Adeline E. (Wieloch) Lang, 91, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Copperleaf of Marathon, under the care of Heartland Hospice. She was born on May 13, 1932, in the town of Cassel to Joseph and Marie (Szymanski) Wieloch. She married Henry Lang Jr. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in the town of Cassel on June 24, 1953. They were married for 63 years before Henry’s death on February 24, 2017. Together they bought the Lang and Wieloch family farms, working side by side farming and growing ginseng until their retirement. They enjoyed traveling, with trips to Laughlin, Las Vegas and San Francisco. Adeline’s most memorable trip was to Hawaii. They had a cottage on Ballard Lake where many family memories were made. In 2015 they were honored to have their grandson’s wedding held on their farm. Adeline loved gardening, flowers, baking, watching birds and Christmas. She would spend countless hours in her vegetable and flower gardens. Her gardens were always bigger than needed. Flower pots were anywhere she could put them. She would always find a spot if family or a friend gave her a flower that she didn’t have. She enjoyed feeding and watching birds (and chasing away the squirrels from her feeders). Her great-grandchildren now enjoy her old bird books as they watch the birds. They all know Nana’s favorite bird is the cardinal. Christmas was her favorite holiday. She would spend weeks decorating, making candy, and baking all sorts of cookies. She made cutout cookies by the dozens for her grandchildren to decorate. She so enjoyed her job at Memories Ballroom where many laughs were had, more fun than a job. Her card group would meet for lunch and then go to one of their houses for an afternoon of cards on Tuesdays. But most of all, Adeline loved her family. She loved being grandma and great-grandma, and the precious time she got to spend with them. Survivors include her children: Cary Lang of Hortonville, Debra (Matt) Schleinz of Wausau and Judy (Brian) Carr of Marathon; grandchildren: Kyle (Trisha) Carr, Kody Carr (special friend, Whitney), Garrett (Kellie) Carr and Michaela Schleinz; great-grandchildren; Caison, Asher and Evaliese Carr, Quinlyn Carr and Adalyn, Mark and Madison Carr; one sister, Mary Ann (Walter) Toboyek; three brothers: Marcell (Janice) Wieloch, Martin (LaVonne) Wieloch and Dennis (Karen) Wieloch; brother-in-law, Earl Hoffman; sister-in-law, Mary Wieloch, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry; sisters: Sylvia (Joe) Krautkramer, Eleanor (Joel) Tucek, Ethel Hoffman and Alexia (Ronald) Osterbrink; and brother, Dallis Wieloch. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon, with Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier presiding. Visitation will begin on Wednesday, April 17, at 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Peterson/ Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, and continue on Thursday at 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Rosary prayers will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. The family would like to thank the staff at Copperleaf for their love, support and exceptional care of Mom. You were more than her caregivers, you were family. Thank you to Heartland Hospice for their care and concern during her final months. Also thank you to Debbie Marzynski for the care of Dad, and then Mom before she moved to Copperleaf and her continued love and support. Mom, Nana, we will miss you forever, but we know you are now with Dad, Papa. We love you. Paid obituary 151305

Vernell M. Calmes, 83, Edgar, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center, Weston. She was born on June 12, 1940, in Athens, daughter of the late Theodore and Ester (Hanke) Mader. On January 24, 1959, she married Robert G. Calmes at St. John Catholic Church, Wuertzburg. Vernell and Robert celebrated 60 years of marriage prior to his passing on May 18, 2019. Vernell was an extremely spunky, loving, hard-working woman all of her life. She owned multiple businesses with her husband, Bob, while living in Marathon. She loved listening to our dad’s beautiful voice as he sang to her every day. Vernell was the ultimate hostess. Always hosting somethingholidays, birthdays, showers, weddings or just the daily meals for her large family and about 5-10 neighborhood kids at least. After her own children had grown, her passion was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. If there was a baby to hold, she had them!! Vernell and her husband, Bob, enjoyed a nice retirement, being able to travel all over exploring, visiting family and friends. And, of course, hosting their big holiday