Eugene R. Laffin
Eugene Laffin, 90, entered into rest on February 23, 2022, with his wife by his side.
Eugene was born, along with his twin sister Gloria, on March 30, 1931, to Henry and Corinne (Smith) Laffin in the town of Hewitt. He married the love of his life, Edna Kroening on October 6, 1951. They just celebrated 70 wonderful years together.
Eugene spent many years working for the City of Wausau until his retirement. He loved to spend his time fishing and hunting, golfing, watching the Packers and the Brewers, snowmobiling, and enjoyed traveling to Hawaii. His favorite pastime was participating in football pools, which he often won.
Eugene was drafted in the Marine Corps from 1952-1954. He was a member of the American Legion Post 10 and participated in an Honor Flight on May 20, 2015.
Eugene is survived by his wife Edna; sons Wallace (Connie) Laffin, Rodney Laffin, Randy (Sue) Laffin; grandchildren Aaron (Keyle Glinsey) Laffin, Haeley (Jon) Gnatz, Hillary Laffin, Nicholas Laffin, Kristoffer Laffin, and Jeremy (Cherie) Laffin; great-grandchildren Riley and Caitlyn Laffin, and Eleanor and Evelyn Gnatz; and sister-in-law Margie Laffin.
Eugene was preceded in death by brothers Floyd, Melvin (Fawn), Wallace, who was killed in World War II, James, and Vernon (Judith); sisters Arlene (Gene) Krubsack, Lois (Arnie) Barttelt, Gloria (John) Ahrens, and infant sister June.
A funeral service will be held Monday, March 7, 2022, at 11:00 AM at St. Peter’s Evangelical Church, 238537 Del Rio Road, Wausau with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM. Rev. Russell Kampfer will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park. A celebration of life at St. Peter’s Evangelical Church will follow the burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made out to St. Peter’s Evangelical Church.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rev. Russell Kampfer and the staff at Rennes.
Norma Schulz
Norma Paul was born to Alice (Ringle) and Walter Paul of the Town of Rib Falls on October 16, 1920. She was very ill as an infant and many worried she would not survive. But, her dad nicknamed her Tuffy because he believed she would live and she was strong right until she passed at the age of 101 on February 22, 2022.
She graduated from Edgar High school at age 16 and from Marathon County Normal School at 18. She then taught in one-room schools until her marriage to Alfred Schulz, Sr. on September 2, 1944. Thereafter, she worked on their farm in Rib Falls and raised her family. Alfred preceded her in death on October 12, 1980.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers and sisters-in-law, Harold and Hilda Paul and Oscar and Rita Paul, and her brother Merlin Paul. She was also preceded in death by all of Alfred’s family; his parents William and Johanna, and all of his siblings and spouses, William and Anna, Rev. Herold and Mildred, Julian and Ruth, Edwin and Leona, Lester and Mary, Isidor and Margaret, Johanna and Frasier, and Ruth and Robert. She was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Michelle Hanlon and her sons-in-law, Larry Newby and David Aiken.
She is survived by her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Carolla “Pat” and Walter Gust and her sister-in-law, Ruth Paul. She is also survived by her children, Alfred Jr. and Lauren, Paulette and Paul Csencsics, Pamela and Daniel Jackovich, Jonathan and Kay, Eileen Newby, Joel and Vicki, and Timothy. She is further survived by 15 grandchildren; Marlo Schulz, Becky Blough, Vanessa Sieg, Ryan Csencsics, Rob Csencsics, Roger Carrier, Greg Carrier, Emily Schulz, Kaleb Schulz, Micah Schulz, Amanda Faessler, Johanna Nielsen, Nathaniel Newby, Jeremy Schulz and Nicole Schulz, and their spouses; 2 step grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 6 step great-grandchildren, cousins Roy Schulz, Marvel Artus, Eunice Baumann and Gerhardt Paul, and many nieces and nephews.
According to her wishes, a private graveside service will be held.
Norma’s family is profoundly grateful for the compassionate and excellent care she received from the staff in the Gardenside Crossing Unit of Mount View Care Center.
