John T. Augustine
John T. Augustine, 64, passed away on February 28, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
John worked at CBRE Global Workplace Solutions in Wausau.
John enjoyed fishing and playing cards. He was a wizard with a computer, had a great compassion for all animals, was known for his willingness to help others, and really enjoyed gardening.
John is survived by his mother, Annette Augustine; siblings, Cindy (Mike) Krebsbach, Scott (Jamie) Augustine, Sherry (Sonny) Gutknecht, Rick Augustine, and Ed Augustine; special friend May, and her children; and several nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Wally Augustine.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Christopher A. Gerber
On February 19th, 2024, Christopher A Gerber age 49 passed away surrounded by family and close friends. Christopher was known to all by Chris. He lived life by the beat of a different drum. Everyone that knew Chris, knew he did what he wanted. If you were fortunate to be part of his world, then you knew his love and friendship, was like no other. He loved to travel, create new art through tattoos, and go to concerts with friends.
Out of this great loss, Chris was able to be the saving grace for others. He was able to donate some of his organs and give the gift of life to others. He will forever be a hero.
Chris is survived by his wife Ashley Gerber and his children Brendon, Devon, Brooke, and Ember. Brother Steven Younger, sister Jessica (Steve) Rodman. Special friends that were chosen siblings, Mike and Nicole Anderla, and Niccie Brundidge. Step-Father Scott Ullenberg and grandmother Nancy Holden.
He is further survived by Nieces Kayley Schoonover, Alyssia Rodman, Breyann Marquardt, Faith McNair, and Anastasia Anderla. Nephews Finlee Younger, Mason Younger, Bam McNair, Julian Brundidge, and Rex Brundidge.
Many Aunts, Uncles, other family and friends.
Chris was proceeded in death by Alicia St. John, his mother Donna Ullenberg, grandfather Rudy Gerber, grandmother Jan Gerber, and cousin Andrew Ninnemann.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
God Looked Around His Garden
God looked around His garden
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered “Peace be thine.”
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn’t go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
-Author Unknown
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS
Darla K. Porter
Darla K. Porter, 62, of Rib Mountain, died peacefully at Aspirus Hospice House surrounded by her children and beloved pug, after living with Metastatic Breast Cancer for 2 years, on February 26th.
Darla was born in Wausau, Wisconsin on January 10, 1962, to Leonard and Lorraine (Rottscheit) Elmer. In her childhood, Darla loved warm summers playing in the old neighborhood fields with friends and siblings. She always remembered going to get a box of blue raspberry popsicles for just a nickel.
Darla graduated from Wausau West High School in 1980. Upon graduation, she enlisted in the United States Air Force. Through her Air Force career, she completed an associate degree in Logistics Management through the community college of the Air Force and a bachelor’s degree through Wayland Baptist University. While serving at her first duty station in Hawaii, Darla met her former husband, James Porter, and they married in 1982. They traveled Europe together and served assignments in Hawaii, Turkey, and Illinois. Darla’s next assignment brought them to Alaska where they had all 4 of their children and stayed many years. Her final duty station brought the family to Guam. In 2001, Darla retired as Master Sergeant from the Air Force after serving 20 years. During her years of service, Darla met some of the most incredible people that had touched her life in many ways…Proud to be AMC! Darla always said the Air Force was the best thing she ever did, besides being a mom and nanna. After her retirement, she settled her family back in Wausau to be closer to her family and worked for Kolbe and Kolbe Millwork for 20 years where she had a wonderful career with many beloved coworkers.
Darla’s love for the military didn’t end after retirement. She continued to serve by joining The American Legion Post 10 in Wausau in 2009. She was an active member serving many roles including Post Commander from 2013-2014, Membership Chairperson at the Department Level, and part of the Honor Guard.
Throughout her life, Darla enjoyed many things. Darla loved traveling both solo and with her family. She was fortunate enough to visit almost all 50 states and many locations through her Air Force Service. Some of her favorite trips included: Door County, the Great Smoky Mountains, the shores of Lake Superior, and Up North. She was fortunate enough to take a bucket list trip to Paris and Germany last year. She went all the way up to the top of the Eiffel Tower at sunset and then indulged in a delicious meal of French onion soup, her favorite. Darla’s other favorite activities included: cooking and trying new recipes, casino trips, and exploring new supper clubs with her siblings while enjoying a good sweet old-fashioned. Darla had a special love for holidays, which was passed down to her from her mother. Darla continued the tradition of making each holiday memorable and loving for her own children and grandchildren.
Darla loved being a nanna to her three grandchildren and treasured every moment she had with them. Sleepovers at Nanna’s were a special tradition that included tents set up for the kids, ice cream for breakfast, and pizza parties.
Darla was known for her strong work ethic, her determination, and her stubbornness. She loved to laugh and had a beautiful and kind smile. Darla took each day as a blessing. She never waited for a special occasion to celebrate, she did what she wanted and never let anything, especially cancer, hold her back.
Darla could always be found on her back deck in the early morning, enjoying the sunrise with a cup of coffee and her pug Zoe on her lap while listening to the bird’s chirp.
Darla is survived by her children Lindsey (Isaac) Dolan, Jordan Porter, Taylor Porter, and Hamilton Porter. Her former husband, James Porter. Her three grandchildren Alivia, Atticus, and Theodore Dolan. Siblings David Elmer, Kathy (Mike) Switlick, Viki (Greg) Simmons, Donna (Gerry) Witt and Danny (Wen-Chi) Elmer. Her partner, Patrick Borchardt. Her beloved pug, Zoe. Also, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Darla was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Kelly Elmer, a niece Nicole Witt, a grand-niece Adrian Handrick, and her best friend Vicki Gill.
The family wishes to thank the Aspirus Cancer Center for their tireless care and support for Darla during her diagnosis. As well as the entire Aspirus Hospice Staff and Care Team for the help and comfort during Darla’s last days.
Darla leaves behind a legacy of selfless service, the importance of getting out to enjoy life no matter what, and endless love for her family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Memorials and donations can be made in Darla’s name to various organizations that support Metastatic Breast Cancer Thrivers including After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD), The Infinite Boundaries Retreat through Breast Cancer Recovery and METAvivor.
Services will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 .m. A private burial with military honors will be held a Central Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery in King, WI on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com
Richard J. Hansen
Richard ‘Dick’ Hansen, 87, of Wittenberg, died on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at North Central Health Care in Wausau.
Dick was born on June 25, 1936, the son of Oscar and Bernice (Thomas) Hansen.
Dick married Linda Kay and together, they had four children. They later divorced.
Dick attended Stevens Point College where he got his bachelor’s degree in education. He later went to UW Madison, where he achieved his master’s. Dick taught college prep English in Eagle River and Howard Saumico. Dick was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing and working in the woods.
Dick is survived by four children, David Hansen, Daniel Hansen, Donald Hansen and Susan Dukes; four grandchildren, Crystal Stascak, Kimberly Hansen, Cody Hansen and Jordan Dukes; two great-grandchildren, Zander and Alex and two sisters, Mary and Sharon.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Dorothy.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1PM on Friday, March 8, 2024, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Visitation will be on Friday, from 12 Noon until the time of service at the funeral home.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com
