helke/brainard

Kim P. Nelson

Kim Patricia Nelson, 62, of Rib Mountain, passed away on February 18, 2022, with her husband and daughter by her side. Kim was born May 22, 1959, in Wausau to Jeanette Rohloff and Pat Bresnahan.    

Following her high school graduation, Kim began working at Wausau Insurance Companies.   She took a brief break from the insurance business to pursue her dream of being in the service industry, working at Tavern on the Square.   Kim ultimately returned to Wausau Insurance Companies/Liberty Mutual, continuing her insurance education and holding various positions of increasing responsibility until her retirement in 2018 after 35 years of service.

Kim met Patrick Nelson in February 2000.    They were married on March 6, 2003.

Kim loved being a mother and a grandmother, spending treasured time with her daughter Jenny, and her grandchildren, Reese and Grey.  

Kim was adventurous and was not content unless she had a vacation planned.   She and her husband loved taking their annual trips to Jamaica and visiting historical sites throughout the United States.

When Kim wasn’t traveling with her husband, she enjoyed having lunch with her mother and taking casino trips with her girlfriends.    Her girlfriends converted her to a county music fan and she enjoyed several trips with them to Nashville for the country music festival. 

Kim loved watching the Green Bay Packers and entertaining with family and friends.   She enjoyed cooking, baking, doing diamond paintings and puzzles.  

Kim was a great friend to many and a best friend to her husband Patrick.   She was fun loving, enjoyed life, and will be sadly missed by everyone who had the privilege of having her in theirs.  

Kim is survived by her mother Jeanette Bresnahan, her loving husband Patrick, daughter Jenny (Mike) Trzebiatowski, two precious grandchildren, Reese Harper and Grey Michael, siblings Pat (Terri) Bresnahan, Jill (Roger) Reisner, John Bresnahan, brother and sister in laws, Steve (Julie) Nelson, Steph (Dan) Wage, Paul (Amy) Nelson, Jay (Mindy) Nelson, her mother-in-law, Jeanette (Cleo) Woodward, and all of her loving nieces and nephews

Kim was preceded in death by her father, Pat Bresnahan, her father-in-law, Gordon (Putt) Nelson, and her stepson, Tyler Nelson.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 beginning at noon, followed by a service at 1:00 at Brainard Funeral Home in Wausau Wisconsin. To share condolences and memories of Kim to the family, please visit www.braindardfuneral.com.


JoAnn Kosky

JoAnn Kosky, 75, of Wausau, passed away February 20, 2022, at Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield.

JoAnn was born September 28, 1946, in Stambaugh, Michigan to the late Earl and Shirley (Abrams) Maki. Prior to retirement, JoAnn was owner and bookkeeper of K&S Fuel Injection, Inc. She enjoyed many things, but especially loved a good game of cribbage and putting together jigsaw puzzles. She especially liked the word jumble in the newspaper and commented often how much she missed doing the jumble and reading books to her friend Jayne over the phone prior to Jayne’s passing. In her younger years, she could be found riding and caring for her horses, playing volleyball, and attending the Hodag with the crew from Antigo. In her later years, she could be found in her yard mowing the lawn, tending to her plants and flowers, piling wood, or working on the family trees. Her love of knitting and crocheting allowed her to make mittens, hats, scarfs, socks, afghans, and washcloths for anyone who needed them.

JoAnn is survived by her significant other Eric Arndt; children Terri (fiancé Tom Brandt) Kosky, Michael Kosky, and Jason Maki; grandchildren Matthew Zoromski, Shawn (Jerica) Kosky, Taylor Kosky (girlfriend Mandy Buehler), and Carter Maki; great-grandchildren Emmalyn Kosky and Raelyne Kosky; siblings G. Maki, Sharon (Doug) Brown, and James Maki; special friend Lorri Zoromski; many nieces and nephews, with special mention of Cara Zoromski and Christy Gant; nephews Brian Kovacik and Scott Kovacik. Also survived by sisters-in-law Lynette Kosky, Diane Kosky, Cindy Kosky, and their children and grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother Earl Maki, Jr.; niece Joette Kovacik; and nephew Bruce Kovacik.

