Lynn A. Ott
Lynn A. Ott, age 58 of Wausau, passed away on February 27, 2022.
Lynn was born on September 2, 1963. She is survived by her parents, William and Ruth Ann Ott, Wausau. Lynn had an expansive love for art and animals.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 3, 2022, at 4:00 PM at Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau Chapel, 522 Adams Street, Wausau. A visitation will take place from 3:00 PM until the time of services. Rev. Dr. Philip Schneider will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to your local Humane Society or the Raptor Education Group, Inc, PO Box 481, Antigo, WI 54409
Dorothy L. Werba
Dorothy Lavern Werba passed away peacefully Saturday, February 27, 2022, at Wellington Place of Wausau, WI.
Dorothy was born on December 17, 1922, in Portland, Oregon to the late Aca and Isabelle (Pierce) Moss. She married the love of her life, William Werba on February 6, 1946 and raised three children together.
Dorothy had worked for Kraft in Wausau where she worked in processing. To those that knew her, she was also considered a homemaker. She did enjoy knitting and volunteering at churches where she wanted to assist with services and events. Some of Dorothy’s favorite hobbies were golfing, fishing, gardening, collecting knick-knacks, and birdhouses. She was a caring mother, wife, and friend. She loved her family and they were her whole world. When Dorothy and William were not home, they would be traveling south in their RV or north to Alaska.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Bruce (Connie) Werba, Jim (Sara) Werba, and Nancy (John) Hrebik,; her grandchildren Denise (Mark), William (Alex), Bruce Jr., Jaron, Katie, Josh (Brittney), Travis, Tom (Angie), Jenny, John (Mari), and Joel (Dana); 21 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, her siblings, and her granddaughter Gwendolyn Flores Hoffman.
A celebration of life will take place on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 11:00 am at Restlawn Memorial Park – Chapel, 235962 N Troy Street, Wausau. A visitation will take place prior to service will be at 9:00 am.
Family would like to thank Wellington Place of Wausau for providing Dorothy such exceptional care and comfort to her the last few years. They would also like to acknowledge the amazing care from St. Croix Hospice to making sure she was comfortable, also to friends and family for their love and support.
Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family. To share condolences and memories of Dorothy to family, please visit www.brainardfuneral.com.
Sharon A. Koppa
Sharon A. Koppa (Dittenbrender) age 79, of Wausau died on Thursday, February 24, 2022, in the comfort of Aspirus Hospice House.
Sharon was born in Wausau on May 12, 1942, the only child to the late Edward and Eva (Borchardt) Dittenbrender. She married James Koppa on November 11, 1961, and together they had two beautiful daughters, Lori and Lisa. Sharon and James would later divorce. Sharon began her career at Kolbe and Kolbe in 1989 and continued until her retirement in 2011. She was a lifelong member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Wausau.
Sharon was a Packers and a Nascar fan. She was a member of WCAR, Bag ladies club and a local Nascar group. Sharon was an avid bird watcher. She especially loved to watch the cardinals and hummingbirds at her feeders. Sharon also enjoyed puzzles, books, knitting and the occasional trip to the casino with friends. Her Grandchildren and great granddaughters were the light of her life. Sharon especially enjoyed her extra special time with her great granddaughter Kinsley.
Sharon is survived by her daughters Lori (Thomas) Swenson of Shakopee, MN and Lisa Kluck of Wausau, WI; grandchildren Logan (Lindsey) Kluck Merrill, WI Tiffany Kostroski Coon Rapids,MN Samantha DeWitt Wausau, WI TJ (Fiancé Samantha) Swenson Shakopee, MN and Jessica (Fiance Trenton) Swenson Shakopee, MN and great granddaughters Kinsley DeWitt and Lexia Kluck.
Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 11, 2022, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1104 S. 9th Ave, Wausau. The Rev. Samuel Martin will officiate. The service will not be livestreamed, but a recording will be available after the service at www.helke.com. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church on Friday, a luncheon will be held in the church basement after the service.
John J. Viergutz
John J. Viergutz, 72, Wausau, died Friday, February 25, 2022 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born July 23, 1949 in Wausau, son of the late Marcus and Edna Viergutz. On March 25, 1972, he married Barbara Miller in Wausau. She preceded him in death on August 11, 2013.
John served his country as a veteran of the National Guard.
For many years, John was employed as a car detailer and shuttle bus driver for Kocourek in Wausau.
He was very proud that he quit smoking and drinking and was able to help others by being a sponsor for those in the Alcoholic Anonymous Program and the Smoking Cessation Group.
Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed painting ceramics and watching NASCAR, but most of all, loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.