Memorials may be directed to the Life Enrichment Program, Gardenside Crossing, Mount View Care Center, 2400 Marshall Street, Wausau, WI 54403 or St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 424 N 3rd Avenue, Edgar, WI 54426.
It was her fondest wish to go home. By faith, we believe that she is home in Heaven. We will dearly miss this amazing woman.
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Richard K. Pergolski
Richard K. “Dick” Pergolski, 80, Rib Mountain passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care.
Dick was born in Wausau on November 12, 1941, son of the late Edwin and Lucille (Barden) Pergolski. On November 7, 1964, he married Darlene Guenthner at United Church of Christ, Antigo. She survives.
Dick was a dedicated husband to Darlene and they shared a life-long bond as both husband and wife and true best friends. He was known to his family as Grandpa, Gramps, Pops or Papa and was happiest when he was around his children and grandchildren. Dick was always there for his family and friends; whether it was fixing something that needed repair, lighting up the room as a casual jokester, or being the best Santa Claus in the business for all his relatives at Christmas.
Dick enjoyed many things, but he loved tinkering around the house, working in the garage on his dune buggy, or spending time with family. He was passionate about watching local hockey and enjoyed going to car shows, but what he loved the most was being a husband, father and grandfather.
In his earlier years Dick worked at Weston Homes and later went on to retire at age 62 from Wausau Steel after 25 years of service in the maintenance department.
Dick proudly served his country in the United States Army in Korea from 1961 until 1963.
Survivors include his wife, Darlene, his children Tami (Rick) Mueller, Wausau, Tina (Steven) Laurent, New Berlin and Rick (Catherine) Pergolski, Wausau, his grandchildren, Aaron Mueller, Alex (Sarah) Laurent, Zach, Ben and Megan Laurent, Brianna, JayR, and Olivia Pergolski and one great granddaughter Emma Laurent, his siblings, Donnie Pergolski, Nevada, Mary (Ralph) Henry, Michigan, James (Katie) Pergolski, Neenah, Kathleen “Tina” Walters, Michigan, JoAnne (Jerry) Lang, Wausau, Robert (Bonnie) Pergolski, Wausau, Sandy Daroci, Michigan, George (Liz) Pergolski, Weston and Colleen (John) Stillwell, Wausau and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings, infant sister, Louise, Lois Luedtke, Patricia Pergolski, Margaret “Peggie” Bartz and Edwin “Buddy” and John Pergolski.
At this time no formal services are scheduled. A Celebration of Life will take place in May. Dates, times and a location will be announced in the future. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Clarke J. Wilcott
Clarke Joseph Wilcott, 92, of Wausau passed away on February 22, 2022. He was born to the late Martin and Anne (Parsch) Wilcott on January 22, 1930. He met and married the love of his life Irene (Heath) Wilcott in Paris, France during the war. She passed away February 21, 2009.
Clarke proudly served his county first in the United States Army during the Korean War and then in the Navy aboard the USS Badoeng Strait during the Vietnam war. He also received the National Defense Service Medal as a naval man.
He had a passion for cooking from his military days through his civilian life. For 34 years he cooked at the ski hill and catering events.
Clarke is survived by his son Joseph (Stacy) Wilcott, Marathon, daughter Susan Wilcott, Sue Falls, SD, one brother Wesley(June) Wilcott, Wausau, two sisters Karen Wilcott-Smith, Wausau, Beverly (Kenny) Ziegel, Wausau.
He was preceded in death by his wife Irene Wilcott and sister Nyla Budahl, Faribault, MN.
Services will be held at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Ave., Schofield, on Saturday, February 26, 2022. A gathering of family and friends from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 officiated by Pastor Smith. Military Honors will be performed. Private entombment will be held at Restlawn Memorial Park at a later date.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com
Kenneth D. Dvorak
Kenneth “Ken” Dean Dvorak passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at Copperleaf Memory Care, Schofield, WI.
Ken was born May 21, 1943, in Wausau to the late Rudy and Lillian (Kocian) Dvorak. He married his next-door neighbor and childhood sweetheart, the late Margaret “Peggy” (Riste) Dvorak on October 12, 1963, at St. Anne Catholic Church in Wausau. They cherished nearly 47 years of marriage until Peggy’s passing in 2010.
