John W. Burckle
John “Jack” W. Burckle, age 90, of Wausau passed at Wausau Aspirus Hospital on February 8, 2022.
John was born on September 11, 1931, in Green Bay, WI to Leslie and Rose (Arnold) Burckle. After graduating from High School, he went on to college at UW-Madison where he got his bachelor’s degree. He was united in marriage to Lois Ulrich on October 30, 2009, at St. Anne Parish, Wausau. John was a big fan of sports. Since he was a UW-Madison Alumni, he was a Wisconsin Badgers fan, also rooted for the Green Bay Packers and Brewers. He enjoyed many hobbies such as fishing, golfing, restoring old cars, and was a member of Golden K. He was a committee member and technology volunteer at St. Anne’s Parrish. He was a loving father, stepfather, and husband.
John is survived by his wife, son, Richard J. Burckle of New Berlin, WI, his nieces; Kathy (Dan) Becker, Diane Mabie, and five stepchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Eugene Burckle, and his wife of 55 years Verna Burckle.
The funeral service will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church, 615 Stark Street, Wausau, on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the time of service. Father Tom Lindner will be officiating the service. Luncheon at 2510 Restaurant, Wausau, will follow after the service at 12:30 pm. A private family committal ceremony will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park.
Brainard Funeral Home, Wausau Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements. To share condolences and memories with the family, please visit www.brainardfuneral.com.
Marlene J. Aschbrenner
Marlene Janice Aschbrenner, age 79, of Merrill passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, February 6, 2022.
Marlene was born on January 15, 1943, to Lester Sr. and Myrtle (Pagenkopf) Krueger. She graduated from DC Everest High School in 1961. She was united in marriage to Kenneth Aschbrenner on November 14, 1964, at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Schofield. She loved antiques and collectibles and had her own business called Grainery Goodies for many years. She enjoyed going to auctions, garage, and estate sales hunting for the next big treasure. Marlene took great pride and joy into refinishing and restoring furniture and her work showed how talented she was.
Marlene loved watching the Green Bay Packers, NASCAR, Brewers, and Badgers. In her younger years Marlene was on a bowling league and part of a homemakers club where she enjoyed making crafts and flower arranging. In her spare time she enjoyed watching birds especially cardinals and hummingbirds, watching westerns, and listening to country music.
She is survived by her husband, her children; Sue Genosky, Darin (Pam) Aschbrenner, Kent (Sue) Aschbrenner, Brad (Jessica) Aschbrenner, and Heidi Aschbrenner. Her grandchildren; Amanda (Zach), Megan(Tanner), Ethan (Ashley), Morgan(Jordin), Nathan(Laney), Missy(Andre), Samantha(Ryan), Brittany, Jon, and Justin(Emily). Her great grandchildren; Maverick, Mila, Jase, Cole, Levi, Logan, Allyson, Brant, Julian, Ella, Joey, Braxton, and Sterling. Her siblings; Harland (Pat) Krueger, Virginia (Bill) Stein, in-laws Enid Krueger, Bill Clark, and Jean Krueger. Along with many in-laws on Kenneth’s side. And her furbabies Hazel and Beau.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Carol Simon, Robert Krueger, Phyllis Clark, and Lester Krueger.
A celebration of her life will be taking place at a later date. Helke Funeral Home, Wausau is assisting the family. You are welcome to share memories and condolences to the family at www.helke.com
For those of you that would like to make a donation on the behalf of Marlene and her family, you may select a humane society or animal rescue of your choosing.
David A. Michna
David “Dave” A. Michna, age 81, of Kronenwetter, passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at Marshfield Medical Center (formerly Saint Clair’s Hospital), surrounded by family.
He was born on April 17, 1940, to the late Alvin and Karen (Ubbesen) Michna in Racine, WI. Dave joined the US Navy out of high school and served active duty as well as being in the Naval Reserves for 6 years. After serving his country, he attended the University of Dubuque and graduated in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. On April 8, 1967, Dave married the love of his life, Joyce in Dubuque, IA. They would share almost 55 years together, and had two daughters, Laura and Susan. After many moves in Iowa and Illinois, he moved to Kronenwetter in 1977, and became an accounting instructor at Northcentral Technical College until his retirement in 2003. Dave loved playing baseball, playing 1st base from a young age. He loved the New York Yankees but was too superstitious to watch all of their games. He also loved model trains – spending hours in his basement watching them run. He was a fan of Abraham Lincoln, reading almost ever book written about him. He also loved the Great Lakes, lighthouses, and especially the Duluth/Superior area.
