Angeline Ella Rajek, 98, Marathon, died Monday Dec. 26, 2022, at her home under the care of her family and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. She was born September 4, 1924, in Edgar, daughter of the late Andrew and Anna (Fochs) Lang. On June 5, 1948, she married Raymond Rajek at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. He preceded her in death June 13, 2009. Angie was a member of the Parish Council of Catholic Women and Third Order of St. Francis - St. Anthony Fraternity. Angie enjoyed being a homemaker and sharing in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Gardening, flowers, cooking and baking were important parts of Angie’s life. Survivors include her children: Robert (Louise) Rajek, Wausau, David (Mary) Rajek, Marathon, Susan Robl, West Bend, Sally Rajek, Marathon and Michael Rajek, Weston; 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one sister, Arlene White, Bonita, Calif. Besides her parents and husband, Angeline was preceded in death by two sons: Kenneth and William; a son-in-law, Kenneth Robl; a great-grandson, Nghia Linh Kieu. Siblings-sisters: Hildigard, Anna, Agnes, Adeline, Dorothy and Leona; and brothers: Louis, Ben, Andrew, Alfred, Rudolf, George and Luke. The funeral Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier presided. Burial was in the parish cemetery. Visitation was on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www. petersonkraemer.com. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their wonderful care and support. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to St. Mary’s Church in Marathon or Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. Paid obituary 130584

Linda L. Hart, age 61, died Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at her home in Athens. She was born April 25, 1961, in Wausau, the daughter of Mary Ann (Pozorski) and Gerald Schalow of Wausau. On June 29, 1990, she married Rick “Baggy” Hart. They preceded her in death. Linda grew up in Wausau on 17th Avenue with many extended family members also living on the block with her. She graduated from Newman Catholic High School in 1979 and attended Northcentral Technical College for further education. She had many jobs over her years of life, including as a waitress at the Holiday Inn in Wausau, a bank teller in Little Chicago and Athens, a warehouse associate, nursing assistant, and then working at the Cenex in Athens until her early retirement late last year. She greatly enjoyed talking with many members of the community. Linda is most remembered for her creativity as she planned Halloween parties for her children, decorated her home and yard often, and had an extensive collection of Barbie dolls. Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed thrift store shopping and arts and crafts. Linda also enjoyed taking trips both long and short to places near and far from home, and spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends, and her beloved Dachshund dogs. Linda is survived by her two children and their families: Kody Hart of Wausau, Evan (Kendra) Hart of Athens and their two children, Braelyn and Ian; two brothers: Jay (Dyna) Schalow of Coulee Dam, Wash., and Fred (Ranae) Schalow, Mukwonago; two brothers-in-law: Ronnie Hart of Athens and Jason Hart of Athens; two aunts: Cheri Siewert of Wausau and Debbie Adams of Marana, Ariz.; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins from her and her husband’s family. Visitation will be from 4 until 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, at Peterson/ Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, with a memorial service to follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www. petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 130351

