Todd N. Reetz
Todd Noel Reetz, age 69, of Schofield, Wisconsin, passed away at Aspirus Wausau Hospital on February 13, 2024. He was born on December 25, 1954, to Lois and Mark Reetz and grew up in Schofield, Wisconsin, the first of five siblings.
Todd married the love of his life, Christine (Kell) De Vore, on September 18, 2021. He enjoyed camping, traveling, flying, and spending time with family and friends.
He was a member of Wisconsin Valley Radio Association, EAA Chapter 640, and a longtime volunteer at EAA AirVenture Flight Line Operations (Oshkosh), Learn Build Fly (Wausau), and McMiller Sports Center (Eagle). He was also an avid sports fan. His welcoming smile, sparkling eyes, sense of humor and generous spirit will be greatly missed but will live on in the memories of all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife, Christine; siblings Cindy (John) Forsythe, Laurie (Steve Thompson) Reetz, Clark (Sue) Reetz, and Lisa (Jim) Ash; extended family Aaron (Laura) Kudronowicz, Nicole Kudronowicz, Hannah (Wyatt) Mueller, Jackson Mueller, Ben (Tanya) Kudronowicz, Tyler Kudronowicz, Dylan Kudronowicz, Connie (Westphal-Kell), Jack and Jacqualine Faber, James (Kayla) Westphal, Corey (Rosa) Jackie and Jack Kell; along with nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Brainard Funeral Home- Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, Wisconsin, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Celebration of Life will be from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm at The Bar, 10302 Market Street, Rothschild, Wisconsin, with a toast to Todd at 4:00 pm.
Special thanks to Riverside Fire District and Aspirus Wausau Hospital emergency department. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Learn Build Fly or EAA Chapter 640, c/o Dave Conrad, 1711 Kickbusch Street, Wausau, Wisconsin 54403.
Barbara A. Olsen
Barbara Ann Olsen, age 84, of Rothschild, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her home on February 21, 2024. She was born on July 8, 1939, to Irving and Janice Weik in Wausau, Wisconsin but spent most of her life in Southern Florida.
Barb was an accomplished artist. Having won many awards for her paintings of wildlife, focusing primarily on horses, she traveled within the rodeo circuit selling her artwork as she went. Along with her time in the circuit, she also trained show dogs, winning numerous awards and trophies. She spent her remaining time working in different stables throughout Florida. Eventually, making her way back to Wausau in 1997 to settle down and spend time with family.
She would always stop to talk to anyone while traveling with her husband, Mark Dempsey. Together they had many adventures exploring Wausau and the surrounding area, frequenting thrift stores for unique treasures. Together they were able to build quite the menagerie of outdoor wildlife that would frequent their home to beg Barb for some extra peanuts. She loved to watch nature from her living room window, giving the animals unique names and learning all about them. Her grandchildren greatly enjoyed listening to her talk about all her mischievous critters.
It is hard to summarize the magnitude of her life in such a small space. Barb was a kind and generous person who was always there for the people she cared about, a true blessing to those who chose to call her friend or family. Her smile was contagious and she was notorious for her quick wit. She will be greatly missed.
Survivors include her husband, Mark Dempsey, and her two sons, Eric (Louise) Olsen and Russell Olsen. She also leaves behind a grandson, Kenneth (Amanda) Olsen.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Irving and Janice Weik.
No memorial service or funeral is planned. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to New Life Pet Adoption Center in Marathon, WI in honor of Barb’s great fondness for all animals great and small.
Ruth M. Bessette
Ruth (Schara) Bessette, 68, of Wausau passed away February 20, 2024 after a long battle with MS. She was born April 12, 1955 to the late Aloysius and Lorraine (Sodke) Schara. She graduated from Athens High School in 1973 and was married to Brad Bessette in 1974, they later divorced. Ruth worked at several facilities until she was unable to work due to her MS. They include Badger Basket, Hatley Veneer, Crystal Finishing and 29 Super Market.
In her younger years growing up on a farm, she was exceptional at finding where the barn cats had their kittens, and taming these kittens. She continued her love of cats and always had a couple living with her. She enjoyed oldies music and especially Elvis Presley. Ruth was a big fan of television with old western shows and Criminal Minds as a couple of her favorites. While she was still able to hold a book, she enjoyed her romance novels.
Ruth is survived by four children. Renee (Stephan) Robertson, Pulaski; Robert Bessette, Brett Bessette, and Colleen Dublin, all of Wausau. Four grandchildren, William (Melissa) Bessette, Travis Ploeger, Jason Ploeger, and Feona Dublin. Three great-grandchildren Eli Richlen, Logan Bessette and Emily Bessette. A brother James (Karen) Schara and a sister Paulene (James) Sala, several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter Rita Bessette and her ex-husband.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday February 24, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Brainard Funeral Home in Weston. (5712 Memorial Court, Weston, WI 54476). Pastor Mike Huff will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday February 24, 2024 from 10:00 AM until the hour of Service at Brainard Funeral Home.
Catherine M. Johnson
Catherine Mae Johnson, of Wausau, passed away at Aspirus Wausau Hospital on February 20, 2024, with her family and friends by her side.
Cathy was born March 30, 1943, in Fond du Lac, to the late Elmer and Agnes Waldschmidt. Cathy was a real people person. She loved to share Bible knowledge with others. She nurtured her friendships all over the world and made it a point to stay in touch with others. She enjoyed baking and sharing her goodies with everyone. She loved roses and even grew them at home. She took pride in her children and loved them unconditionally. Cathy will be remembered for her self-sacrifice; she always put others before herself.
Cathy had an unshakable faith in the power of prayer and her hope for the future. Her main focus in life was her relationship with her God, Jehovah. She knew without a doubt that her creator will resurrect her and those she loved to live forever on a paradise earth.
Cathy will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her children, John (Laurie) Johnson, Timothy (Mary) Johnson, and Brenda Johnson; grandchildren, Valen, Raven, and Aaron Johnson, Daniel, Kayla (Alex) Buresh, and Sean Arends; great-grandchildren, Karah, Jemma and Payton Arends, Liam Buresh, and Penelope Arends; sisters, Eleanore Gremminger and Jane Resch; in-laws she considered family; her spiritual family from Rib Mountain Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses; extended family and many friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Russell Johnson; parents, Elmer and Agnes Waldschmidt; brother, Jerome Waldschmidt; and nephew, Chuck Meyers.
Per her wishes, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers or donations, please visit jw.org and think of Cathy.
We wish to thank the entire staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for taking such great care of her- Everyone was respectful, and kind and it was deeply appreciated by our family.
Marie A. Osborne
Marie A. Osborne, 82, of Wausau, passed away on Thursday, February 15th, 2024.
She was born in Red Granite, Wisconsin, on November 24th, 1941, to the late Charles and Ruth (Pick) Gustke.
Marie loved to laugh and travel. She and her husband Gordie traveled often prior to her illness, enjoying annual Air Force reunions. They enjoyed attending various church picnics to enjoy the good music & food. They once took a casino tour that stopped at numerous casinos all over Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. Marie also loved her family dearly. She gave all of her loved ones endearing nicknames like: Tootie, Feathers, Peanuts, etc. She loved to tease and banter. Family members all have fond memories of her humor and many kindnesses.
She is survived by her husband, Gordon Osborne; children, Jackie (Chuck) Watson, Leslie Osborne, and Toni Huddleston; grandchildren, Kathleen, Rebecca, Jennifer, and Paul; great-grandchildren, Anna, Manolo, and Milo; siblings, Richard, Jerry, Terry, Larry, Rick, and Cheryl, as well as many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.
Marie is proceeded in death by her parents, her first husband, Ted Niewinski, and siblings Jim, Joyce, Susan, and Danny.
A Funeral Service will take place on Friday, February 23rd, 2024 at 11:00 am, at Helke Funeral Home. A visitation will start at 10:00 am and go until the time of services at the funeral home. A burial at Restlawn Memorial Park will follow.
Wayne G. Waldhart
Wayne George Waldhart, 78, of Rib Falls, WI, joined his wife Laurie in heaven on February 18, 2024 in Wausau, WI. He was born on August 12, 1945, to Raymond (Shorty) and Lucille Waldhart. Wayne graduated from Wausau High School in May of 1962.
Wayne leaves behind his son Scott (Debbie) Waldhart, and daughter Shannon (Brad) Rybarczyk, grandchildren, Greyson (Charmaine) Waldhart of Portland, OR, Kade (Ben Pritchett) Waldhart of Wausau, WI, Danny (Joey Krohlow) Koplitz of Menlo Park, CA, and Hailey (Carter) Abitz of Stratford, WI, and one great grandson, Hayden Waldhart of Wausau, WI. He is also survived by his brother Ralph (Mary) Waldhart of Wausau, WI, sister Rochelle (Kim) Hefner of Minneapolis, MN, sisters-in-law, Carol Hettinga of Schofield, WI, and Charolette (John) Fust of Wausau, WI, as well as many cousins, including his ‘adopted’ Herb and Marie Waldhart family, nieces, nephews and special life-long friends, Jerry and Lois Russ.
Wayne and Laurie were married November 4th, 1967 at St. Annes Catholic Church in Wausau, WI. Shortly after, they ventured in the bar business, Laurie and Wayne’s Northside Bar in Colby, WI. Wayne then worked for Connor Forest Industries, Marathon Rubber Products Co. and Federal Mogul all in the Wausau area. He also worked as a travel agent in his retirement years.
Wayne was passionate in many aspects of his life including his steadfast faith in our Lord and Savior. He enjoyed researching and documenting everyone’s family trees. He liked to tell stories, jokes, and sing songs with “substituted lyrics”. He took “dad” jokes to another level. But his greatest accomplishment was his family. There was nothing that could stand in his way when it came to his children or grandchildren. He has shown all who knew him what unconditional love was. He adored his family and loved spending time with all of them. You could see the glimmer in his eyes whenever he looked at them or spoke about them.
In 1976, with encouragement from his wife Laurie (“you need to spend more time with your son”), he volunteered to be Assistant Cubmaster with the newly chartered Pack 427 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. On the day of the first official meeting of Pack 427, Wayne was “volun-told” that he will be the Cubmaster, which started the legend of Wayne Waldhart, the Scouter. His leadership, integrity, and empathy were evident throughout his life as a respected volunteer in the Scouting program and the community. He held so many titles in scouting over the years, Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, District Chairperson, and so on (too many to list), and was awarded and recognized with numerous nominations, awards, and certificates (also too many to list).
He always had the best interest of the youth in those scouting (boy & girl) programs to help develop them into good, upstanding young men and women. Wayne always volunteered to help anyone at any given time and was rewarded with long time friendships throughout all those years that he held dear to his heart.
Wayne was preceded in death by the love of his life, Laurie. His parents, father and mother-in-law Lou and Florence Meysembourg, brothers, and sisters-in-law; Betty Kolokowski, David Hettinga, Jim Merklien, and Judy Merklien.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Mountain of the Lord Lutheran Church, 224650 Bittersweet Road, Wausau. Rev. Andy DeGier will officiate. Visitation will be Friday, March 1, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service all at Mountain of the Lord Lutheran Church, Wausau.
Don’t cry for me. I will be OK, heaven is my home now and this is where I’ll stay.
Don’t cry for me. I am where I belong. I want you to be happy and please stay strong.
Don’t cry for me. It finally was my time, but I will see you someday on the other side.
Don’t cry for me. I am not alone, Laurie’s with me now to welcome me home.
Don’t cry for me, for I have no fear. All my pain is gone, and Jesus took my tears.
Don’t cry for me. This is not the end. I’ll be waiting here for you when we meet again.
Special request-Anyone who knew our dad, knew he loved telling his stories. We are requesting anyone with a photo or favorite memory, bring it along with to either the visitation or funeral, to then be placed in a ‘Legacy’ book for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren so his stories can live on.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Faye L. Kowalski
Faye Kowalski, 85, Mosinee, our beautiful Mother, Wife, and Grandmother left this earth the same way she entered it with grace and strength on Monday, Feb.12th 2024.
Faye Louise Burnett was born on Dec. 2nd, 1938 on a snowy wintry day. She was the daughter of the late Bogue Burnett and Madge (Cater) Burnett. Faye married Ronald Steve Kowalski on Aug. 11th, 1957. He survives. They met when he was a paperboy and both lived on Liberty Hill and went to school together. They celebrated 67 years together and had three children, Vicki (Russ) Baars, Scott (Lori) Kowalski, & Kelli (Steve) Zebro.
Faye was a stay at home mom until her children entered school. She then apprenticed for Jerry Baehman and became a licensed beautician. After working in Wausau for many years she then worked for Gwens West Town Salon until her retirement. Faye and Rollie enjoyed road trips. They also enjoyed their many family get together’s at the Beacons of Minocqua which was truly a family event every 4th of July. The tradition still carries on.
Faye was most proud of her six grandchildren, Tyler (Katie) Kowalski, Andrea (Ryan) Lewens, Brett (Sara) Baars, Zach (Hannah) Zebro, Brody (Jenna) Zebro, and Maddie (Joe) Kaufmann. Also her great grandchildren are Elliana, Sophia, & Charlotte Lewens, Isaac, Estella, & Mercy Zebro, Marek & Kinsey Baars, Emmett Zebro, Tatum Kowalski, Blake and baby Kaufmann on the way. Faye is survived by many nieces, nephews, sister-in-laws and brother in laws. She was preceded in death by her sister Fern (Lee) Marceau, brother Ronald (Pat) Burnett & sister Jean (George) Goldsmith.
Mother you will always be forever in our hearts and we will always remember your beautiful smile. Faye’s family would like to thank Mount View and Aspirus Hospice for their compassionate end of life care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. The Rev. Aaron Becker will officiate. Visitation will take place at 9:00 am until time of service all at the church.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com
Mary A. Mangen
Mary Ann Mangen (Marchal), passed away on February 20, 2024, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, at the age of 68. She was born on June 20, 1955, in Portland, Indiana to Odus and Esther Marchal.
Mary Ann cherished her time with her family and friends. She was devoted to helping her community. In her free time, Mary Ann enjoyed various hobbies that centered around her family, she loved spending time with her loved ones, engaging in family genealogy and scrapbooking memories of her family’s lives. She took great pleasure in attending her grandchildren’s events and preserving the bounties of her garden. Mary Ann also valued self-sufficiency and independence while always extending a helping hand to those in need.
Mary Ann is survived by her partner, Chris Pehoski, her children Michelle Mangen, Renee O’Reilly, Joachim (Melissa) Mangen, Jacob (Lyndsey) Mangen, Brigid (Isaac) Wilson, Justin Mangen, and Jonathan Mangen, her brother Mike (Dee) Marchal, her sister Theresa Baucher, her grandchildren Jordan Stark, Olivia Everett, Emma Everett, David Mangen, Gavin Mangen, Wyatt Mangen, Lily Wilson, and Alex Wilson, and her beloved dog Zephyr. She was preceded in death by her husband Michael Mangen, her father Odus Marchal, her mother Esther Marchal, her brother Larry Marchal, her sister-in-law Winifred Marchal and her brother-in-law Mike Baucher.
Her memory will be held in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. A guiding light of the love and joy, her spirit endures in the stories told and the traditions upheld.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 pm on March 22 at the Jensen Center 487 N Main St, Amherst.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS
