Thomas A. Lotter, age 76, of Weston, passed away on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. A Mass of Christian burial was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Milan. Father George Graham presided. Interment followed at the church cemetery with military honors provided by the Athens VFW Post #8527 and American Legion Post #4. Family and friends were welcome from 4 until 7 p.m. on Monday, March 4, and from 9 a.m. until time of the service Tuesday, all at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Tom was born on January 24, 1948, the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Weiler) Lotter in the township of Bern, Marathon County. He attended St. Anthony’s Catholic Grade School and graduated from Athens High School. Tom served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970 in Vietnam and was awarded three Purple Hearts and the Army Commendation Medal. On June 12, 1971, he was united in marriage to Ruth Rouse in Platteville. Tom was a skilled carpenter and had his own carpentry business, Lotter Building Service, in Milan. He built 39 homes, including one each for his daughter and son. Tom was a member of St. Thomas where he served on the parish council and was an usher. He was a member of the VFW, DAV Rib River Chapter 31, and the VVA North Central Chapter 479. Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing sheepshead. He was constantly helping his neighbors and friends. Tom was especially proud of his children and grandchildren. Tom is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ruth; three children: Jeffery (Trudy) Lotter of Weston, Jennifer (Cory) Pagel of Ringle and Victoria (Ken) Rutschow of Spencer; four grandchildren: Madison and Brianna Pagel of Ringle and Abigail and Braxton Rutschow of Spencer. He is further survived by a sister, Kathleen “Kutz” Murkowski of Wausau and a brother, John Lotter of Athens; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Andrew Jr., Victor and Joseph; a sister, Betty Collins, and a son-in-law, Russell Sliwicki. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling. com. Paid obituary 149074

Kenneth A. Reuter, 80, passed away February 29, 2024, at his home. He was born April 17, 1943. A service will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 125074 Co. Rd. U, Edgar on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time.

Marvin “Marv” L. Broeske, age 85, of Abbotsford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, at Mayo Health Clinic Systems in Eau Claire. Marvin was born on June 24, 1938, the son of Elroy and Emma (Behring) Broeske in Dorchester. He graduated from Abbotsford High School in 1956 and attended UW Eau Claire where he played basketball for the Blugolds. Marvin was a member of the Army National Guard for 11 years and was called to service during the Berlin Crisis. On January 26, 1961, Marv was united in marriage to Kay Bobbe in Medford. They raised their family in Abbotsford. Marv worked at gas stations in Colby before working 25 years as office manager at Kraft Foods in Milan. He then managed the Cenex Convenience Store in Dorchester for many years. Marv was a huge sports fan and officiated basketball and volleyball at all levels for over 60 years. He truly cherished all his officiating partners but had special memories officiating with Kenny Christensen, Chad Austin and Al Braun. Marv was also highly active playing and organizing adult basketball teams and leagues in and around Abbotsford for many years. He also played on several adult softball teams that played in leagues throughout the area. Marv traveled to tournaments across the state playing in tournaments well into his 50s. He told wonderful stories of all the special plays and games from all the sports he enjoyed playing. He loved the life-long friendships that he made during all those years of playing sports. He was always in the mood for stopping somewhere on his way home from playing or officiating for a cold one or two and was even known to have won quite a few beer drinking trophies with all his softball buddies! He also liked to keep everything in his life highly organized and tidy, from his lawn to his dining room hutch, to his car, and even his garage was neat and tidy. He was a meticulous bookkeeper and took immense pride in doing things right the first time. Marv enjoyed going up to the cottage on Sacketts Lake to relax with his family. Marv was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Colby and is a past member of the Abbotsford Jaycees. Marv is survived by his wife, Kay, of 62 years; four children: Jill (Steve) Weiler of Marshfield, Patrick (Nellie) Broeske of Brownsville, Robyn (Paul) Schueller of Stratford and Allyson Broeske of Abbotsford; nine grandchildren: Jena (Ryan) Moertel, Hailey Weiler (fiancé Nick Bolen), Trent Weiler, Bennett Broeske, Alivia Broeske, Jacob Broeske, Kamryn Schueller, Braeden Schueller and Kalyn Schueller, and one greatgranddaughter, Charlotte Moertel. He is further survived by brothersin- law and sisters-in-law: Lester (Marlene) Bobbe, Linda Boxrucker and Larry Bobbe; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elroy, and Emma; two brothers: Donald (Ruth) Broeske and Clyde (Carmen) Broeske; a sister, Dorothy (Armin) Gruenke; brother-in-law, Jack Boxrucker; and other family members. A memorial service will be held for Marv at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. Reverend James Groleau will preside. Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Military honors will be provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227. Following the service the family will be hosting a gathering to celebrate Marv’s life, tell a few stories, have a few drinks, and enjoy a nice dinner. Please join the family at Jack’s Cantina Bar & Grill, 503 E. Spruce St., Abbotsford. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with arrangements. Family and friends may express condolences online at www. maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 148997

