Thomas G. Hollatz, 74, Stratford, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, to be with his Savior. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 9, 2023, at Grace Lutheran Church, Town of Green Valley with Rev. Paul Vander Galien presiding. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield and from 10 a.m. until service time at church on Friday. Tom was born on March 5, 1949, in Marshfield to Walter and Lorraine (Olson) Hollatz. He attended McKinley Grade School and Purdy Junior High School and graduated from Marshfield Senior High School in 1968. Tom was a farmer and worked part-time at the Pea Vinery, bartended, and hauled milk for Teska. After he retired from farming, he was employed by SNE Enterprises in Mosinee and later cooked for a restaurant business. Tom also managed Austin’s Angus Acres. Tom enjoyed playing pool, going up north to the cabin, restoring the farm house, spending time with his son, and being with his family members and friends. He is survived by his son, Austin (fiancé, Molly Gross) Shelley of Stratford. He is also survived by his siblings: Dennis (Sherie) Hollatz of Auburndale, Karen (Edmund) Beining of Sheboygan Falls, June Ottelien of Stratford and David Hollatz of Stratford. He is further survived by several nieces and nephews, who he loved very much. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lorraine (Olson) Hollatz, brothers: Keith Hollatz and Wayne Hollatz, and brother-in-law Ronald Ottelien. Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com. Paid obituary 137693

Virginia “Gin” Schulz, 89, died Wednesday, May 24, 2023, under the care of Interim Hospice at Copperleaf Assisted Living of Marathon. She was born on February 23, 1934, in Schnappsville, daughter of the late Frank and Agnes (Socha) Cichon. On November 30, 1969, she married Charles “Chuck” Schulz. They celebrated 49 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on February 4, 2019. Gin retired from Wausau Insurance and enjoyed gardening and traveling, especially to Las Vegas and Hawaii. She had a gentle spirit and friendly smile. Gin enjoyed cooking, especially her specialty, chili. She had a sweet tooth and always had mini candy bars and a cold beverage on hand for visitors. She grew up with a neighbor from Schnappsville, who became her best friend and remained a lifelong friend, Rita Bonin, who preceded her in death. Survivors include her sister-in-law, Clara Cichon; step-children: Cheryl (Roger) Hubing and Lon Schulz, and nine nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, Charles, she was preceded in death by Lon’s spouse, Suzanne (Suzy) Schulz, and brothers: Alois, Alvin, Ervin and David Cichon. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. Rev. Alan Wierzba will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service all at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established. Paid obituary 137686

We had our father longer than most, but he still seems gone too soon. Wilbur Ervin Otto, 95, Town of Rib Falls, passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at home after a brief illness. Wilbur was born May 18, 1928 in Wausau, son of Hugo Otto and Devina (Fenhouse) Otto. He graduated from Athens High School in 1946. On October 3, 1953, he married Charlotte Hilmershausen at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Edgar. Wilbur worked for the former Wisconsin Distributing Company of Wausau for 39 years, first as a truck driver and then as warehouse foreman. He was a member of the Teamsters Union Local 446 & 662. Wilbur was a longtime active member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Edgar for over 75 years where he served on the church council for many years. He also served on the Town of Rib Falls board. Wilbur was a lifetime resident of the Town of Rib Falls. Among some of his pastimes were hunting, fishing, boating, mowing lawn and working in his hobby shop. He enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s many concerts and sporting events. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte, and four daughters: Marsha Otto, Marla (Thomas) Berg, Renee (Patrick) Steffen and Rachelle (Khamby) Phakitthong; seven grandchildren: Jamie Sterzinger (Preston Rau), Andrew and Sarah Steffen, Ally, Chentaly, Ashley and Chenpieng Phakitthong; a sister, Ruby Holzem, and a sister-in-law, Marlene Otto, along with several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Rodney and Gerald “Jerry”, and four half-siblings: Juanita, Neal, Doris and Avis. A funeral service was held on Saturday, June 3, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 424 N. 3rd Ave., Edgar, with Pastor Gail Sowell presiding. Visitation was from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. with a service at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial was in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Stephen Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 95, Edgar, WI 54426. The family would like to thank the staff of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Service for the great care they gave Wilbur. We love you and will never forget you, Dad. God’s Peace. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 137592

Karren L. