William F. Metter
William “Bill” Frederick Metter, of Wausau, was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. He was 79 years old.
Bill was born on May 2, 1942 to Rudolph and Joanna Metter in Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up in Willowick, Ohio and graduated from Capital University in Columbus in 1964, where he majored in Greek. He went on to graduate in 1968 from the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbus, and was ordained at Euclid Lutheran Church the same year. Bill served as pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eau Claire before he was called to St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Wausau. During his tenure at both churches, he led dynamic youth programs, attended many national youth gatherings, baptized countless children and married hundreds of couples.
In 1980, Bill moved to Milwaukee to attend MBTI, where he earned the highest grade point average in the school’s data processing program history. He held a variety of positions throughout his life and worked for the Falk Corporation in Milwaukee, MBTI, Nicolet College in Rhinelander, Howard Young mMedical Center in Minocqua, and the City-County Data Center in Wausau, where he was a systems analyst until his retirement. He was also a licensed deacon for the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and was a chaplain in the U.S. Army National Guard.
Bill married his wife, Patricia, on March 20, 1982 at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church in Greendale.. The two had a special connection and loved to travel, taking several cruises and journeys together including trips to Trinidad and Tobago, where they made many lifelong friends. In Trinidad, they presented a concert at the Naparima Bowl in San Fernando to raise funds for a church. The concert, where Patricia performed and Bill served as master of ceremonies, was attended by hundreds of people including the former president of Trinidad.
Even before his retirement, Bill was a skilled craftsman and woodworker. He built custom bunk beds, pens, and gorgeous lamps, tables and other furniture. He was a model railroading enthusiast and a tireless volunteer. He was enormously talented and sang in barbershop quartets and church choirs for much of his life, and was an excellent ballroom dancer. He enjoyed his time working with the Boy Scouts, taking his grandsons on many scouting adventures. Bill served on the North Central Health Care Board of Directors for 10 years and was enormously appreciative of the work the organization performs. He was proudly patriotic and sincere in his love for his family and the Lord.
In his memoirs, he wrote about his faith. “An eternal life on a new heaven and earth awaits where there will be no more pain, no more tears, no more fears, no more illness, no more death – only life in the face to face presence of Jesus, my Savior,” he wrote. “I look forward to seeing again my parents, grandparents and friends who have gone before, trusting in Christ.”
In addition to his parents, Bill was reunited in heaven with his sisters, Lois and Jeanne. Along with his beloved wife, Patricia, Bill is survived by his brother, Larry (Barb), his sister-in-law Ann Adams, his stepchildren David Skola (Lori Napstad), Wendy Skola (David Ermeling), Krista (John) Salas and Shereen (Darren) Siewert. He is further survived by his grandchildren: Aidyn Dorzok, Devon Flynn (Lynda Nguyen), Rowan Flynn and Megan Hibbard, who were all close to his heart.
There will be a service for those who would like to say their last goodbye to Bill on Thursday, February 17 at Zion Lutheran Church, 709 Sixth St. in Wausau. Visitation will be held at 2 p.m. with a service at 3 p.m.
Should you go first and I remain
to walk the road alone,
I’ll live in memories garden dear,
with happy days we’ve known.
In spring I’ll wait for roses red,
when faded, the lilacs blue.
In early fall when brown leaves fall,
I’ll catch a glimpse of you.
Should you go first and I remain,
for battle to be fought.
Each thing you’ve touched along the way
will be a hallowed spot.
I’ll hear your voice, I’ll see your smile,
though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
will buoy me on with hope.
Should you go first and I remain,
one thing I’ll have you do:
Walk slowly down that long long path,
for soon I’ll follow you.
I want to know each step you take,
so I may take the same.
For someday down that lonely road
you’ll hear me call your name.
~by Albert Kennedy “Rosey” Rowsell~.
Dorothy A. Paulsen
Dorothy A. Paulsen, 87, of Wausau, WI, lived a rich and full life filled with family, friends, a great sense of humor, and lived each day as a journey of faith, knowing and seeing God’s love through her family and friends. Dorothy went home to be with her Lord at 1:22 pm on February 11, 2022.
Dorothy was born in Grand Forks, ND on June 16, 1934, the oldest child of Vera (Morlan) and Gordon Preston. She graduated from Central High School in Grand Forks before attending college at Westmar College in LeMars, IA. Dorothy met Russell Paulsen at Westmar and they were married in LeMars on May 30, 1955. They lived in Sheldon, IA, Comfrey and Hibbing, MN, and Eau Claire, WI before moving to Wausau in 1964. Dorothy taught first and second grades in Sheldon and Comfrey before Laurie was born. Dorothy was blessed to be a stay-at-home Mom with her six children from 1957 through 1978, when she began teaching reading in the Wausau School District until she retired in 2000. Dorothy earned her B.S. in elementary education from UW-Eau Claire and her reading specialist M.A. from UW- Stevens Point.
Places and dates are only background information into the person Dorothy was and the fulfillment she knew in life! Her family was her chosen life focus, and Russ and their children and grandchildren were the greatest joy in Dorothy’s life. She expressed thanksgiving for those relationships each day of her life. Stories about the things her children or grandchildren said and did always seemed to find a way into her conversations! Laurie, Michael, Pamela, David, Kent, and Kurt were each remarkable special individual blessings to Dorothy and she cherished each memory of her children. Grandchildren Luke, Tara, Claire, Tyler, Caroline, Elli, Sara, Anna, Molly, Gretchen, Stephen, Lydia, and Miles blessed her life in their unique and individual ways.
Dorothy’s friendships were each a special blessing in her life. Communicating with friends was fun for Dorothy and she loved each one of you. Wherever she was, the most important thing for Dorothy was the people around her. Her children joked about their mom making new friends wherever she went!
Each student Dorothy taught was always a special person in her life, and teaching was a fun and rewarding career for Dorothy.
Dorothy and Russ enjoyed cross-country trips with their children as the family traveled from coast to coast. They enjoyed numerous tours and cruises in Europe and they wintered in Arizona after retirement.
Dorothy had a strong and abiding faith in God and shared that God was her daily “assurance” policy. She was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church, where she organized and coordinated the church’s telephone prayer chain for more than 50 years, sang in the choir, directed the Children’s Choir, Christmas programs, Bible School, taught Sunday School, and served on the board and numerous committees. She volunteered in her children’s classrooms and led Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops. She acted and sang in numerous Wausau Community Theatre musicals.
Dorothy is survived by: daughter Laurie (Gary) Huusko and their children Tara and Tyler (Abby); son Michael (Kristen) and their children Luke and Caroline; daughter Pam (Lynn); son David (Kathy) and their children Claire, Sara, and Molly; son Kent (Emily) and their children Elli, Gretchen and Miles; and son Kurt (Evelyn) and their children Anna, Stephen and Lydia. She is further survived by her brothers Michael (Ingrid) Preston and Patrick (Patricia) McMahan, by sisters-in-law Jean Stradinger, Marlys (Dick) Tesch, and Delores Paulsen, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Russell, her husband of over 60 years, and by her mother Vera McMahan, her father Gordon Preston, her sister Rose Anne Johnson and her brother Dennis Preston and their spouses.
Dorothy’s family would like to thank all of her friends and her Wausau family who brought such wonderful joy and love to her, along with our special thanks for her dear friends and neighbors who provided such great care and companionship these last few years: Jane, Mimi and Sarah, Joe and Jean, Dave and Mary, and so many others. The family also thanks all who provided her great care, with special thanks to Dr. Schaller, the Eye Clinic, and the Aspirus Hospice House nurses and staff. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts in her memory be directed to the Dorothy and Russell Paulsen Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, the Aspirus Hospice House, or a charity of your choice.