events for their ever-growing family. After Bob’s passing, Vernell moved to Edgar to be closer to family and friends. She enjoyed spending time with her all of her friends, old and new. Sharing and going out for meals, attending Mass at St. John’s, Edgar, having coffee and pastries at Starks and welcoming new great and great-great-grandchildren. Survivors include her loving children: Mari (Bruce) Hostrawser, Renae (David) Burk, Shari (John Gasperetti Jr.) Calmes Rolain, Rhonda (James) Hanneman, Robert (Randy Greene) Calmes Jr., Bryant (Kathy) Calmes, Audra (fiancé Mike Pliskie) Calmes and Gina (fiancé Brad Nagel) McKeough. Vernell has 20 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers: Jerome, Jim, Teddy, Vernon, Melvin and Eugene Mader. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. The Rev. Alan Wierzba will preside. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Our hearts are broken, Till we met again our Beautiful Mother…… Paid obituary 151306

Jane Marie Knauf, a beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away on April 2, 2024, at the age of 62. She faced a 22-month battle with glioblastoma with unwavering courage and strength, surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her Sun Prairie home. She was born August 1, 1961, in Wausau, daughter of James and the late Ann (Austin) Seubert of Marathon. On May 14, 1983, Jane joined hands in marriage with her high school sweetheart, Dan Knauf, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marathon. Their enduring love and partnership lasted 40 joyous years. Jane and Dan established their family in Sun Prairie in 1984, where they lovingly raised their three wonderful children. After high school, Jane attended NCTI in Wausau and graduated with a degree in computer programming. In 1981, Jane moved to Madison, where she embarked on a remarkable career at American Family Insurance. Her commitment to her work was evident, as she dedicated 41 years to the company, ascending to a managerial role in the IS Department. Jane retired from her fulfilling career in October 2022, due to her battle with cancer. Jane’s passion for an active lifestyle led her to become an avid runner, maintaining peak physical condition to explore the beauty of nature on mountain trails across Colorado, Utah and Arizona, as well as her favorite trails in Wisconsin. Beyond her own pursuits, Jane found joy in giving back to her community. For many years, she dedicated her time to teaching Junior Achievement at Sacred Hearts School. Additionally, her enthusiasm extended to the basketball court, where she lent her support to Dan as he coached girls basketball. Above all, Jane’s heart belonged to her children and grandchildren. She embraced her role as mother and Nana with love and devotion. Her children, Dave (Vanessa), Stefanie (Aaron) and Angela (Nicolas) and her cherished grandchildren, Olivia, Allie, Lucas and Owen, brought immeasurable joy to her life. The annual tradition of Camp Nana became a cherished time for laughter, bonding and making memories. Jane’s warmth and kindness and gentle spirit touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Her absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt by her family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Jane’s memory will forever remain in our hearts. Survivors include her husband, Dan; her children: Dave (Vanessa) Knauf, Stefanie (Aaron) Gander and Angela (Nicolas) Collins, and four grandchildren: Olivia Knauf, Allie, Lucas and Owen Gander. She is further survived by her father, James “Jim” Seubert; siblings: Steven (Pam) Seubert, Karen (Brian) LeBlanc, Susan (David) Mleziva, William (Stasia) Seubert, Carla (Dale Brom) Roth and Roger (Ann) Seubert; fatherin- law, Robert Knauf, and brothers-in-law: Don (Lori) Knauf and Andy (Susie) Knauf. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ann M. Seubert, mother-in-law, Virjean Knauf and infant sister, Alice Seubert. Jane’s family wishes to thank the staff at UW Health and Agrace Hospice Care for their exceptional care and support. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. The Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Agrace or the National Brain Tumor Society. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 150941