Thomas F. “Tom” Burke II, 77, Edgar died Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born December 9, 1945, in Richland Center, son of the late Thomas and Marie (Nicks) Burke. Tom married the love of his life, Jean Sonnentag, on September 3, 1966, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Edgar. Tom worked at Marathon Cheese for 34 years, first as a truck driver, and was well known as “The Blue Goose” and retired from the maintenance department. Tom took much pride in maintaining the Edgar cemetery for more than 31 years. A great listener, Tom would help anyone who needed it. His smile was contagious, and he had the most positive outlook on life. Tom always greeted people with a firm handshake, a hug or even a kiss. Some of his favorite pastimes included watching the Brewers, Bucks, Packers and the Edgar Wildcats. Tom loved to support his grandchildren at all their school events. He enjoyed deer hunting with his brother-in-law, Jerry, and his nephews, the Michlig Boys. He enjoyed camping with family and friends and attending and participating in antique tractor pulls. Tom was a veteran of the United States Army in the 611th Ordnance during the Vietnam war. He was proud to have taken a trip on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight this past year. Tom was a respected member of the Edgar VFW Post 10187. He was dedicated to raising the flag at the local football games and being a part of the military guard in the local parades. Participating in military honors at many events, Tom also volunteered his time on countless occasions. He was an usher and a eucharistic minister for his church. Tom fried fish for the Lenten fish fries and in the summers cooked burgers at the church’s hamburger stand. Tom was a thoughtful and caring soul that always put others before himself. He was a devoted and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. He leaves behind many who loved him and whose lives were enriched by knowing him. Always upbeat no matter what kind of day he was having, Tom will long be remembered for his outgoing personality and cheery disposition. Survivors include his loving wife, Jean Burke, Edgar; his children: Thomas (Heather Duesselmann) Burke III, Rib Mountain, Joseph (Tiffany) Burke, Edgar and Amanda (Nathan) Albrecht, Edgar; 10 grandchildren: Isabella D’Burke (Tyler Hudson), William D’Burke, Brody, Rachel Ann and McKinley Burke and Taylor, Halle, Parker, Marshall and Evelyn Albrecht; his siblings: Mary Drexler, Stratford, and His Eminence Raymond Cardinal Burke, Rome; brother-in-law, Charles Louis, and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Rachel Burke; his brothers: Patrick and John (Ann) Burke; his sister, Rita Louis; his nephew, Marlin Sonnentag; his mother and father in-law, Lillian and Jerome Sonnentag, and his brothers-in-law: James Drexler, Leo Michig and Gary Brusky. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. His Eminence Raymond Cardinal Burke will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be held on Monday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass all at the church. There will be a parish rosary service at 8 p.m. Monday evening at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 130389

Lynn “Hun Bun” Marie Steen, age 72, of Medford, passed away on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau. She was born February 9, 1950, to the late Carl and Emma Karow in Athens. Lynn was united in marriage to Ray Steen Jr. in Medford on December 14, 1971. They were married 51 years. Lynn had various jobs and was a homemaker raising her family. Lynn loved to visit with people. She always had a humorous story to tell. She enjoyed her trips with her daughter, and also her sister and friends. She also enjoyed her shopping trips to Appleton. Lynn enjoyed her flower gardens and liked watching the birds with her morning cup of coffee. Lynn is loved and missed by her husband, Ray, of Medford; daughter, Lisa (Mike) Radtke of Rothschild; son, James Steen (Kathryn Gentile); grandson, Hank Steen of Medford; sister, Cheryl “Bubbles” (Tony) Eckert of Medford; brother-in-law, Vic Nowak of Milwaukee; and sisters-in-law: Mary Tessmer and Moony Tessmer, both of Athens. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Lynn was preceded in death by her parents; sisters: Marcy Novak, Delores (Ed) Glaser and Joan (Bruce) Sonnenberg; and brothers: Jerome and James Tessmer. A funeral service will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Thursday, Dec. 29, at 11 a.m. Friends and family may call at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to: Aspirus Medford Kidney Care. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www. hemerfuneralservice.com. Paid obituary 130394

Wanda “Full Throttle” Bergmann (as co-workers would call her) enjoyed an active life. Her biggest accomplishment in life was having her daughters, Michelle and Danielle. They were her queens (both Marathon Fun Days queens), and Wanda always encouraged them that there wasn’t anything they couldn’t do in life. She married her best friend, Lee Bergmann, in 1991. He taught her how to bow hunt (which she became obsessed with) and secondly, he and she would compete fishing together. Her favorite place was at their cabin. Lee and Wanda built their dream sanctuary “Hermitville” and, in 2020, had their pond dug right off the lawn, making it her church for prayer. There is no better place to be than at the cabin, sitting on the glider on the porch, watching the abundance of wildlife. It was heaven on earth. Wanda loved her five siblings: Joni Filipiak, Gordon Weiler, Paul Weiler, Gerald Weiler and Jenny Nowak. Wanda felt peace joining her dad, Eugene Weiler, and good friend, Bill Lemmer, up with our heavenly father. A celebration of life will be at Hermitville for immediate family and friends. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 130387