Darrel A. Dehlinger, 70, Marathon, formerly of Athens, died Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born May 27, 1953, in Wausau, son of the late Alfred and Madelia (Alberts) Dehlinger. On June 17, 1972, he married Marion Kohl at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, golfing and woodworking. He also loved watching his grandkids participate in sporting events, like football, wrestling, basketball, track and field and volleyball. Survivors include his wife, Marion Dehlinger, Marathon; two children: Jamie (Holly) Dehlinger, Stratford and Jessie (Jonah) Glodowski, Wausau; nine grandchildren: Derek, Dilan, Makenna, Gavin, Ava, Arial, Autumn, Jarek and Jovie; one brother, John (Joan) Hanson, Tomah; one sister, Susan Degner, Stevens Point; one sister-in-law, Marilyn Hanson, N.C.; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three siblings: Delores “Dori” Beckman, Marian Kottke and Larry Hanson. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Rev. George Graham will preside. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Athens. 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 in Darrel’s memory. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 149030

Norma Elizabeth Socha, age 101, a longtime resident of Edgar, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edgar. Rev. Alan Wierzba was the celebrant with Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier concelebrating. Norma was laid to rest in the parish cemetery following the service. Visitation was held on Monday, Feb. 26, at the church from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by a parish rosary service. Visitation was held again on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. The honor of pallbearer belonged to Peyton Dahlke, Preston Dahlke, Carter Dahlke, Brooks Walters, Tyler Walters, Keegan Kruzan, Kyler Kruzan and Alex Boehlen. Honorary pallbearers were Craig Walters, Jeff Walters, Paul Dahlke, Kraig Kruzan and Eric Cabanski. Norma was born on November 28, 1922, in Marathon, daughter of Peter and Magdeline (Schlagenhaft) Bingen. Norma attended St. Mary’s Parochial School and graduated from Marathon High School. On May 29, 1946, Norma was united in marriage with Leo Socha, Jr. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon. In 1961, Norma and her husband Leo operated “Socha’s Bar” just outside of Edgar on Hwy. 29. In 1977, the couple managed and operated a supper club called the Chateau Regina and ran that business successfully until their retirement in 1987. Norma was a devout Catholic who gave countless hours back to the church and her community through altar laundry, attending church daily, volunteering for Lenten fish fries, Colorvision, and selling poppies for Memorial Day. In Norma’s words, “God has given me a healthy life so I still have a chance to give back to him even at my age. God willing, I will do these things until the day he calls me home. I love my Lord and my church.” In her spare time, her hobbies included crocheting afghans and hangers, which many people enjoyed over the years. She also enjoyed playing cards, baking and candy-making to share with others, putting puzzles together, and pouring delicious Manhattans and Old Fashioneds while sharing great times with family and friends. Norma loved attending her greatgrandchildren’s activities and sporting events. She was their biggest cheerleader and never wanted to miss the fun! Organizations that Norma also gave her time to included: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Edgar, St. John’s PCCW, St. Mary Goretti Group, the former Edgar American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and the current Marathon American Legion Auxiliary. Survivors include two daughters: Carol (Jack) Van of Eloy, Ariz., and Kathy (Steve) Treu of Sparta; five grandchildren: Craig (Lynn) Walters of Pickerel, Jeff (Shelly) Walters of Neenah, Paul (Robin Langhoff) Dahlke of Edgar, Kelly (Eric Cabanski) Dahlke of Weston and Kristin (Kraig) Kruzan of Wausau; thirteen great-grandchildren: Tyler Walters, Alexa Olson and Brooks Walters, Alex Boehlen and Carly Walters, Peyton and Preston Dahlke, Carter Dahlke-Haroldson, Carlee Dahlke, and Carsyn Cabanski, Keegan, Kyler and Kensi Kruzan; two great-great-grandchildren: Colden and Asa Olson; step-grandchildren: Jim (Crystal) Treu and Monica (Pat) Olbert of Sparta and their children Thomas and Hannah Treu, and Celia and Roman Olbert and son-in-law, David Stankowski of Stevens Point. Norma is further survived by countless nieces and nephews, friends, neighbors and her Saint John’s church family. Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; her daughter, Tamara Stankowski, two brothers: Leander Bingen and Rev. Norbert Bingen and two sisters: Helen Thull and Margaret Shidell. A special thank you to Kraig and Kristin Kruzan for graciously bringing hospice care into their home in Norma’s final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be donated to St. John’s Catholic Church in memory of Norma. Norma’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit www. lifetributesfuneralhome.com. Paid obituary 148952