Survivors include his loving wife, Joyce of Kronenwetter; two daughters, Laura of Weston, and Susan (Sam) of Fond du Lac; three grandchildren, Halie, Will and Lucy; his sister, Karen (John) of San Marcos, TX; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, his beloved uncle Paul, aunt Carola, and a grandson, Luke.
A public visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1806 Weston Ave, Schofield. A private family memorial service will follow. Masks and social distancing will be required. Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel, Weston, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family will be gathering donations to create the David Michna Memorial Scholarship at Northcentral Technical College so he can continue providing for the future of accounting and the students he was so proud to teach.
Delores M. Bunge
Delores M. Bunge, 84, passed away at home with her husband by her side on February 9, 2022.
She was born to the late Hattie and Wilhelm Falk on May 24, 1937. Delores married Alvin E. Bunge January 3, 1954. She is survived by her husband Alvin; daughter Lynda (Gary) Swan; 4 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her son Scott Alan Bunge.
A private family gathering will be held.
Albert J. Zayia
Albert J. Zayia, 62, Three Lakes passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on April 4, 1959, in Chicago, son of Rosalie (Bonnadonna) Zayia, Chicago and the late Robert Zayia. On July 12, 1980, he married Pamela Rugen in Northbrook, IL. She survives.
For many years Al was the proud owner/operator of Coyote Transport in Three Lakes. Some of his favorite pastimes included fishing, riding his Harley, diagnosing and fixing vehicles that needed any type of mechanical work done. He will be fondly remembered as “Mr. Fix It” by his family. Al enjoyed being a proud Grandpa to his two beautiful granddaughters and also loved the numerous dogs that he had over the years.
Survivors include his wife, Pam Zayia, Three Lakes, his mother, Rosalie Bonnadonna, Chicago, his children, Jen (Jacob) Chadderdon, Ripon and their daughter, Amelia and A.J. (Danielle) Zayia, Eagle River and their daughter, Caroline, one brother, Greg (Lina) Zayia, Chicago and three nieces and a nephew.
Besides his father he was preceded in death by one sister, Mary.
At Al’s request there will not be a formal service. A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Ann K. Stieber
Ann K. Stieber, 87, Wausau, died Tuesday February 8, 2022 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born November 21, 1934, in Medford, daughter of the late Alex L. and Margaret (Mann) Hana. On April 21, 1956, she married Ralph A. Stieber at the former St. Mary Catholic Church, Wausau. He preceded her in death April 18, 2010.
Ann had been employed for seven years at Wisconsin Pattern Works in Racine and retired from American Can/James River Corporation after 32 years of service in their accounting department.
Survivors include her brothers, Adrian J. Hana, Medford, Arthur (Sandy) Hana, Waterford; a sister-in-law, Donna Hana, Medford; nine nephews.
Besides her parents and husband, Ann was preceded in death by a sister, Alice Langteau and brothers, Alvin, Aldon and Alex Hana.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday February 18, 2022 at Holy Name Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Samuel Martin will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Michael R. Wilhelm
Michael Rodell Wilhelm, 75, Rib Mountain, passed away on Monday, February 7, 2022 at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau.
Survivors include his wife, June (Moyle) Wilhelm; two sons, John (Claire) Wilhelm and Matthew Wilhelm; sister, Heather (Tim) O’Connor; step-sister, Sonia (Mike) Calton; step-brother, Danny (Sandra) Lee; and many other relative and friends.
A celebration of life service will be held in the Spring/Summer of 2022 at Highland Community Church, Wausau. Date and times will be announced. A full obituary will follow at a later date.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.
Kevin J. Hauptman
Kevin J. Hauptman, 35, Wausau, died unexpectedly on Monday, January 31, 2022 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born May 7, 1986, in Dallas, Texas, son of Vaclav and Linda (Minyard) Hauptman.
Kevin graduated from the ITT Technical Institute in San Antonio, Texas and earned his degree in Systems Management. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed gaming, going for long walks and spending time with his family, especially with his niece and nephew.
Survivors include, his mother, Linda Hauptman, Wausau; his sister, Karen (Joshua) Cather, Wausau; his nephew, Jackson; and his niece, Jayden.
He was preceded in death by his father, Vaclav.
Graveside services will be held later this month at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Date and time will be announced.