A funeral service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1101 Elm Street, Wausau on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 3:00 pm with visitation the same day at the church from 1:00 pm until the time of the service. Arrangements are being handled by Brainard Funeral Home, and a live-stream option for the funeral service can be viewed at Brainard’s website (brainardfuneral.com). Out of respect for the family during COVID, masks will be required at the visitation and funeral service. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery at a later date.
Scott A. Berna
Scott A. Berna, age 52, of Wausau died on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a courageous brief battle with illness.
Scott was born on March 17, 1969, in Wausau to the late Ronald and Mary (Goyette) Berna. He graduated from Wausau High School and went on to work as a machine operator at Kolbe and Kolbe Millwork for 33 years. He met many lifelong friends that became family while working there. Scott loved spending time at his property up north at “Berna’s Resort” with friends and family. Fun was Scott’s way of living having camp fire’s, fishing on his dad’s pontoon, Packer Sundays, and four wheeling the trails. He was a jack of all trades and enjoyed helping people. Neither snow nor rain or dark of night Scott was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed. He had a particular knack and love for cars. No engine to big or lug nut to small Scott was a master. He loved to share his knowledge of wrenching especially with his son Anthony and making the traditional trip to the Iola car show with family and close friends. He especially loved restoring his Plymouth Satellite and the “occasional” burn out. He will be deeply missed by all.
Scott is survived by his son Anthony Berna, significant other Karen Prelipp, Godparents, and special “Up North” friends and family.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 18, 2022, at Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams St., Wausau. Visitation will take place from 9:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home on Friday. Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank the staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital ICU for their compassion and care.
Dennis S. Reif
Dennis Sylvester Reif, 71, of Wausau, passed away on February 10, 2022 – his birthday. He was born in Marshfield, WI, son of the late Joseph and Arlene (Gebelein) Reif. On October 1, 1971 he married the love of his live, Donna (Stueber) Reif. She survives.
He was the proud father of both his children, Amanda Peltier and Jeremy (Jessa) Reif. Dennis always held a special place in his heart for all of his grandbabies, Hailey Peltier, Annabelle Peltier, Carson Reif, Easton Reif and Alder Reif.
Dennis is also survived by his brother, Joe (India) Reif and his nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his brother, Charles Reif.
Dennis was a proud Marine and served in Viet Nam. He also enjoyed his 35 years where he worked at the Wausau Post Office. Dennis had such passion for the outdoors, hunting and fishing and was so proud of his land. He also enjoyed coaching his children in their sports. Dennis was a caring, kind man who always put his family first. We will miss his smiling face and his “one-liners” which brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
A heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Homme Home who lifted his spirits.
No services will be held at this time. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Terry G. Prentice
Terry Gene Prentice, age 67 of Merrill, Wisconsin passed away on Saturday February 5th at Aspirus Merrill Hospital.
Terry loved spending time with Debbie, his children and his grandchildren. He also loved working on his old cars. As the grandchildren would say “If grandpa can’t fix it no one can”
Terry will be greatly missed by many family members and friends
Terry is survived by the love of his life Debra Krahn of Merrill, his children Timothy (Khloe) Prentice of Merrill and Travis (Amanda) Prentice of Merrill. Grandchildren Skyler of Green Bay, Tapanga, Madison, Jordan, Jayden and Aubrey all of Merrill, Brothers John Prentice Jr (Bev) of Merrill, Richard (Sharon) Prentice of Merrill and David (Tyler) Prentice of Merrill, Sisters Judy Paszek of Florida and Linda Annis of Merrill.
Terry was proceeded in death by his parents, John Prentice, Sr and Myrtle (Irmischer) Prentice and brother Jerry Prentice
There will be a Celebration of Life for Terry at the Merrill Town Hall, W4594 Progress Ave, on Saturday February 19th, from 11:00am-3:00pm
Memorials can be sent to 820 N Prospect Street, Merrill WI 54452.
Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MidWisconsinCremationSociety.com