Survivors include, three children, David Viergutz and Lee Viergutz, both of Mosinee and Brenda (Jeremy) Grubb, Merrill; two grandchildren, Elijah and Sawyer Grubb; three siblings, Beverly Jackson and Verna Peter, both of Rothschild and Wayne (Marge) Viergutz, Wausau; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents and wife, Barbara, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Cecilia Sue Grubb; his sister, Delores Prochnow; and his niece, Sharon Tesch.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 4, 2022 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Rev. Kemp Jones will officiate. Visitation will be on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. There will be full military honors conducted by the American Legion Post No. 10, Wausau.
Ronald Hanke
Ronald “Papa Hay” Hanke of Marathon passed away on March 1st, 2022. On January 28th, 1943, he was born to the late Walter and Alma (Zastrow) Hanke. He was baptized and confirmed by St. Matthews Church, Marathon, and attended Marathon High School. On November 1st, 1969, he married Judith (Zunker) Hanke, Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Stettin, where he remained a member. She preceded him in death on February 20th, 2014.
Ron was known as “Papa Hay” to his family and close friends. His most treasured joy was his four grandchildren. To honor his farming legacy, his grandsons gave him his nickname. Ronald spent many years on his farm, Hillside Ginseng Farm, in the Town of Stettin, where he tended ginseng, other crops, and cattle as well as planting flower gardens and vegetable gardens to gather ingredients for his Famous Canned Pickles. He plowed snow for the Town of Stettin for years.
He will most famously be known for his love of the “Polka”. There were few times you would be around him that he wouldn’t be listening to polka music or talking about the next polka dance he and Judy would be attending. He took pride in his son Randy, learning to play the concertina at a young age and continuing to play polka music today. He also loved hosting big and small parties, cooking and at any given time would be available for a game of sheepshead. When not farming, Ron and Judy enjoyed traveling to casinos in Las Vegas, Reno Nevada, and Atlantic City. His boisterous sense of humor was always present when entertaining others. Papa Hay found delight in sharing a joke to hear the laughter from those who had his attention. He loved attending local events, from the Marathon Fun Days to the Edgar Steam Engine Show. He was always quick to make new friends even throughout all the years of hospital, rehab, and nursing home stays and would entertain anyone even if he wasn’t feeling the best.
Besides his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his brother Marvin Hanke, sister-in-law Karmen Hanke, brother-in-law Wayne Lang, brother-in-law Earl Wondrash, brother-in-law Carlton Luedtke, and brother-in-law Lawrence Gerhart.
He is survived in death by his son Randy Hanke and his children, Jace and Trey Hanke (mother Chris Bletsoe Hanke), Marathon and daughter Renee (Daniel) Braun and their daughters Kennedy and Avery Braun Prescott WI; his siblings Verna Gerhart, Orville (Darlene) Hanke, Janice Lang, brother-In-law Russell (Donna) Zunker, sisters-in-law Carol Wondrash and Cheryl Zunker; as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Funeral services will be celebrated at 11:00 am Monday, March 8th, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Stettin. Pastor William Ostrem will preside. Visitation will be on Sunday, March 7th from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, and again on Monday from 9:00 am until the time of services at the church. Ron will be laid to rest at Restlawn Memorial Park on Tuesday, March 9th, 2022, at 10:00 am. Online condolences can be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. In lieu of flowers the family will be accepting memorials in his name.
The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to his grandson’s Jace and Trey Hanke, the staff at Mount View Care Center, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice and the many supportive and good friends that have helped and cared for him throughout the years. He will forever be loved.
Francis L. Raddatz
Bud passed peacefully with family at his side on February 28, 2022. He was born April 12, 1935, to Ervin and Loretta Cordy Raddatz on the family farm near Hilbert, town of Woodville, Calumet County. He picked up the nickname “Bud” early in life, and was known to all by Bud.
He attended Hilbert Public and St. Peter Lutheran Schools. In 1953 he graduated from Hilbert High; the same year he joined the WI National Guard. They were called to active duty in 1961. Bud received his discharge in 1962 with the rank of E5. He was a member of the American Legion Post 469.
After high school, Bud stayed home and helped on the family farm. After his father’s death in 1955, Bud ran the farm for his mother, later renting it, and then buying it. After an illness he sold the cows and went to work for Kasper Building Supply in Potter, working there for 10 years. He then bought a herd of cows and went back to farming; five years later sold the cows, rented out the farm, and went to work for Wickes Lumber in Forest Junction. When the yard closed there he transferred to the Sheboygan yard where he worked until his retirement for 22 years. He received a 100 year farm award in 1984.