A celebration of JoAnn’s life will be held at Brainard Funeral Home, Everest Chapel in Weston on Thursday, March 3, 2022, from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Sympathies and condolences can be sent to JoAnn Kosky c/o Terri Kosky, W8912 County Road A, Shawano, WI 54166 or shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.

Interment will be in Iron River Township, Iron River, Michigan at a later date.


Elizabeth A. Notz

Elizabeth Ann Notz, of Schofield, WI passed away on February 14, 2022, at home at the age of 80.

She was born in Wausau, WI to the late Sigmund and Rose Chack on April 4, 1941.

Elizabeth enjoyed many things in life including reading, cooking, baking, sewing, quilting, and crochet. She loved her family dearly, and cherished time with her grandchildren. She especially loved family vacations on Lake Alva with multiple generations.

She graduated from DC Everest High School in 1959. Married William Notz on February 23, 1963. They moved to Milwaukee and started their family. Eventually moving the family back to Schofield in 1978. She continued to be a stay-at-home Mom, until her youngest started Junior High. She then worked part time at Tupperware Warehouse, and then at Marathon Rothschild Library. She truly enjoyed it there and continued there until her retirement.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband William Notz of 58 years, (missing 59 by only 9 days); 3 children, Lisa (Brian) Heier, Jill (Conrad) Harris, and Steven Notz; grandchildren Justin Heier, Derek (Phyllis) Heier, Kendra (Trent) Heier, Taylor Harris, Brandon (Rose) Notz. One step-granddaughter, Maisi (Jamie) Schrauth, five great grandchildren with one on the way (which was born Saturday, Feb 19); and four step-great grandchildren. One brother Norman Chack; brother in laws Roger Notz and Roy (Ann) Notz, and many extended family.

She is preceded in death by her Parents Zig and Rose Chack, in laws William and Adeline Notz, sisters Violet Raymond and Alice Augustine. Sister in laws Germaine Murack, Patricia Notz, Nancy Notz. Brother-in-law laws, Vince Augustine, Russel Raymond, Raymond Murack, Jerome Notz.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.


Margaret E. Schlais

Margaret E. Schlais, 89, Wausau passed away peacefully on Monday, February 21, 2022, while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at the Hospice House, Wausau.

She was born June 16, 1932, in Medford, daughter of the late Henry and Bertha (Suter) Holtz.  On June 27, 1953, she married Glendon D. Schlais at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Medford.  He preceded her in death on July 7, 2001.

Margaret was a homemaker and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially at the cottage up north.  Some of her favorite pastimes included baking, working in the ginseng gardens, knitting and sewing.  Margaret devoted time at Trinity Lutheran Church where she organized and prepared funeral reception meals for 20 years.  She also enjoyed weekly Bible Studies 

Survivors include her children, Dr. Dale (Ginny) Schlais, New London, Dr. James (Lori) Schlais, Wausau, John (Susan) Schlais, Gurnee, IL and Debra (Mark) Wilkinson, Peoria, IL, 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Kaitlin Rose Schlais and her siblings, Werner, Robert, Norman and Harlan.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 25, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau.  The Rev. Timothy Smith will officiate.  Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. 

Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.

Margaret’s family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care she received at Applegate Reflections for the last 6 months. 

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Margaret’s name.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com


Jack C. Heilmeier

Jack Heilmeier, born November 8, 1932, age 89, of Weston, WI, was welcomed into heaven on Monday, January 31, 2022 with his loving wife by his side.

Jack was a proud employee of 37 years for Wisconsin Public Service, and a proud veteran of the U.S. Military, serving during the Korean War. Jack’s diligent work ethic strengthened the character of all those who crossed his path. Residing in a cozy home with his wife in Weston’s beautiful woodlands, Jack tended to his homestead and could often be found on his Kubota tractor with one of his beloved German Shepherds running ahead.

