Ralph E. Tarras
Ralph Edward Tarras passed away on February 4, 2024, at the age of 81. He was born on March 2, 1942, in Gary, Indiana. Ralph took his last breath at his home in Weston, Wisconsin, with his devoted wife of 58 years, Mary, at his side.
Ralph had a remarkable journey through life. His passion for law led him into law enforcement. He started working for the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sherrif in 1967 and retired as a Detective in 1995 after 28 years of service. Prior to that, he worked for the Department of Natural Resources in fish management and as a part-time warden. During this time, he met Mary, and they were married in 1966. He loved to tell stories of his work adventures. Especially getting stuck on the back roads. This was often in the state-owned station wagon. Getting into those secluded lakes was no easy chore.
Ralph enjoyed nature. He loved bird watching (especially the bluebirds and woodpeckers), nature photography, hunting, and fishing. He enjoyed camping with his family at Clear Lake. He also loved to work on classic cars. Ralph restored a 1954 GMC truck to pristine condition. It was so nice he didn’t like to drive it for fear it would get damaged. Ralph’s presence was infectious and his commitment to his profession and hobbies was nothing short of admirable.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Mary, whom he cherished every single day. Together they raised two sons, Tim (Julie) and Jeff (Beth) and four grandchildren, Breanna, Trevor, Lexie, and Conner. They brought so much joy to Ralph. His love for his family knew no bounds, and he took pride in his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph (Rudy) and Velma and his siblings, Corinne, Betty, Harold (Hap), and Barb.
Visitation will be from 12 pm until the time of the memorial service at 2:15 pm on Friday, February 23 at BRAINARD FUNERAL HOME at 5712 Memorial Court, Weston. This will be followed by 3 O’clock coffee.
Ralph will be deeply missed by his Family and Friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ralph’s name may be made to the American Heart Association (Wisconsin | American Heart Association).
Kathryn A. Utecht
Kathryn A. (Young) Utecht, Village of Maine, passed away peacefully at Aspirus Hospital on February 14, 2024.
Kay was born in LaCrosse on December 18, 1936, and attended Wausau High School. She married Vern Utecht on April 25, 1955. They had been married for 65 years. They were members of St. Anne’s church. She was employed at Wausau Insurance prior to retirement and enjoyed working at U Bake with her son.
She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Every holiday was made into a very special occasion, from Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter to St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween and Valentine’s Day. She also loved traveling whether it be to Las Vegas or the Caribbean or Washington D.C. and New York City to see Broadway plays. Kay will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, friends and other family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Vern Utecht: parents Andrew and Helen Young: brothers John and Andrew Young; sister-in-law Dolores. She is survived by daughter, Jolene (Robert) Plautz of Merrill; three sons, Douglas (Carol ) Utecht, Todd Utecht, and Christopher (Sannee) Utecht, all of the Village of Maine. Kay had three grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and three great grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews and friends.
A Funeral Mass will take place for Vern and Kay at 11:00 am, on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Wausau, with Father Lindner officiating. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
Walter L. Cosman III
In Loving Memory of Walter “Walt” Leo Cosman III
Walter “Walt” Leo Cosman III, age 81, departed this life on Wednesday, February 14th, 2024, at his home. Born on February 1st, 1943, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Walt was the cherished son of the late Walter Leo Cosman Jr. and Pricillia (Pinter) Cosman.
On September 3, 1966, Walt married the love of his life, Nancy Marie Laitala, in Sacramento, California, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey together.
Walt was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy Marie Cosman.
Left to honor and remember his legacy are his two devoted daughters, Julie Cosman and Christi Olson (Dale Van Camp) of Wausau, Wisconsin. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his seven grandchildren: Tommie Steven Gray II, Jessica Marie Gray, Angelica Strange, Hanna Olson (Cain Gilray), Trenton Olson, Lanilei’a Satele, and Tautai Satele. His memory will also be cherished by his seven great-grandchildren: Hadlee Gilray, Allana Atkins, Robert Ramey Jr, Aurora Ramey, Luna Gray, Elijah Strange, and Zora Gray. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Joseph (Lisa) Cosman of Lago Vista, Texas, and niece Karen (David) Hall and their children, Andrew, Samuel, and Natalie Hall.
Walt graduated from Texas A & M University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and that is also where he was a cadet with ROTC. He proudly served as a navigator in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Walt’s passion for his military service often took center stage in conversations, reflecting his deep love for his country.
Walt and Nancy, married for 49 years, were known for their love of entertaining. They hosted numerous gatherings for friends and family at their home on Lake Wausau. Walt’s love for the lake extended to offering pontoon rides day or night, creating lasting memories for those fortunate enough to join him.
Active in his community, Walt contributed his time to the Wausau Elk’s Lodge, Wausau Lions Club, Private Industry Council, Lake Wausau Association, and various other organizations.
A visitation and memorial service will take place at Peterson Kraemer Funeral Home Wausau East Location, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, Wisconsin 54403, from 11 am to 12:00 Noon on Tuesday. The memorial service will follow, and a procession will lead to Restlawn Memorial Park at 235962 N. Troy Street, Wausau, WI, where Walt will receive full military honors and be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife, Nancy, in the mausoleum.
A Celebration of Life and luncheon will be held from 3 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday at Trails End Lodge, 3901 Sherman Road in Wausau, a place Walt loved for his summer boat outings.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Interim HealthCare Hospice team, Synergy Home Care, the ADRC, and the VA for their unwavering support in honoring Walt’s wish to remain at home until his last day. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Marathon County Humane Society in Wausau, supporting the adoption fees for older animals in Walt’s honor, reflecting his deep love for animals.
Fly High, Captain Walter Leo Cosman III, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Until we meet again, your spirit will forever soar in our hearts.
Judith A. Jazdzewski
Judith “Judy” A. Jazdzewski
Judy went to meet her Lord and Savior on February 16, 2024.
She is survived by her children: Son Mark (2 grandchildren) Oklahoma, Son Todd (Lea) (2 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren) Delaware, Son Roger (1 grandchild) Appleton, Daughter Karen (2 grandchildren Brittney and Alex, 2 great grandchildren, Sutton and Tuston), all of Appleton, Daughter Lori (Scott Leider) (1 grandchild Andy, 2 step grandchildren) Antigo.
Judy was preceded in death by her husband Ambrose (Amby), 4 sisters, 1 brother.
Judy was a daughter, sister, friend, wife, Mom, grandma, aunt, and great grandma. Most importantly she was a child of God and is now in His arms and is side by side with the love of her life, Ambrose.
Services were held at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee on Monday, February 19, 2024, with family and friends gathering from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Father Aaron Becker will be officiating.
“Together again, My tears have stopped falling, The long lonely nights Are now at an end” Emmy Lou Harris
John J Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com