In October 1957 Bud was united in marriage to Joan Brandt in Sheboygan. Along came six children; Karen, Ken, Francis Jr., Kevin, Kathy (who died at birth), and Kristine. Joan passed away in 1986. Later he met Dora Mae Schoessow of Marathon. They were married May 26, 2001, at St. Peter Lutheran Church of Marathon. Bud then sold the farm and moved to Marathon where he built a home.
Bud was an avid beer can collector, having many cans from around the World. He made many friends from the shows; one special friend Turkey from Reno, Nevada, really helped him with his collection.
During WWII Bud was fascinated by airplanes and the boys that jumped out of them, so one day he thought if they can jump out of the planes he would take an umbrella claw up to the top of the silo and jump. Somehow he changed his mind and thought he would try the chicken coop roof first which was a good thing. After that jump his parachute jumping days were over; the ground sure came up fast.
Bud dug graves for 20 years, received $8.00 for the first one and $60.00 for the last one. This was a lot of work using a pick and shovel; check the prices now. He could tell many stories about grave digging.
Bud was always ready to help his neighbors when needed. He had a good sense of humor so the B.S. flew quite often. He always kept his lawn looking nice.
Bud is survived by his wife Dora; children Karen (Don) Price, Ken (Mary) Raddatz, Francis Jr (Karen) Raddatz, Kevin Raddatz (fiancé Lori), and Kristine (Dennis) Frey; grandchildren Nicole, Brian (Jessica) and Brandon Price, Stacy and Andy Raddatz, Corey Sobiech, Kathy (Khris) Reese, Ellen, Elizabeth, Peyton and Dani Raddatz, Gabby, Izzy and Sophia Frey; great grandchildren Layla, McKenna, Cooper, Brynnlee, Alexis, Madison, Mason, Horatio, Rozalie, Josephine, Grace and Oliver. He is further survived by his sister Lois (Robert) Hinz, sister-in-law Terri Raddatz; as well as stepchildren Harold (Cheryl) Schoessow, Judy (Ed) Hall, RuthAnn (Romy) Klinger, Dawn Gauerke (friend Kenny), Donald (Debby) Schoessow, and families.
Bud was preceded in death by his first wife Joan, his parents Ervin and Loretta, daughter Kathy, granddaughter Cara, his brother Ron; as well as in-laws Lucy and Louis Brandt, Harold and Rosalie Brandt and William and Violet Smith, 2 nieces and a nephew.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, is assisting the family. A Memorial service and American Legion salute will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery, Hilbert, in the spring. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Dad’s name.
Gladys V. Zabawa
Gladys Veola Zabawa, 91 of Wisconsin Rapids, gently went off to heaven to her next adventure at her heavenly home on Tuesday, February 8, 2022.
She was born to the late Ida & David Anderson on March 6, 1930.
She is survived by her children Debra Zabawa, Wis. Rapids, John (Lynda) Zabawa, Colorado, Linda (Dave) Laffe, Humbird WI, Mike (Tammy) Zabawa, Plover, James Jr. (Patti Bartlett) Zabawa, Rome, Wi, Dennis (Kathy Jensen) Zabawa, Wis. Rapids, Roger (Dawn) Zabawa, Wis. Rapids, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchild and her furry babies Maggie her dog and four cats.
Additional survivors include her sisters and brothers, Hilda and Gerald Anderson, Wis. Rapids, Betty and Edward Wentworth, Wausau and Violet Schelvan, Port Edwards.
She is preceded in death by her parents Ida and David Anderson, Leonard Anderson, Ernie Anderson, Elizabeth Mask, Agustav Anderson.
Gladys enjoyed driving down the back country roads and taking in the scenery. Going to church and cooking for everyone. She loved games shows and her Minnesota Vikings.
I would like to thank her grandson Scott Erickson and Brenda Vours for all the loving help you gave mom. Also, a special thank you to Monica from Interim Hospice who took wonderful care of mom during her final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 19, 2022, at the Biron Village Hall, 451 Kahoun Road, Wis. Rapids, starting at 1:00p.m.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at www.MWCS.WS
David G. Martin
Age 67, of Arpin, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at his home.
He was born on November 10, 1954 in Bakerville, WI to Ambrose and Annie (Schuster) Martin. David was a Marshfield high-school graduate. On September 6, 1975 he married the love of his life Carol (Grancorvitz) at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Bakerville, WI Church.