Kurt Umnus Jr., 94, town ofWien, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield. He was born July 28, 1929, in Edgar, son of the late Kurt and Evelyn (Warosh) Umnus. On August 4, 1995, he married Beverly Linden at St. John Lutheran Church, ELCA, town of Wien. She survives. Kurt was a lifelong dairy farmer in the town of Wien. He was a charter member of the North Central WI Antique Steam and Gas Engine Show, charter member of the Fenwood Lions Club and a member of the Central WI Polka Club. Kurt was an avid deer hunter, starting at the age of 14, and was proud of the fact that he never missed a year in 80 years of hunting. Survivors include his wife, Beverly Umnus, Edgar; his stepchildren: Laura (Al) Pongratz, Lois Schneider, Paul Schneider, Joyce Schneider, Jean Peterson and Sara (Cory) Rilling; four step grandchildren: Christina and Curtis Pongratz, Taylyn Dupee and Izzabella Schneider; two step great-grandchildren: Kailey and Kenzie and numerous nieces and nephews. Kurt is further survived by his faithful companion, Smokey. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Frederick (Lois) Umnus, Dorothy (Al) Biver, Katherine Crabtree and Joyce (David) Proft and a step son, Russell Schneider. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church, ELCA, 120500 County Road N, Edgar, WI, 54426, (Town of Wien). The Rev. Gail Sowell will preside. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Kurt’s name. The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Chris and all the staff with the Palliative Care Unit at Marshfield Medical Center for the outstanding care given to Kurt and his family while he was in their care. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 150944

Dorothy M. Steber, 90, Marathon, passed away peacefully at home during the night of April 3, 2024. Dorothy Mae Steber was born on January 13, 1934, in Marshfield, daughter of the late Frank and Anna (Unertl) Haupt. She married John F. Steber on October 12 1963, son of George and Clara (Fronek) Steber at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Auburndale. She went to St. Mary’s Catholic School in Auburndale, completing her education at St. Joseph’s Academy in Stevens Point. She began work as a legal secretary at a law firm in Marshfield. She then worked as secretary at the teachers college in Wisconsin Rapids. She met her husband, John, at a friend’s wedding. They made their home in Marathon when John was hired as the industrial arts teacher at Marathon High School. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She truly loved to spend time with her grandchildren. She also loved gardening, baking and sewing. She enjoyed being a member of the choir and PCCW, decorating the church on holidays and doing volunteer work for the parish and St. Anthony’s Retreat Center. She was also a long-time member of the Third Order of St. Francis fraternity in Marathon. Survivors include her husband, John; four daughters: Lisa Lemanski, Marathon, Kathy (Bill) Krause, Marathon, Jodi, Marathon and Lori (Nathan) Dzwonkowski, Marathon; two sons: Tom (Angelica) LaVergne, Tenn., and Chris Mosinee; grandchildren: Michael Krause, Matthew Dzwonkowski, Karen (Steber) Shoemaker and Elizabeth Dzwonkowski. Additional survivors include her sister, Betty Zimmermann; sisters-in-law: Lydia Haupt, Cherie (Haupt) Ciegielski, Julie Haupt, Jean Mugavero, Barbara Boettcher and Betty Steber and brothers-in-law: Gene Mason and Tom Boettcher. Dorothy was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Zopfi and her brothers: Sylvester, Edward, Donald, Robert and David. Also, son-in-law, Timothy Lemanski, sisters-in-law: Louis Haupt and Sally Haupt, and brothers-in-law: Bernard Zimmermann, Howard Zopfi, George Steber, Donald Zoern, Jim Mugavero, Leonard Pagel and Gordon Waldvogel. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon. The Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 150948

James J. “Durk” Durkee Jr., 54, of the town of Cassel, passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on December 4, 1969, in Wausau to the late James Sr. and Ethel (Stange) Durkee. James graduated from Edgar High School in 1988. He later married the love of his life, Dorinda Bruner, on September 2, 1995, at St. John Lutheran Church - High Steeple. James enjoyed working with his hands and art. That enjoyment led to his career as an assembler of windows for many years and also his love of woodworking. James enjoyed being outside, conversations around a bonfire, good football game, deer hunting, taking the four-wheelers out, and camping with family and friends. He also loved playing card games when he was with family and friends. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and his comments from the “peanut gallery.” He loved all in his life deeply. Survivors include his wife, Dorinda; sister, Ronda Durkee (Bryan Kramp); nieces: Isabelle Kramp, Tammy (Rory) Volm and Jamie (Jason) Adamski; greatnephews and nieces: Samantha Bruner, Eric Schmidt, Naomi Volm, Mary Volm, Jenna Adamski and Nicholas Adamski; great-great-niece, Aubree Klimpke, godmother, Clara Robl; close friends: Larry Block and Tim Manecke; furry friend, Roxy; and many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Sr. and Ethel; father and mother-in-law, Jack and Neoma (McCarthy) Bruner; maternal grandparents, John and Erma Stange; paternal grandparents, Don Durkee and Blanche Sandoval; brothers-in-laws: James, Michael and Charles Bruner; sister-in-law, Pam Dhein; godparents, David and Mary Durkee; cousins: Michael and Richard Wendtland; infant cousin, Susie Wickman and a cousin-in-law, Boyd Parker. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Lincare for all the years of their healthcare service. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church – High Steeple, 119415 Huckleberry Road, Edgar, with Rev. Michael Mathey presiding. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place at a later date in Mosinee Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 150861

Kathleen Kaiser, 83, passed away Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Agrace Hospice – Janesville from a long gradual descending dementia disease of Parkinsonism/Lewy body. Kathy was born April 6, 1940, at home on the dairy farm of Myron J. and Eleanore (Strigel) Dennee. She was the second child of nine children. Kathy grew up working hard with the dairy cattle and driving the numerous tractors doing the farmwork. She developed a strong work ethic on the farm. Kathy went to St. Andrew’s Catholic school in the little settlement of Rozellville (Stratford, WI), and attended Stratford High School. On June 4, 1957, she married the teenage love of her life, Brendan Kaiser, from a neighboring small town of Edgar. Kathy and Brendan moved from Edgar to Janesville in October 1959. They have five children born to them, who were all married in Janesville: Robert ‘Bob’ (Kris) Kaiser, Shirley (Greg) Rucks, Brenda (Cary) McNatt, Pam (Jeff) Hermanns and Todd (Robbi) Kaiser. In 1977, after Kathy and her husband built their second new home in 1976, she and her friend, Andrea Stair, started an interior decorating business hanging wallpaper known as the Wall Wizards. They were the exclusive decorators for the two major builders in the Janesville and surrounding communities, along with hundreds of private home owners. The Wall Wizards retired in the fall of 2004 with many satisfied customers. Kathy was a great mother, housekeeper with cooking skills above average that she passed down to her family. Her husband, family and her faith were top priorities to her. Kathy and her husband with their family loved camping, boating, snowmobiling and travel. She and Brendan traveled to Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii and Canada fishing trips, plus forty of the forty-eight continental United States with a 5th wheel RV. Kathy is survived by her husband and their five children mentioned herein, along with her sisters: Betty (Duane) Stencil and Jean Dennee; brothers: Jerry (Carol) Dennee and Richard (Diane) Dennee; along with brothers-in-law: Ron Kaiser,Tom (Mary Jo) Kaiser and John (Joyce) Kaiser; sisters-in-law: Mary Jane (Al) Volm and Carmel Muehlhausen; her 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Kathy was predeceased by her parents and inlaws, Oliver and Cyrilla Kaiser; infant sister, Shirley Dennee; sisters: Karen Caple and Marion Kaiser; and brother, VietNam Vet James ‘Jim’ Dennee. A private Mass will be held at a later date by her family. If you wish, memorials are appreciated to Agrace Hospice in Kathy’s name. The Apfel Wolfe Funeral Home, Janesville, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.apfelwolfe.com. Paid obituary 150311

Bernice C. Passehl, 99, of Athens, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024, at Athenian Living in Athens, also under the care of St. Croix Hospice. She was born on July 30, 1924, to the late Stanley and Eleanore (Myszka) Writz in Rietbrock. Bernice married Jerome Passehl on October 2, 1948, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Poniatowski. He preceded her in death on March 4, 1998. Bernice loved and cared for her family, raising three children. She also worked at Marathon Cheese for 27 years, was a hostess and waitress at the Sky Lite Supper Club, and was a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary. In addition to her work, Bernice was an excellent cook and baker. She baked delicious pies and desserts, and loved to share, baking many pies for Father Graham and Father Hiebel. She also loved country music, especially George Jones, and dancing to polka music. Bernice will be remembered for her strong faith, attending Mass