Kenneth “Kenny” A. Natzke, 80, of the town of Berlin, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau. He was born on May 29, 1942, to the late Eric and Linda (Fiedler) Natzke at the family home in the town of Hamburg. Kenny graduated from Athens High School in the class of 1960. On June 29, 1963, he was united in marriage to the former Paulette Marth at Zion Lutheran Church in the town of Rib Falls. Early in Kenny’s career, he was employed by Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee. In 1972 he moved his family back home to Hamburg, where Kenny and Paulette helped his father-in-law, Milton Marth, pursue their dream starting Marth Companies. Kenneth joined the Hamburg Fire Department in 1975, eventually becoming chief from 1987 - 2000. During his tenure with the fire department, Kenny achieved and received the fireman of the year award in 2000. He retired from the fire department in 2005 and later that year he retired from his work with their businesses. After his retirement, they purchased a winter home in Florida, which he enjoyed with his family and many new friends. They also enjoyed summer weekends at their lake home on Lake Nokomis at Tomahawk. Beyond his work, Kenny was involved with other hobbies and interests. He was a founding member of the Hamburg Rainbow Riders Snowmobile Club. While at home, Kenny especially enjoyed patrolling the yard with his golf cart. His favorite stop was at his prize garden, where he would pick raspberries and fresh vegetables which he enjoyed sharing with family and friends. Many knew he had great carpentry skills; he proudly taught his grandsons his crafts that will continue to be part of his legacy. He also spent time with friends bowling, playing shuffleboard, working with his bulldozer, fishing, and traveling with Paulette. In October of 2002 on a road trip they stopped in Kiln, Miss., and met Brett Favre’s sister and brother at their restaurant and Brett’s mother at her Hallmark store. During one of their travels in 2004, at the Houston Rodeo, Kenny and Paulette were seated near our 41st President George H.W. Bush and got an autographed picture with him. He remembered that it was like meeting an old friend. Another hobby enjoyed by Kenny was maintaining a game farm for many years, where he raised various birds, whitetail, fallow and reindeer, and most recently elk. That lead to one of his favorite family events, which was getting together to make venison sausage, meat sticks and smoked hams, which were his mother Linda’s recipes. He learned how to cold smoke sausage from his father, Eric. Everybody in the neighborhood knew of his smokehouse and his meat smoking skills, and they would bring over their venison sausages where he would smoke them to perfection. Survivors include his wife, Paulette; son, Jerome (Michele) Natzke; grandchildren: Lauren (Robert) Blume, Monica (Brent) Krautkramer, Kayleigh (Craig) Frieders, Jeremy Natzke and Justin (Jamie) Natzke; great-grandchildren: Charlie Blume, Adah Blume, Baylor Blume, Lincoln Krautkramer, Marynn Krautkramer, Brynn Frieders and Shay Frieders; daughter, Julie (Craig) Kuehn; and grandchildren: Erica (Noah) Witt, Collin Kuehn and Ethan Kuehn; Kenny’s brothers and sisters: Erich (Cheryl) Natzke, Amaryllis (LeRoy) Bath, Muriel Zinkowich, Larry (Geraldine) Natzke, Mavis (John) Dowe and Allen (Michelle) Natzke; sisters-in-law: Sandra Martyn and Carol (Larry) Edwards; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers-in-law: Darrell “Bozo” Zinkowich and Edward Martyn. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Marathon, with Pastor Jon Hadler presiding. Visitation for family and friends was on Tuesday, Dec. 27, beginning at 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the church. The visitation concluded with a prayer service. Visitation resumed on Wednesday beginning at 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., the time of service at the church. Burial will take place in the spring in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Stettin. Memorials are preferred to Little Lions Childcare or to Northland Lutheran High School. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 130355