Ken worked his entire 45+ year career at “the gas company” (WPS, formerly Wisconsin Fuel & Light), but devoted much of his life to his wife, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchild, family, neighbors and friends. His other greatest joy was “lake-life” at his home of over 50 years on Lake Wausau, where he always shared a warm greeting (and a good joke!) and where an ice-cold beer/beverage was quickly placed in your hand. Whether it was swimming, boating, golf ball hunting, bobber hunting, telescoping (he has seen it all!), manicuring his yard/house or simply sitting on his deck and waving at the boats going-by – THIS was Ken’s Happy Place.
And when he wasn’t at the lake, Ken was usually (1) at a grandkid’s sporting event, (2) in the woods hunting or cutting firewood, (3) at a good Friday fish fry, (4) on an open road with his Harley and friends or (5) browsing a garage sale in his prized red truck. He always loved a “good deal” –whether he needed the item or not! Ken also enjoyed a good “road trip” to catch that extra-special deal –logging many miles and riding shotgun with son-in-law, Bruce. And when the weather turned cold, Ken and Peggy migrated to warmer Florida with Cork and Jerry during many winter months.
Ken volunteered through Big Brothers/Big Sisters and enjoyed mentoring youth, friends and family throughout the years on how to hunt, respect others, yet stand-up for yourself, negotiate a deal, laugh … and simply enjoy life! After retirement, Ken also volunteered many hours at the Wausau Eagles Club, including leading the pancake breakfasts and keeping the place bright and clean.
We are incredibly saddened by this loss, but we know Ken truly lived a great life and his renewed faith has placed him in the arms of Jesus and his loved ones in heaven.
Survivors include his daughters Wendy (Bruce) Czech, Wausau, and Tracy Nelson, Weston; his grandchildren, Kyle (Mona) Czech, Katie (Kyle) Platteter, Calli (Anthony) Catanese, Taylor Nelson and Morgan Milanowski; a great-grandchild, Luka Dean Platteter; a brother, Jim (Maggie) Dvorak and sisters-in-law, Corky Dvorak and Marie (Jim) Humes. Ken was also very fortunate to find love and share the past 11 years with his dear companion, Fran Landrath.
Besides his wife, Peggy, and his parents, Ken was preceded in death by brothers Jerry Dvorak and Ronnie Dvorak, parents-in-law, Sid and Rose Riste, brother and sisters-in-law, Stan and Lorraine Riste, Dick and Tuttie Riste and Joyce and Duane Schmieden.
Funeral service will be celebrated Monday, February 28, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Weston. Visitation will start at 9:00 AM until the time of service in the Worship Center at the church. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park. A celebration lunch will be served at Trails End Lodge, Wausau, following the services. Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family. To share condolences and memories of Ken to the family, please visit www.braindardfuneral.com.
A special thank you to Pastor Lance for being “the blessed rock” for Ken and his family; to Fran Landrath for filling his later years with love, companionship and ongoing independence; and to the staff at Copperleaf Memory Care, Aspirus Palliative Care and Hospice Care for providing Ken with such great care.
Debra Krahn
Debra Krahn, age 64, of Merrill WI passed away on Wednesday February 16th at Aspirus Rhinelander hospital.
Debbie loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time in the summer at parks with her family as well as having campfires with Terry. She loved her cat Dora.
Debra is survived by her children Timothy (Khloe) Prentice and Travis (Amanda) Prentice. Grandchildren Skyler of Green Bay, Tapanga, Madison, Jordan, Jayden and Aubrey all of Merrill, Sisters Kathy Hanrahan of Merrill, Sharon (Jerry) Degner of Merrill, Joann (Larry) Benzinger of Rothschild, Detta (Gene) Kleinschmidt of Merrill, Brother Gary (Laurie) Krahn of Merrill
Debra was proceeded in death by the love of her life, Terry Prentice, Parents Leslie and Loretta Krahn, Brothers Larry Krahn and Terry Krahn, Niece Tara Hanrahan.