Jack’s love for his wife, Delores (“Dee”) was limitless. With a big smile on his face, he would often reflect on what it was like to be a young man of Milwaukee, WI who met the love of his life 200 miles away in Wausau, WI. He spent many days defying speed limits to ensure it was his arm escorting her to Saturday night dances at Wausau’s Colonial Ballroom.

Upon their marital union on May 5, 1956, Jack and Dee became avid nature-seekers, taking many cross-country road trips to discover the beauty in God’s creation. With their camper in tow and polkas playing on the radio, Jack and Dee sought out many national parks and landmarks, as well as camping trips with their children, grandchildren, and dogs.

A true handyman, there was nothing Jack couldn’t fix. Between his ‘55 Ford Imperial, ’57 Chevy and ’63 ½ Ford Galaxie 500, his enthusiasm for cars showcased his innate gift for fixing and restoring. He eagerly volunteered his talents to help his children build their own homes. Jack also purchased a “fixer-upper” cottage on a quiet lake in northern Wisconsin with a strong vision to turn it into a place of peace for his family to enjoy. He exceeded expectations and he and his family were able to enjoy many summer days on the pontoon and “talking smart” around one of his many epic bonfires.

As he grew older, Jack grew more steadfast in his faith and never took a day for granted. His gratitude brought him great joy and he will be remembered for encouraging those around him to reflect on their blessings. Afterall, Jack’s optimism beckoned no challenge too big to fix.

Jack enters his eternal home preceded by his mother Emily Heilmeier and sister Marion Chucka of Milwaukee, WI.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Delores Heilmeier; three children, daughter Mary Kujawa and husband Tom of Weston, WI, son Roy Heilmeier and daughter-in-law Laurie of Weston, WI, daughter Laura Hoppe and husband Gregg of Marathon, WI; four grandchildren, Lindsay Barr and husband Nate of Seattle, WA, Samuel Heilmeier and wife Julie of Weston, WI, Hannah Heilmeier of Chicago, IL, and Amanda Kujawa of Denver, CO; niece Patti Karrasch and husband Steve of Milwaukee, WI, and nephew Michael Chucka of Milwaukee, WI.

Following cremation, a visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM, March 8, 2022 at Saint Therese Parish, 113 W Kort St, Rothschild, WI 54474.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made for the care and health of Jack’s beloved wife, Delores, to Delores Heilmeier, 2510 Stewart Ave., Wausau, WI 54401.

John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com  


Linda L. Wolf

Linda L. Wolf, 72 of the town of Hutchins, died on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at Theda Clark Medical Center, Neenah.

Linda was born on June 27, 1949 in Shawano, the daughter of Paul and Lillian (Baker) Bierman. On February 1, 1969, Linda was united in marriage to Kenneth Wolf in Mattoon.

Linda was employed at Mepps, was an Avon Sales Representative and worked at Wisconsin Veneer and Plywood. She was currently employed by North Star Casino.

Linda loved to be in the outdoors, especially tending to her flowers. Family was most important to Linda and she cherished the time spent with her grandchildren.

Linda is survived by her husband, Kenneth; two sons, Dan Wolf of Birnamwood and Nate (Stephanie) Wolf of Birnamwood; five grandchildren, Kyle (Makrae Kelly) Wolf, Olivia (Tyler Summ) Wolf, Julia (Jaden Schoeneck) Wolf, Erica (Keegan Schroeder) Wolf and Jodi Wolf; two great-grandchildren, Stetson and Adeline; siblings, Howard (Audrey) Bierman and Ethel ‘Cookie’ Matz and many other relatives and friends.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Paul Jr., Arthur, Leroy and Lorenz Bierman and Norma Hanke.

A funeral service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Rev. John Blodgett will preside. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, town of Hutchins.

Visitation will be on Friday from 4PM to 8PM and again on Saturday from 9AM until the time of service all at the Wittenberg funeral home.

There will be a luncheon served at the Hutchins Town Hall following the burial on Saturday.

Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com