Donald Slattery and Diane Postler-Slattery
Donald Slattery (65) and Diane Postler-Slattery (62) tragically passed away in a private plane crash on March 8th, 2022, in Panama City Beach, FL. They would have celebrated 31 years of marriage on March 16th, 2022. They were married at New Hope Community Church in Wausau, WI in 1991. Throughout their time here on Earth, Don and Diane embraced every opportunity that came their way to the fullest. They lived faithfully, loved unconditionally, worked passionately, and gave generously.
Don was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin on January 12, 1957, to William and Eleanor (Ponczoch) Slattery. He started his career at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in 1982, where he was a Biomedical Electronics Technician. Don started his own business called Tower Technical Services, LLP. He later earned an MBA from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh in December of 2002. He eventually found his way back to Aspirus Wausau Hospital where he retired as a Project Manager in 2012. Don was able to enjoy his retirement years supporting Diane and being dedicated to his family and friends.
Don had an undeniable passion for aviation. He loved working with his hands and tinkering on projects. He was both creative and methodical and could make or fix anything. Don loved people and having fun. He would drop anything and everything at a moment’s notice to help anyone. His steadiness, strength, and reason were matched by his warmth, love and deep devotion to Diane, his children, and his grandchildren. He was an amazing husband, father, “papa,” son, and brother.
Diane Postler-Slattery was born in Thorp, Wisconsin on March 30th, 1959, to Melvin and Julie (Dittbrender) Postler. She started her career at Aspirus Wausau Hospital as a nurse. She earned a MS in Nursing Administration from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. She then earned her Ph.D. in Education Administration from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1995. Through her hard work and dedication, she became President and COO of Aspirus Wausau Hospital. In 2013, Diane was offered the opportunity to become President and CEO of MyMichigan Health in Midland, Michigan. Diane was passionate about healthcare and truly loved her career.
While many people knew Diane as an impressive leader of the community, she was an even more impressive wife, mother, sister, daughter, and grandmother. She was passionate about everything she did. She had the ability to make everyone feel at home with her infectious smile and big hugs. Diane loved the outdoors and often referred to riding horses as her “happy place.” Wherever she went, she left a trail of half-drank Diet Dr. Pepper cans. She was the caretaker, the comforter, and the counselor for those she loved.
Don and Diane were very active members of each community they resided in. They were involved in numerous organizations, boards, and charities. Though dedicated to service, they were never happier than when enjoying time and sharing laughs with their family and friends. Their lives were grounded in the faith they had in the Lord which was evident in the way they lived and how they gave of their time and energy.
Don and Diane are survived by their children and grandchildren: Michael (Liz) Fredericks (children; Luke and Violet) of Duluth, MN; Michelle (Scott) Grutzik (children; Henry, Calvin, and Theodore) of Wausau, WI, Melissa (Austin) Swihart of Boones Mill, VA.
Don’s surviving siblings include Judy Slattery (Sister-in-Law; Glenwood Springs, CO), Lois (Wally) Leece (Wisconsin Rapids, WI), Kathy TerMaat (Vesper, WI), Charlotte Richardson (Wisconsin Rapids, WI), Janet (Larry) Lassa (Wisconsin Rapids, WI), John (Kris) Slattery (Wisconsin Rapids, WI), Michael (Deb) Slattery (Plover, WI), Mary Beth (Craig) Kruse (Green Bay, WI), Marcia Slattery (Madison, WI), and Lori Slattery (Wisconsin Rapids, WI) and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by William and Eleanor Slattery (parents), William Slattery Jr (brother), infant siblings Kenneth (brother) and Jean (sister), Dale TerMaat (brother-in-law), Dennis Leece (nephew) and Jeff TerMaat (nephew).
Diane’s surviving family are her parents Melvin and Julie (Dittbrender) Postler (Ringle, WI), sister Dixie Hettinga (Weston, WI), brother Dennis (Jennifer) Postler (Bonsall, CA), sister Desirae Koning (Sussex, WI), and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by Cliff Hettinga (Brother-in-Law) and Olive Jean (Infant Niece).
In lieu of flowers or gifts, any donations will be used to set up scholarships and given to various charitable organizations that Don and Diane felt passionate about.
A celebration of their lives will be held on Saturday, March 19th, 2022, at New Hope Community Church, 229375 County Road J, Wausau, WI, 54403 (715)845-8541. There will be two visitation times: 9:00 am to Noon and again from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. The service will begin at 4:00 pm.
Brainard Funeral Home, Everest Chapel, Weston, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Shirley D. Johnson
Shirley D Johnson, 87, the most kind, humorous, inspiring, and optimistic person in this humble writer’s estimation, left this world on Wednesday March 9th at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Born on February 16th, 1935, in Ashtabula Ohio to Richard and Olive Treen. Shirley grew up taking care of her siblings Damaris, Janice, and Bryan and attending Jefferson high School where she excelled in all things music. She studied music at the University of Miami in Oxford Ohio where she even made the French horn look good! That is also where she met and fell in love with Clifford Johnson. They were married August 31st, 1957, and moved to Milwaukee Wisconsin where Shirley excelled as a music teacher and lovingly raised daughter Lauren and husband Cliff. In 1977 Cliff and Shirley moved to Amherst Wisconsin where Shirley continued her music teaching gig, practiced her culinary prowess, and embarked on her love for all things carding and crafting. Bouncing baby boys rounded out Shirley’s dream of grandchildren as Justin then Jordan were born. She of course spoiled them rotten because she said that was her job! Shirley and Cliff retired to Bull shoals Arkansas in 1991 where Shirley was involved in the Bull Shoals Baptist Church, card crafting and the Red Hat Society just to mention a few. Shirley returned to Wisconsin to live in Wausau in 2016 was she graced the halls of Renaissance assisted living.
Through all of the above, Shirley wore many hats – both literally and figuratively. Known as the hat lady in later years she was a wonderful vocal teacher, creative card crafter, kind caring friend, sweet, patient, lovable, generous human, someone who took care of others especially family, and someone who never complained no matter the circumstances. Her sense of humor was amazing as was her wonderful cooking. Shirley had a way of bringing out the best of those around her and helping them to find and be their best selves.
She leaves a huge hole in the hearts of her family and friends who were touched by her life throughout her journeys. She would want us to fill that hole with memories of how she touched us and the realization that she is in heaven having one heck of a party with her parents and everyone who left before her and with Clifford, who was wondering what took her so long!
Left to remember her are her sister, Janice; brother, Bryan; daughter, Lauren; nieces and nephews, Steven, Debbie, Cindy, Cheryl, Christine, Peggy, John, Bill, Bob and Carol; and grandchildren, Justin and Jordan.
Shirley is now at peace joining her parents, Richard and Olive (oil Bebee gun) Treen, sister, Damaris, sister-in-law, Lorraine, nephews, Rick and Billy, and husband Clifford.
A small and humble celebration of her life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday March 18th, 2020, at Brainard Funeral Home – Weston Chapel, 5712 Memorial Ct, Weston. Visitation will be from 3:30 until the time of service at the funeral home.
Callie E. Teeters
Callie Elizabeth Teeters passed away surrounded by her adoring family at Marshfield Children’s Hospital on Friday March 11th 2022. Callie was born on February 11, 2009 at 11:11 AM. Her beautiful life was precious and exciting from her first day on earth and carried on through her final days. Callie and her brother Zak share a rare chromosome condition described as an unbalanced translocation of chromosome 3p and 6p, which resulted in Callie facing significant medical challenges over the years. In June of 2021 she became a proud recipient of a new kidney donated by a loving friend.
To say Callie has touched many people throughout her life would be an understatement. She greatly enjoyed her time at Lincoln Elementary School, where she met her best friend, Odelia. With the help of her teacher, family and friends, she was given many opportunities to explore the world. Callie motivated many individuals as a Captain on the Northcentral Wisconsin Chapter of MyTeam Triumph where she completed numerous 5K’s, multiple half marathons and a triathlon; she created family along the way with each race. The time in her jumpy was one of her favorite activities as well as snuggling in “her chair” watching movies or listening to music. In the summer she enjoyed spending time in the pool with her brother or going for long walks with the breeze in her hair. Callie also treasured her time being goofy with her many wonderful home nurses and was blessed by all the care they provided.
Callie is survived by her loving parents, Chris and Annie Teeters, brother Zak. Grandparents Dan and Kathy Teeters, Sue Renelt, and Don Renelt. Uncle Greg (Justin) Renelt, Aunt Jessica (Todd) Stewart, Godmother’s Angela Teeters and Jenn Golbach, Godfather Chris Rice. God Sister Grace Loffler. Cousins Hannah and Sawyer Stewart. Great Uncles Ken (Judy) Teeters, Scot (Barb) Striegel. Many other wonderful Aunts, Uncles, cousins, Family and Friends.
