Kathleen Schultz
Kathleen “Kathy” Schultz, 72, of Wausau, met her husband Karl in Heaven on March 2, 2022.
Kathy was born December 29, 1949, in Wausau, Wisconsin to the late Leonard and Marjorie (Kazmier) Kramer. She double majored and graduated from UW LaCrosse with degrees in Biology and Physical Education. She was the first female heavy equipment operator at the City of Wausau. Later in life, Kathleen returned to school and received her nursing degree. She worked as a registered nurse in Palliative Care at Aspirus Wausau Hospital until she retired. She was also a member of the Mensa Society. Kathy loved doing anything outdoors- from fishing and hunting to just a nice stroll outside. She also loved riding her Harley with her husband, Karl. She had a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humor. How lucky we are to have had something that makes saying goodbye so hard. We love you.
Kathleen is survived by her brother Peter Kramer; nieces Anna Kramer and Cindy Kreger; nephew Christopher Klug; great-niece Haley Kreger (fiancé Eli Fenwick); and great-great-nephew Huxley Stichman. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Karl Schultz; and sister Karen Klug.
According to Kathy’s wishes, there will be a small catholic service at Restlawn Memorial Park on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at 10:30 am.
We wish to thank, with deep gratitude, Kathy’s friend, Kelly Chesmore Gajewski for her care, compassion, and friendship to Kathy during her final years.
Raymond J. Baumgartner Jr.
Raymond John Baumgartner Jr, 63, has completed his journey to his heavenly home on March 5, 2022, surrounded by his family’s love.
Ray was born to Raymond and Geraldine (Betty) Baumgartner Sr. on July 25, 1958, in Eagle, Wisconsin. Ray grew up dairy farming with his parents and graduated from Argyle High School in 1976. After high school he went on to complete the UW Madison Short Course. In 1978 he purchased a dairy farm in Athens, with his parents, forming RB Dairy Incorporated.
Shortly after moving, Ray met the love of his life Betty through mutual friends. The storybook romance started with a kiss in the rain at the Milan ball tournament. They married on November 14, 1981, at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford, WI. Ray and Betty operated RB Dairy Inc. up until 2009. After farming, Ray found a new career at Menards. He was a “personal shopper” to many and was often approached by family and strangers alike for Menards advice.
Ray was blessed with the gift of gab, prompting his family to often use the phrase “Everybody Loves Raymond”. No matter where he went, he found someone to talk to! Ray enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an avid Packer fan, had a passion for war history, and spent countless hours on the golf course. No matter what it was, Ray went all in, but it was especially obvious with his family. His family was his pride and joy. In his younger years, he would often joke that he was outnumbered by females since he had three daughters and a barn full of dairy cows. But later in life the tables turned when he gained 3 son-in-laws and he was blessed with five grandboys! Ray was often the instigator of chaos and just enjoyed being goofy with his family, making everyone laugh.
Ray is survived by his wife Betty, daughters, Ann (Andy) Thurs, Jessica (Nick) Kelley, Gena (Chad) Heeg, grandsons Trey and Levi Heeg, Evan Thurs, William and Callum Kelley, siblings Jerry (Julie) Baumgartner, David (Pat) Baumgartner, Robert Baumgartner, Andy (Norma) Baumgartner, Charlotte Spellman, Alice Miller, Zida Reed, Phil (Heather) Baumgartner, mother-in-law, Pat Schauer, brother-in-law Brian (Daniella) Schauer, Joel Schauer, sister-in-law, Karen (Lampros) Petanitis and many nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond & Geraldine Baumgartner, siblings, Phyllis Schneider, Walter Jones and father-in-law, Willard Schauer.
Ray was a strong Christian husband, father, and papa. His faith, strength, and perseverance were an inspiration to many. Thank you to Pastor Mark Schwalenberg, our Trinity family, the entire Athens community and all of our family and friends for your love and support. Thank you to the hospital care teams, home health teams, and hospice care staff for the care and compassion given not only to Ray, but to his entire family. The journey wasn’t easy, but let us all remember that God is Good all the time, and all the time God is Good.
Private services will be held. The services will be live streamed 12:00 p.m. Sunday, March 13, 2022, on the Trinity Lutheran Church website, www.trinityathens.net or the Trinity Lutheran Church Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Myra M. Boneske
Myra M. Boneske, 83, Athens passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022, at Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield.
She was born December 22, 1938, in Fenwood, daughter of the late Arthur and Margaret (Schroeder) Belanger.
For many years Myra farmed in the town of Bern and also worked at Fiskars in Wausau and Spencer and also at Marathon Cheese. Some of her favorite pastimes included gardening, tending to her flowers, cooking, baking and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Myra also enjoyed the company of a family pet, Lita.
Survivors include her children, Randy (Christine) Apfelbeck, Stratford, Crystal (Perry) Willemssen, Athens, Connie Boneske, Athens and Cherie Boneske, Athens, 11 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.
Besides her parents she was preceded in death by one brother, Lyle and three sisters, Fern, Jean and Beverly.