Deanna L. Jaeckel, age 65, of Cherry Valley, Ill., and formerly of Hayward, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, at Mercy Health Riverside Campus in Rockford, Ill. Deanna Lynne was born September 16, 1957, in Elgin, Ill., the daughter of Michael and Mary Lou (Kenyon) Szula. She was raised in Elgin and attended school there until moving to Winter before her senior year of high school. Deanna graduated from Winter High School in 1975 and then attended technical school in Rice Lake, where she would receive an associate degree. Deanna moved to California for several years before moving to Hayward in 1984. Deanna began working with the local Head Start Program and also worked as a waitress at the Hayward Co-op restaurant where she made many lifelong friendships. On June 18, 1988, Deanna married John Jaeckel at the Hayward Congregational Church. Shortly after they welcomed their daughter, Sara, beginning her most important and favorite role as a mom. Deanna then began work with Arrow Building Center where she would spend over twenty years as an inside sales associate. During her time at ABC, she acquired the nickname of “Bubbles” because of her bubbly personality. She then worked with Glassworks and later L& M Fleet Supply in Hayward. Deanna had the ability to make people feel incredibly special, even creating a reputation where people would wait in line to speak with her directly. Deanna retired in 2010 when her husband was diagnosed with ALS. Deanna became a tireless ALS Association advocate, volunteer and organizer. Deanna and John created the Jaeckel Walk to beat ALS, an event that has become the largest fundraiser to fight ALS in Wisconsin. Deanna lived to help people and enjoyed connecting others in service. She fearlessly approached any challenge and would always find a creative way to solve a problem. Deanna loved her annual trips to Florida with friends and family. Deanna and John were members of First Lutheran Church in Hayward. They moved to Rockford in 2015 to be closer to Sara, Ryan and their beloved grand-puppy Sampson, of whom she had a very special bond with. She was an exceptional mother to not only Sara, but everyone she encountered. Deanna had a zest for life, she could make the most mundane things enjoyable. “Joy” was one of her favorite words and she radiated it consistently. She will be greatly missed by all those that knew her, loved her, and were fortunate enough to have her in their lives. Deanna is survived by her husband of 34 years, John; one daughter, Sara (Ryan) Ignace of Rockford; mother, Mary Lou Myers of Rockford; three siblings: Debi Hornburg of Pewaukee, Michael (Shren) Szula of DeKalb, Ill., and Mark Szula of Roscoe, Ill.; many nieces and nephews; and grand-puppy, Sampson. She was preceded in death by her father, Michael Szula Sr. A memorial service celebrating Deanna’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, at First Lutheran Church in Hayward with Pastor Joel Bacon presiding. A time of gathering with family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church, PO Box 346, Hayward, WI 54843 or the ALS Association, Wisconsin Chapter, 3332 N. Mayfair Road, Suite 104, Wauwatosa, WI 53222. Online condolences may be left for Deanna’s family at www.bratleynelsonchapels. com. Paid obituary 130397

Carla Goetz, age 66, of Neillsville, died Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at Marshfield Clinic Hospital in Marshfield. Carla Jean Goetz was born on February 11, 1956, in Wausau, the daughter of Roy and Carolyn (Laufer) Kottke. She was raised on a dairy farm outside of Athens and graduated from Athens High School in 1974. Carla then moved to Marshfield to work in bookkeeping and administrative services for an automotive company, before being united in marriage to Jeffrey McNeely in 1976 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Athens. They moved to Neillsville in 1981 and started their own small business together, Pine Valley Home Sales, Inc. It was here they raised four children together, before parting ways in 1994. Carla entered into a relationship with Brad Goetz in 2005 and they were later married at city hall in San Francisco, Calif., in 2017. Carla was a member of the Neillsville Saddle Tramps and Incourage Ministries. She also supported impoverished children through World Vision with donations and gifts. She worked for Clark County in financial administration and supported her husband, Brad, with his business, Goetz Excavating. Carla loved her horses and spent much time in nature horseback riding. She also enjoyed giving gifts and spending quality time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed cruise ships and sailed to many places around the world. Her quality time near home was enjoyed by gardening, decorating, fishing and spending time at the family cabin she shared with her husband Brad. Carla is survived by her husband, Brad; seven children: Adam (Andrea) McNeely of Lyle, Minn., Kristen (Ryan) Schoen of Spooner, Lorin (Matt) Kuester of Menomonie, Brandon McNeely of Chicago, Ill., Kaila Goetz of Pinebluff, N.C., Courtney (Ian) Pierce of Neillsville and Chelsey (Jacob) North of Chippewa Falls; her mother, Carolyn Kottke of Athens; two brothers: Kim Kottke of Athens and Kenny Kottke of Athens; two sisters: Kelly Kottke of Athens and Yvonne Schultz of Dorchester. She is further survived by ten grandchildren: Asher McNeely, Emmett McNeely, Jameson McNeely, Journey McNeely, Kinsley Schoen, Ariya Schoen, Evelyn Schoen, Emry Schoen, Shaylen Pierce and Dempsey Pierce. She was preceded in death by her father, Roy Kottke and a granddaughter, Remy Schoen. A private service of Christian celebration and burial for Carla will be held at Gesche’s Funeral Home in Neillsville. The celebrant will be Pastor Natalie Guzman. Interment will be at Neillsville City Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Carla’s family with funeral arrangements. Paid obituary 130057