Celebration of Life was held February 19, 2022
Memorials can be sent to 820 N Prospect Street Merrill, WI 54452
Oscar J. Mederas
Oscar Jorge Mederas passed away from a heart attack on Monday, February 7, 2022, two months shy of his 60th birthday.
Oscar was born on April 7, 1962 in San Jose, Costa Rica to Grace Castro Kwong and Oscar Mederas. He learned the art of clock and watch repair from his father and worked alongside him throughout his youth. Oscar studied psychology at the Universidad de Costa Rica, which fueled a lifelong passion for reading and discussing his favorite topics: psychoanalysis, religious history, social theory, and politics.
In 1987, he met Kay Brockman of Vesper, WI while she served in the U.S. Peace Corps. They were married in 1990, lived in the Oshkosh area, and later moved to Clintonville, WI where they raised two children and adopted his much loved canine companion, Poochie (“Gongo”). Oscar applied his skills and knowledge in clock repair during a 25+ year career at Miller Clock Service in Oshkosh, WI. He was proud of both his Costa Rican heritage and his U.S. Citizenship, which he received in July 2006. Most recently he found joy in attending Cotter Creek House Concerts and volunteering at the Shawano Folk Music Festival. Family and friends remember his outgoing personality and ability to bring laughter to those around him.
Oscar is survived by his wife, Kay Brockman-Mederas; their children, Lucas and Elena Mederas; brother, Carlos Mederas; nephew, Alejandro Mederas; cousins in Costa Rica; in-laws, Nathan and Betty Brockman, their children Kim Ceplina (Ron), Kam Simonis (Ron), Kari Reinke (John), Kory Brockman (Robin) and Kelli Brockman-Dempze (Scott), and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Oscar.
A private memorial service will be held in Spring at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Altdorf, WI and then in Costa Rica.
Cheryl M. Krueger
Cheryl M Krueger, 64, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 21, 2022, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born August 5, 1957, in Wausau, daughter of the late Louis and Naomi (Levendusky) Wolfe.
She graduated from Newman High School in 1975.
She was married to Gary Erickson who preceded her in death on June 30, 2001. She was united in marriage to Glenn Krueger on September 22, 2003. He survives.
Cheryl worked at Mountain Terrance Assisted Living for 15 years. She enjoyed her job and took great pride in the care of the residents. She received “The Heart of Harmony” reward for going above and beyond the expectations of her position to make a difference in the lives of the residents. She followed in her mother’s path who ran a boarding house for many years in the Wausau area.
Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed reading, going for a ride to play her favorite machines, watching old sitcoms and game shows. Glenn and she took several trips around the world.
Survivors include her husband Glenn, stepchildren, Nikki (Tor) Moua and Nathan Krueger, her step grandchildren, Elijha (Kelsi) Krueger, Kyana, Madden, and Taeden Moua, Wausau. Other survivors include her sisters, Mickey (Chuck) Plier, Karen (Dave) Gleason, Luann (John) Nowak, Wausau, and Kathy (Robin) Morris, Mosinee.
She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.
There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at the Rothschild City Hall Community Room, 211 Grand Avenue, Rothschild, WI from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.
Private family burial will be at Restlawn Cemetery, Wausau on a later date.
Cheryl will be remembered for her huge smile and kindness. Rest in peace. We will miss you, Cherri!
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com
Perry V. McGreck
July, 2, 1932 – February 24, 2022
Perry V. McGreck, 89, of Wausau, passed away at Mt Baker Care Center in Bellingham, Washington on February 24, 2022.
Perry was born July 2, 1932 in Wisconsin, to the late Louise Seehafer and Alexander Magrecke.
He is survived by his son’s Alex (Stephanie) McGreck Washington, Todd (Brenda) McGreck, Van (Wanda) McGreck Minnesota, and his daughter Sherry Fehlhaber Marshfield. He is further survived by many family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father Alexander Magrecke, his mother Louise Seehafer, his wife Elizabeth McGreck, his son’s Perry D. McGreck and Randolph McGreck, and his daughter Terry McGreck.
Perry wanted everyone to know that he cared for them all. He will be greatly missed by many.