daily, her generosity, being pleasant and easy-going, and for her smile. Survivors include her children: Jerome Jr. of Athens, Kathleen (Robert) Franz of Edgar and Duane (Donna) Passehl of Fenwood; grandchildren: Steve Passehl, Chad (Rhonda) Passehl, Melissa (Jake) Lemke, Ann Marie (Alf-Harald) Dahl, Benjamin (Monika) Franz, Josh (Jennifer) Passehl and Amber (Kevin) Blumreich; grandson-in-law, Troy “TJ” Weiler; great-grandchildren: Seth Passehl, Tanya Passehl, Luke Passehl, Zack Passehl, Evin Passehl, Asher Lemke, Leo Franz, Thomas Dahl, Alexander Dahl, Lorraina Franz, Gabrielle Franz, Eloise Franz, Madison Passehl, Reid Passehl and Kinsley Blumreich; great-great-grandson, Seth Passehl Jr; step-great-granddaughters: Jennifer Writz and Ashlee Goodrich; step-grandsons-in-law: Traner Weiler and Tukker Weiler; brother, Daniel (Mary) Writz; and sisters-in-law: Myra Makowski and Kathleen “Kitty” Writz. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome; parents, Stanley and Eleanore; infant daughter, Patricia; granddaughter, Jennifer (Franz) Weiler; brothers: Florian, Raymond, Benjamin “Jack,” Stanley, Jerome “Jeff,” and infant Michael; and sisters: Leona Jurkowski, Regina Nizzi and Margaret Stubler. A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens, celebrated by Rev. George Graham. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be at a later date in Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. A special thank you from the family to the staff and volunteers at Athenian Living of Athens and St. Croix Hospice for their loving care of Bernice! Paid obituary 150322

Allen C. Lang, 73, of Medford, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by family, after a yearlong battle with cancer. A funeral Mass for Allen will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Whittlesey with Father Patrick McConnell presiding. Burial will follow at OLPH Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford on Sunday, March 31, 2024, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., when a rosary service will take place. Visitation will continue at OLPH Catholic Church on Monday, April 1, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Allen was born on September 23, 1950, to Charles and Rose (Boehm) Lang in Wausau. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Edgar High School. He continued his education at UW-Madison School of Pharmacy, where he met and married the love of his life, Judy Bohman. After graduating pharmacy school, they purchased and operated the Edgar Drugstore. The family moved to Medford in 1983 and they purchased Valu-Rite Drugstore, which the family operated until 2010. After selling the drugstore he continued to work there with his son until his cancer diagnosis in spring of 2023. When Allen wasn’t working at the drugstore, he enjoyed working on their farm raising beef and doing field work. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and neighbors. He loved playing cards (Sheepshead) with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. Allen is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judy Lang; children: Sara (Mark) Matyka of Rib Lake, Jason (Kristine) Lang of Medford and Rachel Lang of Mount Pleasant; grandchildren: Kyle (Savannah) Matyka, Cody (Clare) Matyka, Jacob, Tyler and Amber Matyka, and Alexander and Timothy Lang, and one greatgranddaughter on the way. Allen is further survived by his siblings: Dennis (Shirley) Lang, Charles (Dorothy) Lang and Jane (John) Yde, and the Hasko bonus family. Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Rose and step-mother Georgine. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid obituary 150312

of Marathon made her final journey home to be with her Lord on her 93rd birthday, March 6, 2024, at Wausau Aspirus Hospital. Dawn Mae Clara Braunel was born on March 6, 1931, at home, in the town of Marathon, to the late Edwin and Dorothy (Gresens) Braunel. She was the middle of nine children. On November 18, 1950, she married Donald Erdman of Town of Stettin at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Marathon. Together they had six children: LaVern of Wausau, Peggy (Henry)Baumann of Marathon, twin sons-Aaron (Margie) of DeWitt, Iowa, and Alan (Lisa) of Pelican Lake, Glen (Lisa) of Wausau and Nelson (Freda) of Germantown. Donald died December 27, 1996, at home. Her family includes 18 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren (including three sets of twins) and two great-great-grandchildren. Surviving sibling include one sister, Jane Ross of Edgar, and one sister-in-law, Virginia Erdman, Wausau; special daughters-in-law: Julianne Streveler, Chris