Although David had several jobs in electrical and maintenance throughout the years, David’s passion was running his business, A-Z Sport Shop, which he owned for 20 years. He thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing and observing wildlife. Most of all being around his family was his favorite passtime. David was always willing to help anyone no matter how big or difficult the task was. His family and friends will always remember the stories that David loved to tell.
He is survived by his two children: Jeremy
(Crystal) Martin of Marshfield and Sara (Michael) Allen of Rice Lake; four grandchildren: Sawyer and Oliver Martin; Jordyn and Jayce Allen; his girlfriend, Elsie Punke of Arpin; his siblings: Ron (Marla) Martin of Pittsville, Dolores (Lee) Schmidt of Marshfield, Louise (Joe) Bores of Marshfield, Alice (Bob) Younger of Stratford, Jean Multerer of Chili, Rita (Don) Multerer of Marshfield and Bonnie (Guy) Carpenter of Marshfield along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol, parents Ambrose and Anna, in-laws George and Marcella (Sally) Grancorvitz, siblings Rose Taylor, Donald Martin, Thomas Martin, Virginia Taylor and Loretta Martin, brothers-in-law Chester Multerer, Ronnie Nikolai and Dave Taylor.
On Saturday, April 23, family and friends are invited to gather at Corpus Christi Church in Bakerville for visitation from 10 to 11, a brief prayer service will take place at 11, burial to follow. Celebration of life will immediately follow at Bakerville Sports Bar and Grill.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at www.MWCS.WS
Larry C. Drews
Larry C. Drews, 79 of Ringle, passed away on Friday, February 25, 2022. Larry was born on April 2, 1942 in Wittenberg, the son of Adolph and Hazel (Long) Drews.
On March 29, 1961, Larry married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Sandra Evans at the Wittenberg Methodist Church.
Larry loved Jesus his entire life, he was a very devoted Christian. Larry was very proud of his first job, setting pins at the Wittenberg Bowling Alley. He graduated from Wittenberg High School in 1960. Larry was a United States Army Veteran serving from 1961 to 1964.
Larry and Sandy farmed for nearly 20 years in the town of Harrison, Marathon County, where he also served on the Harrison Town Board. After farming, Larry was a carpenter for many years before retiring from Car Partz as a delivery driver.
Larry served as an Elder at Hogarty Community Church for 24 years. He served his church honorably in many roles throughout the years. Larry enjoyed working in his shop, he could fix anything. He loved woodworking, fixing anything with a motor, building furniture for his family and bird houses for his beloved birds. Larry loved polka music and was a fantastic dancer. He was the most wonderful Husband, the Greatest Dad and a loving PaPa-Grandpa to all his grandchildren.
Larry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sandra; His children, Lori Ann (Steve) Thompson of Aniwa, Catherine (Tom Hintz) Schroder of Aniwa, Michael Drews of Wausau and Thomas (Jodi) Drews of Wausau; his grandchildren, Sheila Thompson, Valerie (Jeffery) Jaeger, Sarah (Ronald Weller Jr.) Hearn, Wyatt (Megan) Thompson, Jeffrey (Elizabeth Walter) Sickinger, Trevor Schroder, Cody (Cassie) Schroder, and Jed Drews; 14 Great-grandchildren, Alexis (Jordan Meyer) Jaeger, Hunter and Harley Hearn, Caleb Jaeger, Braxton, Sawyer and Asher Thompson, Ellie, Bently and Silas Schroder, Charlee Sickinger, Zavier Steinhoff, Evan and Andrea Powell; one great-great grandson, Dominic Meyer; siblings, Ronald (Shirley) Drews, Janice (Pat) Pike, and Donna Hull; sisters and brothers-in-law, Betty Drews, Larry (Betty) Evans, Bette Evans, Mary Ploederl, Connie Riddle, Delores Evans, Bob Blalock and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, Ora and Evelyn Evans; siblings, Orville Drews, Dennis Drews, Alice Mae (Milan) Bernarde, Delores Drews and Florence Drews in infancy; Grandson, Jordy Drews; sisters and brothers-in-law, Delhart Evans, James Evans, Donald Hull, Tommy Todd, Robert Todd, Joyce (Elmer) Shufelt, Patricia Blalock, Gerald (Mary Ann) Todd, Everett (Shirley) Todd, Gary Evans, John Ploederl, Arlene Todd and Bob Harvey.
A funeral service will be held at 2PM, on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Hogarty Community Church. Pastor Dan MacDonald will officiate. Military rites will be conducted at the church by the Darling Gunderson American Legion Post. Burial will be in the Spring at Hogarty Riverside Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Saturday from 11AM until the time of service at the church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home Birnamwood is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidschulta.com.