Heaven gained an angel. Helen S. Strasser, 95, Edgar, died peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022 at Wellington Place, Rib Mountain. She was born June 9, 1927, in Marathon, daughter of the late William Sr. and Katherine (Bedynek) Weisenberger. On June 30, 1948, she married Elroy “Butch” Strasser at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. He preceded her in death on August 8, 2011. Survivors include eight children and their families: Sherry (David) Zilinsky and their children, Kelly (Josh) Denzin (children-Alexis and Duncan) and Lisa Zilinsky; Jerry (Lynn) Strasser and their sons, Ryan and Jeffrey Strasser; Denny (Jayne) Strasser and their children, Jason (Shannon) Strasser (children-Hannah and Ava) and Jennifer (Sid) Brubacher (son-Romeo); Bob (Sherri) Strasser and their children, Nicole (Corbin) Burkard (children-Adelyn, Nora and Baby Burkard) and Brett Strasser; Sandy (Tim) Witzeling and their children, Dustin (Natalie) Wenzel (children-Charlotte and Vanessa), Mitchel (Kathleen) Wenzel (children-Hailey and Ryan) and Cody (Yvonne) Witzeling (twin children-Barrett and Aurora); Karen (Bill) Fischer and their children, Chad (Carly) Fischer, Heather (Aaron) Zimmel (children-Owen, Harper and Emry), Ryan (Amber) Fischer (children-Felicity and Carter); Kathy Strasser and her children, Kyle Strasser, Shawn (Alexis) Radloff (son-James), Brandon (Rachel) Radloff and Matthew (Hannah Challoner) Radloff; Terry (Jill) Strasser and their children, Jordan and Jaeden Strasser. She is further survived by her brother, William “Billy” Weisenberger; nieces: Carol Ann Ashbeck and Catherine Baumann, along with many nieces, nephews and friends. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by infant twin daughters: Mary Jane and Nancy Ann; brother, Kenneth Weisenberger, and sisters: Laparda Mullen, Lillian Leitermann, Florence Lang, Evelyn Lang and Eldora Myszka. Among her favorite pastimes, she liked Bingo, gardening, bowling, dancing, crocheting, helping with Friday night fish fries, volunteering at Color Vision and watching the Packers and Brewers. She also enjoyed baking her famous white sugar cookies, homemade sugar donuts and Kolache’s. Helen was a member of the St. John Parish St. Cecilia Group. Most of all, she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helen was kind, caring, patient and had a heart of gold. She was dearly loved by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all who met her. She was our rock and the light of our family and will be greatly missed! She will always hold a very special place in each of our hearts. We have been truly blessed to have such an amazing mother. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Wellington Place and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the wonderful care they provided. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. Rev. Alan Wierzba will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 130054

Thomas E. Kraemer, 90, Marco Island, Fla., formerly of Marathon City and Wausau, died Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, in Florida. He was born August 7, 1932, in Marshfield, son of the late Anton and Ema (Altmann) Kraemer. Tom proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He married the love of his life, Marilyn Kundinger, and sadly, she passed away Monday, Oct. 10, 2022, at their home in Marco Island after a long and well fought fight with multiple myeloma. Tom had served the Wausau, Marathon City, Edgar and Athens area as a funeral director for many years, retiring in 1999, when the business was purchased by the Peterson Funeral Home. Through the years, he had been involved in many church, civic and social organizations. Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Kraemer; three sisters: Rosie Adler, Rita Gassner and Flora Christner; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Besides his parents and wife, Marilyn, he was preceded in death by two sons: Paul and Kory; two brothers: Paul and Richard; and one sister, Arline Stangl. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the family plot with his sons and wife in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Peterson/KraemerFuneralHome,Marathon,isinchargeof arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 129776