John Aventi Jr.
On Wednesday February 2, 2022, John Aventi Jr. passed away at the age of 67.
John was born on May 18th, 1954, in Montana to Carmen Sanchez and John Aventi, Sr. John grew up and spent most of his life in Fargo, ND before falling in love with Wisconsin and moving there where he resided in Wausau. John was an artist with a love for the good old days in the 70’s and 80’s along with pop art. Art was relaxing and calming for him. He loved waterfalls, birds, and nature. John also had a passion for old muscle cars, which he had as a teen and enjoyed working on with friends. He had a deep love for Coca Cola products and was an avid collector of Coca Cola memorabilia and collectables. John was a wonderful father and grandfather. He loved his family very much and would always do anything he could to help them.
John was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his mother Carmen Aventi; brother Randy Aventi; three children Jenny Aventi, Johnny Aventi, and LeAnn Saucedo(Joseph); five grandchildren; his ex-wife Rhonda Weiss; and ex-wife Carolyn White.
There will be a private get together for his family.
Joyce O. Huntington
Joyce Olive Huntington, 93, of Wausau, passed away at Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living on February 3, 2022.
Joyce was born in Clintonville, WI on April 21, 1928, to the late David and Olive (Winegarden) Tornow. She graduated from Wausau High School and attended Trinity Lutheran College in Issaquah, Washington. She married Richard Huntington on April 30, 1949, in Wausau. Richard preceded her in death on February 23, 1989. Joyce retired from Wausau Insurance Companies in 1991. She was very active in volunteer work with The Grand Theatre, St. Clare’s, Bethesda Thrift Store, and Aspirus Hospice. Her hobbies included reading, traveling, and volunteering. She will be remembered for her deep love for her family, and she will be greatly missed.
Joyce is survived by her son Dennis (Geralyn) Huntington; daughter Jill (Charles) Zeinert; grandchildren Michael Huntington and Jason (Beth) Zeinert; five great- grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister Inez (Richard) Berghofer; brother-in-law Ronald Anderson; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Richard; granddaughter Jamie; sisters Arlene, Ardyce (Charles) Norton, Dorothy Anderson; and brothers Dorvin, Kenneth (Betty), and Truman Tornow.
A private family service was held at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.
Gary M. Drury
Gary M. Drury, 605 Eagle Nest Boulevard, Rothschild, passed on to be with his Lord Jesus on February 6, 2022.
Gary was born June 26, 1936, in Tomahawk, son of the late Harvey Drury and Kathleen (Provost) Drury. He married his beloved wife of over 50 years, Dorothy Thornton, on September 14, 1963.
Gary’s career focused on education which was obtained from St. Francis Xavier School, Merrill, Merrill High School and post high school education from UW-Whitewater, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior, WI. He began his teaching career in a one-room school (Washington Heights- Marathon County) moving on to Greendale School- Lincoln County the following year after which he entered the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged with a Good Conduct Medal on April 25, 1961. Gary resumed his teaching career the following fall at St. Robert Bellarmine School in Merrill. In the fall of 1970, he moved into administration by becoming the Principal of St. Robert Bellarmine School. In the fall of 1977, Gary was instrumental in establishing Merrill Catholic Schools, which included the newly formed St. Francis Xavier Middle School (Grades 6-8) as well as St. Robert Bellarmine Elementary School (Grades 1-5). Gary was the administrator of Merrill Catholic Schools (MCS) from 1977-1988 and again from 1990-1996 when he retired from his teaching/administration career.
Gary is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his sons, Michael Harvey (Sheila Leander) Merrill, WI, and James Steven (Danelle Davidowski) Ringle, WI; his daughters Lisa Marie (Cliff Cieslewicz) Wrightstown, WI, and Teresa Ann (Patric Knospe) Merrill, WI; daughter-in-law Linda Drury of Paris, KY; 12 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, David Alan; sister, Mary Lou; and stepbrother, Robert.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in Gary’s memory to Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation, Cattails Cottage, 1000 N. Oak Avenue, Marshfield, WI 54449.
To share memories and condolences with Gary’s family, please visit www.brainardfuneral.com
Geraldine R. Schneck
Geraldine R. Schneck, 94, Wausau, died Wednesday February 2, 2022 at House of Dove Hospice in Marshfield.
She was born November 24, 1927, in Stratford, daughter of the late Hugo and Linda (Schwanz) Breit. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim and her daughter Judy.
At the age of 17 after graduating from Stratford High School, Gerry left the family farm to start her new life in Wausau. There she met James Schneck, the love of her life. They were married September 17, 1949 at Zion Lutheran Church, Stratford. She was employed with Production Credit Association (PCA) for many years as well as Tempo, the Hallmark Store, and finally the Women’s Community Center, a job that turned out to be her most meaningful. Gerry was a lifelong member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church. She had a very strong faith and was involved in the Quilting Club and Young at Heart Group. Among her favorite joys in life was cooking and baking, which she excelled in. For over 50 years Gerry enjoyed the challenge of Bridge. Her greatest pride was her family, son Kent (Mary) and their children.
Survivors include her son, Kent (Mary) Schneck, Whitefish Bay; grandchildren, Dr. Katie (Eric) Schneck-Hemmingsen, Matthew Schneck, James (Alissa) Schneck, Andrew Schneck; great grandchildren, Carson and Chloe Hemmingsen; brother, Kenneth (Helen) Breit; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be on Thursday February 10, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. followed by the funeral services at 5:00 p.m. at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Wausau. Private burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Women’s Community Inc., Wausau.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Barbara M. Kirchhevel
Barbara M. Kirchhevel, 90, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at The Bay at Colonial Manor, Wausau.