Erdman and Tammy Johnkowski, and special grandson, Cory Erdman, who visited and helped her weekly, She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, friends, cousins and neighbors. Deceased siblings are three sisters: Lucille Schoepke, Doris Traska and Carol Blaubach, and four brothers: Merlyn Braunel, Duane/Sonny Braunel, LeRoy/Buddy Braunel and infant brother George Braunel. On December 5, 2004, she married Marlen Burish of Edgar at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Marathon. Together with Marlen she welcomed his five children: Cindy, Christine, Brian, Bill and Keith, along with their spouses and children into her family. Marlen died April 11, 2013, at home. Dawn Mae was a lifelong resident of the Town of Marathon. She and her siblings had a 2-1/2 mile walk to and from Woodlawn Country School 1st thru 8th grades. As a teen she worked babysitting, cooking and cleaning for several area families. She was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Marathon. She taught Sunday school when her children attended. Dawn Mae was a present member of Ladies Aid and had been for over 60 years. Very important throughout her life was her faith in the Lord. In 1964 she started sewing draperies for Jolene’s Drapery in Wausau and was the main seamstress for Scotties Interiors of Wausau, sewing draperies, pillows, etc. until 2004. Dawn Mae was a very talented seamstress and was always patching, hemming or mending for family and friends. As a Ladies Aid project, Dawn Mae started waiting on tables at Rib River Ballroom in 1965. In 1998 she took the job of calling and arranging to get waiters and waitresses to work at Rib River. In the spring of 2019, she didn’t know if she was slowing down or life was moving too fast - so she gave up the actual waiting on tables. In July of 2022, when Jack Kramer sold the ballroom, she handed her paperwork to the new owners. She also volunteered at Dime and Dollar Thrift Store since 1989 and at the Health Care Center beauty shop since 1998. In the spring of 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic closed everything, she decided to stay home and retire from her volunteer jobs. Dawn Mae kept in touch with friends and relatives who were homebound, in assistant living or in nursing homes. Instead of visiting and going for lunch, she talked to them by phone. She was also a monthly supporter of St. Judes Childrens Hospital. Dawn Mae lived in the Town of Marathon on Hwy. NN for 85 years, taking pride in her yard and flower garden. She loved summer and enjoyed cutting the lawn and working to keep everything looking nice. In winter she shoveled her then large driveway by hand and, on occasion, used a walk-behind snowblower. She loved bird watching and always made sure the bird feeders were full. In May of 2016, Dawn Mae sold her home on NN and moved to the Swiderski Apartments in Marathon. There she enjoyed retirement to the fullest. She always kept herself busy. Weather permitting, she could be found walking around the neighborhood. She loved her apartment life and met many nice neighbors. Dawn Mae loved reading. Her favorite author was Danielle Steele. She also enjoyed reading Amish books and doing word searches. Dawn Mae continued making applesauce and apple cakes, rhubarb jam and rhubarb cakes and baked cookies for her children and grandchildren, neighbors and friends. No one ever went home empty handed. Years back she’d go deliver her baked goods to her children near by. A birthday or family gathering was never complete without “Grandma E’s chocolate chip bars.” All her years she enjoyed listening to polka music and loved to dance. “The Huntsman’s Waltz” by the Greiner Bros was always her and Donald’s favorite. She loved Christmas, decorating both inside and out. Listening to Christmas music usually started before Thanksgiving. Thru Marlen and his family she learned and enjoyed playing cards. The family would like to thank Pastor Hadler and Pastor Ben for their visits, comfort and prayers. Also Dr. Rishi for his wonderful care and compassion, and the hospice team, doctors and nurses who were so kind and helped comfort Mom in her last days. Bless you all. We will miss you Mom, give Dad a hug from us. “Til we meet again.” A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 11, 2024, at St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church, Marathon. The Rev. Jon Hadler presided. Burial was in the church cemetery. Visitation was held on Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer. com. Memorials may be sent to St. Matthews Lutheran Church of Marathon or Aspirus Hospice and Comfort Care of Wausau. Paid obituary 149678