobbies included working in her yard, painting, decorating and spending time with her family, especially her grandgirls and granddog Penny.
Virginia is survived by her children, Jeff (Bonnie) Pagel, Jean Pagel, granddaughters Hailey, Katrina, Carissa and Ashley, siblings Rose (Dave) Seidler, and Dorothy (Jerry) Kittel.
Virginia was proceeded in death by her parents Emanuel and Rose Yesse, siblings Joseph (Debbie) Fochs Sr, Emanuel (Marlene) Yesse Jr, Mabel (Jim) Bowden, Donald Yesse.
She will be missed greatly.
Jerry J. Zelenka
Jerry J. Zelenka, 87, Wausau, died Tuesday February 1, 2022 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born December 25, 1934 in Antigo, son of the late Joseph and Clara (Stieber) Zelenka. On June 9, 1956, he married Mary J. Noskowiak at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, Antigo. She preceded him in death May 28, 2021.
Jerry was a proud veteran of the US Army serving during the Korean War. After service he had been employed at GTE as an auto mechanic and retired as Verizon Fleet Supervisor. Among his favorite pastimes, Jerry enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, woodworking, building furniture and hobby farming.
Survivors include his children, Jerry (Laura) Zelenka, Jim (Cindy) Zelenka, Kathy (Allen) Weinkauf, Betty (Ed) Domka; 12 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; one foster sister, Barbara Matuszewski; brother-in-law, Mike (Betty) Noskowiak; sister-in-law, Betty (Pat) Curran.
Besides his parents, and wife, Jerry was preceded in death by a son, Michael Zelenka, two sisters, Ruth (Richard) Robinson and Norma (Bill) Thomas; sister-in-law, Pat (Art) Jesmer.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday February 10, 2022 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Weston. Rev. Greg Bohren will preside. Burial will be in Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, King, Wisconsin. Visitation will be on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Agnes Catholic Church for Masses in Jerry’s honor.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Aspirus Wausau Hospital especially, Amy, for the compassionate care given to Jerry.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Teri L. Fletcher
Teri L. Fletcher, 65 of Akron, Ohio, died on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Akron City Hospital.
Teri was born on December 15, 1956, in Akron, Ohio, the daughter of Donald and Dorothy (Knowles) Gardner.
Teri attended Schaumburg High School in Illinois. After high school, she worked as a collections specialist at a bank and an insurance company. Teri loved music and singing. When she was younger, she was in a quartet with three of her siblings. Teri was a great artist and enjoyed painting.
Teri is survived by three sisters, Toni (Mike) Olson of Birnamwood, Traci (Marvin) Matsche of Birnamwood and Thresa (Rob) Maddix of Hill City, SD and one sister-in-law, Shari Cuppett of Mogadore, OH; 11 nieces and nephews, Todd (Cindy) Olson, Brent (Jordyn) Olson, Shelly (Karl) Spaay, Kelli (Brian) Fitting, Matt (Raechel) Gardner, Garrett (Kristen) Matsche, Chris (fiancée Kelly) Matsche, Taylor Matsche, Steve (Aleshia) Olson, Cody Olson and Wyatt Maddix; six great nieces and nephews; special friend, Pat Patsamatla and many other relatives and friends.
Teri was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Todd and Trent and grandparents, Howard and Edna Knowles and Rev. C.L. and Erma Gardner.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Mattoon Church of the Nazarene. Rev. Bob Hess and Rev. Todd Olson will officiate.
Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be on Saturday, from 10 AM until the time of service at the church.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Delia Wolff
Delia ‘Dayla’ Wolff, 88 of Wittenberg, died on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at her home under the care of her family and Compassus Hospice.
Delia was born on March 25, 1933, in Wittenberg. The daughter of Anthony and Amelia (Szutkowski) Bamke. On October 5, 1950,
Delia was united in marriage to Laurin Dennis ‘Denny’ Wolff at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wittenberg. He preceded her in death on February 28, 2001. Delia worked alongside her husband, Denny, on the family farm, in the town of Franzen, for many years continuing alone when Denny became disabled. She also worked at the Hatley Veneer Mill for six years. She had a love for nature and the outdoors in general, feeding the birds, taking care of her cows with each having a name. She also loved tending to her many amazing flower gardens. Delia also had a knack for baking with many of her family and friends enjoying her creations. Delia had a strong faith and was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wittenberg, having taught Sunday School for many years. Delia cherished the time spent with her family and especially enjoyed her grandchildren.