Memorial services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. The Rev. Mark Schwalenberg will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Reyna Kulb for the outstanding care she gave to Myra. Thank you for taking such good care of our Mom!
Irma L. Anklam
Irma Anklam, age 97, of Wausau, Wisconsin, died Sunday, March 6, 2022 at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau.
Irma was born July 22, 1924 in Wausau, the daughter of the late Ernest and Lulu (Seidler) Graveen.
Irma was a 1942 graduate of the former Wausau High School. On August 27, 1949, Irma was united in marriage to Roland Anklam. They enjoyed 38 happy years together. They were faithful members of the Christian Assembly/Thrive Church.
For many years, Irma worked as a secretary in Wausau and enjoyed volunteering for a variety of local non-profit organizations. After her mother’s death, Irma kept current the Graveen and Seidler family tree albums, which dated back to their roots in Pomerania, Germany.
Among Irma’s favorite pastimes, she enjoyed gardening and growing pretty lilies.
Survivors are her two grandsons, Jonathan and Andrew (Jessica); her three adorable great-grandchildren, Calahan, Peyton and Wade; her sisters-in-law, Judy Anklam and Nancy (Larry) Kopplin all of Wausau; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Irma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Roland who died on February 23, 1987 during surgery for a heart condition; her son, Daniel, who was killed in a 1994 auto accident; her sister, Bernice Graveen of Wausau; and her brothers, Gordon Graveen of Glastonbury, Connecticut and Clifford Graveen of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Irma spent the last years of her life at Mountain Terrace Assisted Living Center, from whom she received excellent care.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau with Pastor Dennis Romine officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Elmer A. Miller
Elmer A. “Bud” Miller, 99, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022, while under the care of Heartland Hospice at Abbotsford Health Care Center.
Bud was born just east of Unity, WI, on October 22, 1922. While still an infant, Bud’s family “moved across the highway (13)” to the Riplinger area, where Bud grew up on the family farm. A neighboring farm and best friends of the Millers, the Hebert’s, had a son, Leland, who was Bud’s best friend from infancy to adulthood. In his 20’s, Bud visited his older sister, Edna, and her family in Chicago, where Edna introduced Bud to his future wife, Margie Leitze. Bud and Margie were married in December of 1944, and they had 4 children, Cheryl, Patricia, Ralph and Russell.
Bud found a job as a Apprentice Journeyman and became a very talented Lithographer for Greenlee Printing Company and loyal Union man…a Teamster. Bud and Margie bought their house and home on Lakewood Avenue on Chicago’s Near North Side, where they resided for approximately 55 years. Bud made another life-long friend in his neighborhood, Charlie Russell, who resided down at the end of the block. As his friends the Millers aged, Charlie helped out in various ways, removing snow in the winter, providing transportation, socialization (especially playing the “Marbles Board Game”) etc. After Bud sold his house, and his wife passed away, Bud spent 3 years in a local Assisted Living facility in his neighborhood. Then, he decided he wanted to move back to Wisconsin, where he grew up, and his oldest daughter now lived. Once again, he called upon his old friend, Charlie, who provided Bud with transportation to his old stomping grounds, in July 2011.
Bud eventually moved into an Assisted Living facility in Colby, WI. One of the first people he met there was a lady who went to the same one-room school he did, and was related to his best friend, Leland! Bud was honored to have Leland’s great granddaughter there to help care for him while at the Assisted Living. Many Residents and Caregivers were friends and relatives of the people Bud knew growing up. Bud’s daughter was there nearly every night, where they played marathon Rummy card games while listening to polka music and old-time Grand Ole Opry songs. Many Residents would gather around, just to listen to the music and converse. Bud loved his puzzle books and the view of Hwy. 13 from his window. He particularly enjoyed the Abbyland Summer Sausage, Colby Cheese and Abbotsford County Market Deli Cookies his daughter provided for him to accompany every facility lunch and supper.
At the age of 99, Bud still used his walker to move about his room, and frequently beat his daughter at their nightly card games! He especially loved the visits from his granddaughters and their families, and his old buddy, Charlie. During Bud’s final days, his daughter would talk to him about his past, read cards from family, and show him pictures of his 2 yr. old Great, Great Granddaughter, Blakley! Those pictures always brought a smile to his face, and he would whisper, “She’s so cute.” Bud died peacefully, thanks to Heartland Hospice and their wonderful staff. He was adamant about not wanting a funeral, memorial, or even a party in his honor at the tavern in Riplinger. He will be laid to rest at The Beaver Cemetery in the Riplinger area, where he can visit his parents, grandpa, Leland and many other friends and neighbors.
Survivors include his brother, Paul Miller, Oregon, his children, Cheryl Miller, Athens, Patricia Miller, Ralph Miller and Russell Miller, all of Illinois, two grandchildren, Diane Link and Christine Ronayne, four great grandchildren, Molly Hanrahan, Madelin Link, Ryan (Jackie) O’ Malley and Colin (Casey) O’ Malley and one great great granddaughter, Blakley Hanrahan. Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one sister, Edna Erickson.