She was born September 16, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio, daughter of the late George and Marie Valerie (Thibault) Schneider.
Among her favorite pastimes, she loved babysitting, listening to Il Divo & Lou Rawls. She enjoyed bowling, dancing, crossword puzzles and reading, especially James Patterson novels.
Survivors include, two sons, Joseph (Lisa) Kirchhevel, Arizona and Lee (Betty) Kirchhevel, California; seven grandchildren, Johanna Pelky, Sarah, Dylan and Maddy Kirchhevel; and Corey, Capri and Paris Taylor; and four great-grandchildren, Arik, Wolfgang, Lily and Blaze.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and the love of her life, Warren Lee Sr.; and her daughter, Brenda Kirchhevel.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Christ Community Church, 8100 Alderson Street, Schofield. Rev. Robin Wilde will officiate. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Judith K. Duranceau
Judith (Judy) Karen Duranceau, 78 of Merrill died with peace in the Lord on January 31, 2022. She was born to the late Alvin and Vera Schultz on March 21, 1943.
She married the love of her life Roger Duranceau on January 14, 1960, building their lives in the Wausau/Merrill area. Together they have four sons: Ronald (Patti Saltman) Duranceau, Wausau, Robert (Michele) Duranceau, Merrill, Randy (Becky) Duranceau, Baraboo, Rick Duranceau, Washington, one daughter, Debra Wickersham, Washington, one brother Wayne Schultz, WI, 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Roger who passed away on January 23, 2015, and her loving parents.
A large part of Judy’s life was being a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for over 25 years. She was also part of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed many crafts such as cross stich, painting and sewing. Spending time with her friends and neighbors was important to her along with an occasional trip to the casino. Judy was also an avid owl collector.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be sent directly to the family at 1407 E. 7th Street, Merrill, WI 54452.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MidWisconsinCremationSociety.com
Cynthia A. Rotell
Cynthia Ann Rotell passed away on January 26, 2022 and the love of her life George Alfred Rotell passed on August 19th, 2021. They were married for more than 60 years now they can rest in peace together.
A full obituary will follow at a later date.
For condolences you may contact Jim Smith 5509 Lazy Days Road, Wausau, WI 54401
Marlin L. Brooks
Marlin Leroy Brooks, 89 of Wausau, went to his heavenly home, where he was reunited with his wife Kay, on Friday February 4th, 2022. He was surrounded by his family as God took him home only 4 1/2 months after losing Kay.
Marlin was born March 24th, 1932 to Benjamin and Stella (Rath) Brooks. Marlin was a United States Army Veteran, serving during the Korean War. Marlin met, what would be the love of his life, Kay at a drive in movie and married her on November 15th, 1952. Throughout their 68 years of marriage they were inseparable. There wasn’t anything either of them wouldn’t do for each other.
Marlin and Kay had one son, Roger Sr. They loved him unconditionally; they were all very close. Marlin was employed at Marathon Electric, in the factory, for 44 years and also grew ginseng on the family land with Kay and Roger Sr. Marlin was blessed with three grandchildren who meant the world to him. He taught them many important life skills, from how to be upstanding citizens, to their faith in God. He always made sure they were taken care of before himself.
Marlin lived a long, good life, doing mostly family things. He would take Kay to Michigan to visit family, to the casino and to get her hair done every Thursday. He was always doing something for her, he loved her unconditionally. He was a man of faith. He read his Bible every day and went to church every Sunday. Taking his grandchildren to church/Sunday School brought him joy.
Marlin enjoyed spending time at the family land he purchased from his mother known as “The Farm”; first growing ginseng and then later clearing out a large area of the land that he and Kay made as an oasis for their small family to enjoy. To this day the family spends weekends camping there, now adding onto the memories already made and cherished.
Marlin was also an avid hunter and has many antler mounts to prove it. He taught Roger Sr. to hunt and together they taught Roger’s children to hunt. Marlin liked tractors and Cadillac cars; he had many of each. He was always goofing around whether it was singing the Laughing Polka – he LOVED polkas, dancing like a goofball, getting eaten by a snork at the Ice Capades or stretching necks at the A&W – he always made us laugh.
He was always a neat, meticulous person – from shining his shoes to vacuuming the drapes. Marlin was someone everyone loved. He brought a smile to everyone’s face. He was one of those people that you were instantly drawn to. Marlin’s family are all better people for being blessed to call him theirs; it has been so tough losing such an influential part of the family.
Marlin is survived by his son, Roger Sr.; grandchildren, Tricia (Mark) Anklam, Waylon (Renee) Brooks and Roger Jr. (Sarah) Brooks; seven great-grandchildren, Madison, Hailey, Carson, Clayton, Roger III, Rosaline, and Ryan; five step great-grandchildren, Montana, Collin, Aubrey, Trista, and Markus.
He was preceded in death by his wife Kay; father, Benjamin Brooks; mother, Stella Brooks Korth and his brothers, Raymond Brooks and Forest Brooks.
A funeral service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at First Congregational Church, Birnamwood. Rev. Joshua Weix and Rev. Dave Legge will preside. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery Birnamwood at a later date.
Visitation will on Saturday from 10AM until the time of service at the church. Military rites will be conducted by the Darling-Gunderson American Legion Post #341 at the church. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
The Brooks Family would like to thank the many people that cared for Marlin from his cardiologists, the girls at Care Partners and the wonderful team at Aspirus hospital, in his final few days. We can’t thank you enough for treating him so well. We would also like to thank Benji and the team at Schmidt-Schulta Funeral Home for taking care of us now twice in the past 4 months, you have treated us like family.
Grandpa is finally where he has wanted to be, back with grandma and with God and no longer in pain and no longer suffering. We love you and miss you our perfect angel!