Thomas A. Lotter, age 76, of Weston, passed away on Monday, Feb, 26, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Milan. Father George Graham will preside. Interment to follow at the church cemetery with military honors provided by the Athens VFW Post #8527 and American Legion Post #4. Family and friends are welcome from 4 until 7 p.m. on Monday, March 4, and from 10 a.m. until time of the service Tuesday all at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.

Sister Loretta Schreiber, a Sister of Mercy of the Holy Cross, age 95, died February 13, 2024, at Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living in Merrill. Irene Schreiber was born May 2, 1928, in Athens, to Bernard and Hattie (Soucek) Schreiber. She entered Holy Cross Convent in Merrill on August 12, 1947, and professed her vows on July 2, 1949. Sister Loretta was in her 74th year of ministry at the time of her death. She attended Our Lady of the Holy Cross High School, Merrill, graduating in 1947. She received her practical nursing certificate from St. Joseph’s School of Practical Nursing in Dickinson, N.D., on September 29, 1953. Sister Loretta was a staff nurse (8 years) at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Dickinson, N.D., Holy Cross Hospital (2 years) Merrill, and St. Joseph’s Hospital (27 years) Breese, Ill. When she retired from nursing, she continued her service to patients and employees in the Heath Information Services (17 years) at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, Ill. In 2013, she moved to Bell Tower Residence in Merrill and joined the small community of sisters living there. Sister was involved in visiting the elderly in their homes and in nursing homes, bringing communion to the sick in their parishes in the Breese area as well as St. Joseph’s Hospital. In her later years she enjoyed yard work and tending to the birds who came to her bird feeder. Preceding her in death were her brothers: Fr. Bernard, Clarence and George; an infant brother, August; parents, Bernard and Hattie, and sisters-in-law: Marcella A. Schreiber and Carol Schreiber. She is survived by her family of Holy Cross Sisters and associates, as well as by her brother, Roman Schreiber, Abbotsford, one sister-in-law, Marcella Schreiber, Abbotsford, and many nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass for Sister was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, at the Holy Cross Chapel in Bell Tower Residence. Father Charles Hoffmann presided. Visitation was held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, until the time of the liturgy. Burial followed in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, Merrill. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com. Paid obituary 148687