Phyllis Grove
Phyllis Grove, 89, formerly of Rothschild, passed away Sunday, February 6, 2022 at Mount View Care Center, Wausau.
She was born on June 9th, 1932 in Wausau to Charles and Helen (Urban) Grove. Phyllis was a 1950 graduate of Wausau High School. She worked as a machinist at Wilson-Hurd in Wausau for 47 years.
Survivors include her brother Allen (Karen) Grove, Rothschild, nieces Chris (Bruce) Luebbe, town of Reid, and Patty Grove, Rothschild; and nephews Tim (Ann Richmond) Grove, Rhinelander, and Mike Grove, Green Bay. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her brother Lloyd Grove, and sister-in-law Judy Grove.
She was an avid Brewers fan who enjoyed collecting Santas, crossword puzzles, feeding the birds, word games, Scrabble, and casino gambling. She was an honorary “aunt” to several generations of neighborhood kids.
The family would like to thank the staffs at Mount View Care Center and Mountain Terrace Senior Living for their care of Phyllis over the last three years.
Services will be held at John J. Buettgen Funeral home, Schofield on Friday, February 18th, 2022. Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm, with the memorial service at 1 pm. Burial to follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau.
Memorials can be directed to the Marathon County Humane Society, the VFW or the charity of your choice.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com
Sylvia E. Sodke
Our loving and beautiful mother, Sylvia Edna (Rothenberger) Sodke, born March 1st,1940, was called to Heaven January 31st, 2022 at age 81. Her daughter and son, Roxana and Audie, were at her side.
Her final years she lived at Care Partners Memory Care of Weston. Sylvia received 5 star treatment thus winning over several staff members with her old fashioned wit and weathered wisdom.
A blessing. An inspirational history. Not too many people know that Sylvia was also a HERO. Her, then husband, and 4 older children were in a car accident knocking everyone unconscious, except herself. She managed to pull all 4 children out and her, then husband. Seconds later, the car exploded. Her daughter, Roxana, then age 3, recalls waking up in the far back of the ambulance being held by an ambulance attendant as her mother was sitting up front, explaining the situation, while the other 3 children were in the middle, also being held. Their father was in a different ambulance. 6 years later Sylvia divorced, saving herself and her children from further physical abuse. She protected them the best she could and moved them from country living to the city. Shortly after she discovered she was pregnant with Audie. So much for birth control! Audie and Roxana made sure their mother collected on her ex husband’s social security when she retired.
In Sylvia’s early years, she cooked for a living at several restaurants to make ends meet. At home she would cook delicious meals and bake homemade candies. She had many talents. A crochet afghan gifted from Sylvia was the best! Her last job before retiring was delivering pizzas. She left fond memories with her customers. Sylvia made good tips. Her best and most funny tip was when she received – what she thought was a cigarette. So, she put it behind her ear and delivered pizzas the rest of the night. Upon arriving home after work, Audie asked, “What is behind your ear?”
She laughed and replied, “I haven’t had a cigarette in over 20 years. Someone thought I still smoked!”
Audie requested, “Mom, give me that!?” and flushed it. Sylvia didn’t know it was a joint!
Along with casino runs, reading was her escape from reality. Audie spent every Sunday with his mom. Movies, restaurants, catching up on T.V. episodes, those 2 did it all. Roxana was her mom’s “go-fer”, road trip guide and in charge of her health care/medical decisions, along with her own daughter, Tabitha. Roxana’s son, Steven, helped with rides. Sylvia had special relationships with her 2 oldest grandchildren, Tabitha and Steven, as well as her 2 oldest great grandchildren, Sophia and Jaxom. The 2 oldest great grandchildren were especially close knit: sharing drinks, conversations and time with their Great Nana. Even holidays at their home.
Sylvia is survived by her 5 children; Oldest: Gordon Sodke, Brian Sodke, middle child: Roxana (Richard Leonard Sr) Gibson, Sylvia Grob, and her precious baby boy: Audie Sodke. Her grandchildren; Tabitha (Joshua) Blaser, Steven Hoffmann, Brian Sodke II, Angela Sodke, Johanna Sodke and Richard Sodke. Her GREAT grandchildren; Jaxom Blaser, Sophia Blaser (Great Nana’s manicurist & pedicurist), Trista Ford, Bentley Ford and another great grandbaby on the way. Sylvia is also survived by her siblings; Johanna Powers, Eugenia Rothenberger, Janet (Wesley) Radtke, Larry (Pam) Roth, Ronald (Johanna) Rothenberger, Roger Rothenberger, half siblings; Joan and Fred. Her favorite sister-in-law, Doris (Sodke) Erdman and many nieces and nephews.