At Bud’s request no formal services will be held. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Fannie M. Brandt
Fannie “Joan” Myrtle Brandt, 97 of Rothschild passed away on March 3, 2022.
She was born on September 18, 1924 to the late Courtney and Florence (Riley) Coffer.
She is survived by her son, Donald Brandt Jr., her four grandchildren; Jason (Jolene) Brandt, Jayme Anklam, Ashley Vial and Zackary Sobacki.
She is preceded in death by her husband Donald W. Brandt Sr., her daughter Cheryl Vial-Brandt, brothers James and Courtney Coffer, twin sister June Thomasson and her other sister Lou(James) Martin all of Virginia.
Joan was your Old Fashion Typical Stay at home Wife and Mother and Career Homemaker. She Had a Very Shy Damir Personality.
She was Caring, and Loving of Her Family. She was So Humble, And She was Always Happy in Life. She was able to see only the Good in Other People, She was Always very Respectful of others and Always Sincere and First and Foremost Always Honest. She Lived Her Entire Life that way for others to see. She will be Deeply Missed by one and all who knew Her.
Services will be held at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home on Friday, March 11, 2022 with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00a.m. burial will follow to Gate of Heaven.
Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com
Faustina A. Freeman
Faustina “Fausta” Anna Freeman (Paulukas), 91, died peacefully in her sleep at Whispering Pines in Plover, WI., on Monday, February 28, 2022.
Fausta was born August 20, 1930 in Chicago, IL to the late Walter and Anna (Skutes) Paulukas.
She married Anthony Buchunas on August 28, 1949 and he preceded her in death on June 1, 1980.
She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Gerald.
Fausta is survived by her five children. Barron (Joelene) Buchunas of Carol Stream, IL., Keith (Caryn) Buchunas of Oak Lawn, IL., Regina (Gerald) LeGrand of Wilmington, IL., Gregory Buchunas of Chicago, IL., and Constance (Dale) Anderson of Plover, WI. She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, Brook (Todd) Faulstich and Justin Buchunas, Britt Buchunas and Jessica Buchunas, Jerri Ann LeGrand, Christopher LeGrand, April (Shane) Murphey, Lawrence LeGrand, and Chase LeGrand, Jeremy Brockman and Sarah Beth Brockman along with fourteen great grandchildren.
After Anthony’s death, later she married Andrew Freeman the love of her life. The home she built with Andrew was beautiful as was her garden.
Their years together were filled with home improvement projects and travel.
Reading was her passion and Agatha Christie was her favorite author. Mom was a gourmet cook and her meals were always delicious! Mom spent hours-on-end crocheting, cross-stitching, and/or working on 1,000-piece puzzles. Mom enjoyed watching British Murder Mysteries with Inspector Morse and Miss Fisher being two of her favorites.
No matter where she lived, mom “always” called Chicago home.
A celebration of Fausta’s life will be held on her birthday, Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Saint Casimir Lithuanian Cemetery, Chicago, IL.
A special “Thank you” to Pastor Steve Hulke for spending time to share scripture and prayer with Mom in her final days.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWSC.WS
Rose G. Tryba
Rose G. Tryba, 62 of Wittenberg, gained her wings and made her entrance into Heaven on Monday, March 7, 2022, at UW Hospital in Madison, surrounded by her family.
Rose was born on January 24, 1960, in Wausau, to Walter Sr. and Esther (Williams) Hornik. On August 25, 1990, Rose was united in marriage to Gregory Tryba at St. Florian Catholic Church, Hatley.
Rose graduated from Wausau West High School and later NTC with a medical coding certificate. She had worked at many financial institutions as a Universal Banker and was most recently employed at Community First Bank, Elderon. She was very active in the community.
Rose & Greg enjoyed traveling, going on cruises, boating, 4-wheeling, and driving their side by side. They also loved camping in St. Germain and Pickerel, where they had purchased land and had plans to build a cabin. They also loved NASCAR and had traveled to several racetracks around the country. Even when camping, Rose could be found watching NASCAR in the camper. Rose loved the warm weather and the opportunities to swim with dolphins. She loved the beach and sunbathing. She could always be found with a pair of flip flops on and had quite the collection. Rose enjoyed reading and craft shows but especially loved spending time with her family. She cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and would take them on adventures and bake with them.
Rose is survived by her husband, Greg Tryba; two children, Tyler (Sarah) Tryba and Taylor (fiancé Colton Belott); four grandchildren, Kylah, Everly, Aurora and Spencer; her dogs Oscar and Toby; two siblings, Marlene Patton, and Dennis Hornik; father-in-law, LeRoy Tryba; sisters-in-law, Debra Brosman, Lorrie (Mark) Janikowski and Diane Tryba; brothers-in-law, Bill (Liz) Tryba and Dennis (Kari) Tryba; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Walter Jr., Lorraine and Randy; mother-in-law, Marie Tryba; and her beloved dogs, Molly and Mistie.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Friday, March 18, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Galloway. Fr. Augustine Bentil will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-7 pm with a Rosary Service beginning at 6:30pm at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg.
Visitation will continue on Friday beginning at 9am until the time of Mass at the church.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