She is preceded in death by two unborn siblings, Great Grandparents George and Shirley Striegel, Bub and Betty Geiselhart, Leo and Agnes Teeters. God brother Taylor Loffler Hoffbeck, Cousin Sarah Stockfleth.
A special thank you to the Marshfield Children’s Hospital PICU staff that fought by her side. Dr. Robert Haws who dedicated a significant amount of his attention to advocate for Callie and all of his Kidney kids. Callie’s Transplant team at University of MN, her specialists at Gillette Children’s and St. Paul Children’s. All other medical teams that cared for her each and every day. All of Callie’s home care nurses that played, laughed, advocated, and supported Callie and our whole family through all the years. All the support and friendships formed through our MyTeam Triumph and Shared Blessings families that brought Callie so much joy. St. Andrew Lutheran Church for all the continued prayers and support through Callie’s journey here on earth.
Your smile, laugh, stories and personality will never be forgotten. We can’t wait until we meet again. Run free in Heaven baby girl – Fly high!
Funeral services will be 11:11 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2022 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 150202 County Road NN, Wausau. Rev. Jeffrey Martinson will officiate. Visitation will be Friday, March 18, 2022 from 4pm – 7pm at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau and again on Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of services at the church. Please wear colorful clothing in Callie’s honor.
In lieu of flowers a Memorial Fund has been established at Incredible Bank (Callie’s Memorial Fund) to continue Callie’s legacy.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Oscar H. Hoganson
Oscar Henry Hoganson, 96, of Wausau, WI died Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at Marshfield Weston Hospital, Schofield, WI.
Both of his parents; Louis Hoganson and Ella (Gonshorek) Hoganson were born in Norway. Mr. Hoganson was born November 11, 1925 in Greenwood, Wisconsin. He was married to Marilyn (Merkel) Hoganson July 8, 1961 in Wausau, WI and lived in Hartford, WI where he was employed at Chrysler Outboard as a machinist. Other employment included West Bend Aluminum, Tool and Die Maker at Triump Twist Drill, Rhinelander, WI and Northern Wire, Merrill, WI. The couple moved to Bundy, WI in 1977, lived in Sugar Camp, WI in 1988, and then to Wausau, WI following the passing of his wife June 11, 1991.
He was a private pilot and owned several planes over time that included: Piper Family Cruiser, Luscombe, Mooney Mite, and Baby Ace as well as building a 4 place Zenith 801 experimental STOL airplane. Oscar was a lifetime member of EAA#448 (Experimental Aircraft Association), NRA (National Rifle Association) and had hobbies of bird watching, astronomy, building telescopes.
Enlisted on March 22, 1944, Mr. Hoganson, PFC, served in the Army as a gunner, Company 1, 335th Battalion, 84th Infantry Division, WWII Battle of the Bulge, with an honorable discharge May 11, 1946. He was awarded the Purple Heart, also Good Conduct and European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Service Metal(s) with duties at Belgium, Holland, Ardennes, Rhineland, Germany. In Belgium Army Hospital (15th general hospital) was treated for shrapnel in the leg. Often asked about his war stories he comment “I’m not sure how we made it though the cold with the gear we were issued at that time.”
Mr. Hoganson is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Timothy (Janice) Letzring of Port Orange, FL; two sons, Jarold of Wausau, WI and Warren of Port Orange, FL.
Visitation will be on March 17, 2022, 11:00 am with service at 12:00pm at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Avenue, Schofield, WI 54476.
Future funeral service/burial will be held May 19, at Faith Lutheran Church in Three Lakes, WI.
Austin G. Wolff
Austin G. Wolff, 23 of Kronenwetter, died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 10, 2022, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Austin was born on April 18, 1998, in Wausau, the son of Gregory Wolff and Jennifer Tapper.
Austin was a 2016 graduate of D.C. Everest High School. He was employed at ABC Supply and most recently Resch’s Tile. Austin was very active in sports such as softball, baseball, lacrosse,basketball, football and bowling. He also enjoyed playing video games, hunting, fishing,camping, vacations and local track racing. Austin enjoyed helping anyone in need and most important was his time spent with his family and friends.
Austin is survived by his parents, Gregory and Jennifer; stepmother, Amanda Thiex; siblings, Harley Grahm, Bryce Morris, and Logan, Autumn, and Liam Thiex; grandparents, Gwen and Kim Tapper and Jeanette and Fred Wolff; great-grandmother, MaryAnn Tapper; 8 aunts; 7 uncles, the Thiex family and many other relatives and friends.
A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, March 18, 2022 at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Weston. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