Sylivia is preceded in death by; Her beautiful mother: Jeannette (Bunde) Rothenberger – who raised the 12 children -, her father: Eugene Rothenberger. Her siblings; Eva Rothenberger, Andrew Rothenberger, Shirley Rothenberger, Eugene Rothenberger, Jerry Rothenberger, 1 half sibling: John. And her ex husband: Gordon P.R. Sodke.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
We are celebrating with both God’s blessing and Sylvia’s own wishes to throw her a party. We are celebrating Sylvia’s life!
March 1st, 2PM – 4PM, John J Buettgen Funeral Home 948 Grand Ave. Schofield, WI 54476
Kevin J. Fliss
Kevin John Fliss, 45, of Junction City, Wisconsin, passed away on February 2, 2022 at the Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, Wisconsin.
Born on November 12, 1976 to Barbara Low of New Carlisle, Indiana and Dennis Fliss of Junction City, Wisconsin, Kevin graduated from D.C. Everest High School in Weston, Wisconsin and worked primarily in the manufacturing industry. He was married to Dana Wilke Polencheck for 18 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed gardening and woodworking and teaching these skills to his children.
He is survived by his parents, his children, Hannah (20), Haylee (17) and Jaxon (8), Mosinee, Wisconsin; his brother Keith Fliss, Germantown Hills, Illinois; and his stepfather, John Low, New Carlisle, Indiana.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Clifford and Loretta Kawleski; his paternal grandparents, Elmer and Jane Flisakowski; and an uncle, David Kawleski.
A private family memorial service will be held.
The family wishes to extend appreciation for the care and compassion extended by the ICU staff at the Marshfield Medical Center.
Glen F. Breyer
Glen F. Breyer, 89 of Birnamwood, passed away at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, with family at his side, on Tuesday afternoon, February 8th, 2022.
Glen was born on February 26, 1932, in the town of Birnamwood, the son of Alvin and Elfriede (Westphal) Breyer. He graduated from Birnamwood High School in 1949 and attended the Farming Industry short course in Madison. On November 7, 1953, Glen was united in marriage to Virginia Clark in Birnamwood.
Glen will be remembered as a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a lifelong dairy farmer in the town of Aniwa. He loved to hunt and fish, especially trout fishing on the Embarrass River, which ran through the farm acreage, and catching trout for Virginia’s birthday dinner each May. He also loved making maple syrup, picking strawberries and apples. He would peel and slice apples to freeze either for sauce or pies. He also enjoyed playing cards. He taught many of his grandchildren to play cribbage.
Glen was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Birnamwood where he had also served on the church council. In his younger years he served on the Birnamwood School Board and was on the board when the Wittenberg and Birnamwood School Districts consolidated. He was also the town of Aniwa Supervisor for 20 plus years! Glen was active in the Birnamwood Bow Hunters Club and was an avid Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan. He was also a blood donor for many years and donated in excess of 20 gallons.
Glen is survived by his wife, Virginia of Homme Home of Wittenberg; four children, Paula (Allan) Vander Grinten of Howard, Douglas (Cindy) Breyer, Karla (Pete) Willcome and Lisa (Randy) Fischer, all of Birnamwood; eight grandchildren, Nicholas (Sarah) Bierman, Jenna (Ryan Bune) Bierman, Alison (Alex Ragle) Fischer, Miranda (Jimmy) Morris, Melanie Fischer, Linda (Stan) Piszczor, Dillon Breyer and Derek (special friend Katelyn Schara) Breyer; ten great-grandchildren; a sister, Rosemary Toby of Brookfield; sisters-in-law, Carol Breyer, Shirley Clark, Beverly Tarras, Barbara Clark, Janet (Melvin) Carlson, and Vickie (Richard) Schwalbach; brother-in-law, Wayne (Christie) Clark and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Glen was preceded in death by his parents; a grandchild, Garrett Vander Grinten; brothers, Lloyd (Helen), Richard (Greta) and William Breyer and brothers-in-law, James Toby, Robert Clark, Harold Tarras and Dale Clark.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at St. John Lutheran Church, Birnamwood. Vicar Jennifer Sosinski will officiate. V
isitation will be held on Wednesday from 9am until the time of service at the church. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. John Lutheran Church, Birnamwood or the American Red Cross.