Thomas George Braun, age 83, joined his daughter, Laura, in heaven on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield. He was born on August 3, 1940, in Wausau, and was a lifelong resident of Athens. He received his education at St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Athens, and graduated from St. Norbert’s High School in DePere. Tom served in the Air Force as a mechanic stationed in Texas from 1960-1965, after which he worked for the Wergin Company, Wausau, until his retirement and was a lifelong member of Local Laborers Union # 1359. Tom was known for his kindhearted nature and enjoyed mowing lawns for the elderly in Athens. Tom married Beverly (Westfall) Braun on April 26, 1969, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Athens. They were married for 54 years and had two children: a son, Daniel, and a daughter, Laura. Tom loved spending time with his family at Braun’s Haven on Manson Lake. He was a founding member of Athens Sno Pak, and he especially loved fishing trips to Canada with his sister Judi and her husband Jim. He was a sports enthusiast who cheered for the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. Throughout his life, you could find him deer hunting, musky fishing, throwing horseshoes, water skiing, bowling and singing in the St. Anthony’s Men’s Choir. One of his greatest pastimes was a quick trip to the casino. Tom had an exceptional sense of humor and cherished being with family and friends. Tom is survived by his wife, Bev; son, Daniel and Renee (Hanke) Braun with granddaughters Kennedy and Avery; siblings: Joe (Joannie Janke) Braun and Judi (Jim) Hartman, sister-in-law, Marion (Peissig) Braun, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Laura Braun; parents, Wilfred and Edna (Wendt) Braun; sibling: Jean (Bill) Hartman, Joan (William) Smith, Joyce (Wilfred) Riehle, Bill Braun and John Braun and nephew William Smith. Tom will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens, celebrated by Rev. George Graham. Visitation will begin on Friday, March 1 at 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, and continue Saturday at 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place at a later date in Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 148733

Elaine J. Mueller, 78, died Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Wausau Manor. She was born July 12, 1945, in Wausau, daughter of the late Edward and Alice (Burow) Nagel. On July 24, 1965, she married Glenn Mueller at St. John Lutheran Church, town of Wien, and he preceded her in death on May 4, 1997. Elaine farmed with her husband but also held several other jobs including secretary at Edgar High School, long time employee at the Edgar Corner Mart, local Avon lady, and worked in the medical records department at Marshfield Clinic. She was very active in her church and taught Sunday school for over 25 years. Some of her hobbies included embroidering, paint by number and putting together jigsaw puzzles. Survivors include her children: LeAnn (Bernie) Stankowski, Duane (Audrey) Mueller and Daryl (Beth) Mueller; grandchildren: Connor Stankowski, Casey (Kaitlin) Stankowski, Cadin Stankowski, Emily (fiancé Andrew Vehlow) Mueller, Anya Mueller, McKenzie Mueller, Clayton Mueller and Sawyer Mueller; sisters: Jean (Larry) Hoppenworth and Sarah (Chris) Lemmer; sister-in-law, Elaine Mielke; many cousins, nieces and nephews, along with her special pet cat, Gracie. Besides her parents and husband, Glenn, she was preceded in death by a son, Durand and sister, Joyce LeVoy. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, at Hope Lutheran Church, 224556 State Highway 97, Edgar. Rev. Scott Miller presided. Burial was in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, town of Wien. Visitation was Sunday, Feb. 18, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service, all at Hope Lutheran Church. Special thank you to Elaine’s “Guardian Angel,” Brenda Polivka for her selfless gift of a kidney over 24 years ago. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 148667

Carrie Ann Koller, 50, Edgar, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center, Weston. She was born March 23, 1973, in Wausau, the daughter of Kenneth and Belinda (Schoenfuss) Springer. On January 14, 1994, she married the love of her life, Greg Koller at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. He survives. For over 30 years, Carrie worked for the Marshfield Medical Clinic System and currently was employed as a medical assistant. Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed flower gardening and taking care of the many birds that played in her yard and would go to her birdfeeders. Carrie always looked forward to taking walks and spending time by the lake at the family cabin up north, which she referred to as her “Slice of Heaven.” She loved the sun and spent as much time outside soaking in the rays of sunshine as much as time would allow. Carried loved music and went to many concerts with family and friends. Most of all, Carrie will be remembered for always putting others needs before her own, she loved to make people happy and loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Survivors include, her husband of 30 years, Greg; two sons: Nathan (fiancée Samantha Collado) Koller and Nicholas Koller; two grandchildren: Jackson and Emma; mother, Belinda (David) Suchomski; paternal grandmother, Lorraine Springer; sister, Heather (Clay) Schulz; and niece, Brianna Schulz. She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Springer; paternal grandfather, Edward Springer; maternal grandparents, Charlie and Cecelia Schoenfuss; and her niece, Kylah Schulz. A private Mass was celebrated at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. Carrie absolutely loved all creatures, especially her pets, so in memory of Carrie, please make memorial donations directly to the Marathon County Humane Society. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 148668