Delia is survived by three children, Debra (Michael) Tlapa of Wittenberg, Bruce (Kathy) Wolff of Watertown and Alan Wolff of Michigan; nine grandchildren, Heather (Mark) Long, Matt (Alissa) Wolff, Rebecca (Brenden) Whitfield, Nathan Wolff, Jessica (Joe) Johnson, Simon (Shanna) Wolff, Zachary, Mackenzie and Savannah Moriarty; two step-grandchildren, Charity (Edward) Stewart and Lindsay (Kevin) Radcliffe; nine great-grandchildren, Edison, Maddison, Aubrey, Brinley, Braelyn, Clayton, Jayda, Jaxson and Janessa; two sisters, Betty Wanta and Blanche Friese; two brothers, Jerry (Sally) Bamke and Tom (Bonnie) Bamke; two former daughters-in-law, Dawn Wolff and Debbie Bloedorn and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Delia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sons, Wayne, in infancy and David; grandson, Tyler Tlapa; five sisters, Joan James, Jean Lemke, Joyce Gollackner, Bonita and Constance Bamke and one brother, Richard Bamke.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, February 11, 2022 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wittenberg. Rev. Matthew Christians will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will be on Friday from 9:30AM until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church building fund, Wittenberg. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Patricia Salzman
Patricia “Pat” Salzman was called to heaven by angels on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at the age of 76. Her loving husband, daughter and son were by her side as she peacefully left our world.
Pat was born on December 22, 1945 in Macon, Georgia. She was the firstborn child of the late Lawrence and Elizabeth “Betty” (Ryan) Wolfe. She married Roger Salzman on November 5, 1966 in Wausau. Rog and Pat celebrated 55 years of marriage in 2021. They had two children, Colleen (Jason) Kenney of Madison, WI. and Troy (Julia) Salzman of Wausau. She was especially proud of her four grandchildren Clare, Jack, Jordy and Tyler; they meant the world to her. She was preceded in death by her brother, James “Jim” Wolfe as well as her parents Lawrence and Betty. Other survivors include a sister, Brenda Wolfe, a very special family friend Jerry Sikorski, nieces Natalie Sikorski, Dawn Sikorski, and a nephew, Ryan Wolfe. She leaves behind many other nieces and nephews on the Salzman side of the family whom she cared very deeply about.
Pat worked as a Supervisor at GTE after graduating from D.C. Everest High School in 1964. She became a stay-at-home Mom after her children were born. When her own parents were older and became ill, she was their loving caretaker for many years until they both passed. Years later, she worked at Eastbay, and then at the Wausau Center Mall, taking care of their plants & flowers. Following that, she was promoted to Supervisor at the Customer Service desk at the Mall. Upon that department closing, she excelled in sales at Bath & Body Works. She retired when her first grandchild was born.
She enjoyed camping with her husband Rog, creating special memories as they visited many destinations out west and in the U.P. and Michigan every year, especially around Lake Superior. She also loved the special annual camping trip with her children and grandchildren. Pat and Rog were snowbirds and spent the last several winters soaking up the sun and making new friends in Florida.
Enjoying special time with her husband, children, and grandchildren was Pat’s favorite thing to do. She loved cheering on her son at his sporting events, and watching her daughter perform at dance events. This came full circle, as she lovingly cheered on her grandchildren at their sporting events and dance events. She had a very close relationship with her brother Jimmy, and truly cherished their time together. Spending time with friends also brought her great joy. Pat also enjoyed gardening and taking care of her flowers and plants. Watching birds of all kinds at the birdfeeder in her front yard was also one of her favorite pastimes.
Pat was a caring and compassionate woman who loved with all of her heart. She had a genuinely sweet nature about her, which made each person she knew feel special and loved. She was a very giving person, always putting others’ needs above her own. She always made sure everyone was well taken care of. She will fondly be remembered as a “little lady with a big heart.”
Pat requested that instead of a funeral, a “Celebration of Life Picnic” be held in her honor this summer. The date and location of this special event is yet to be determined.
If you would like to leave online condolences for her family, please visit Legacy.com
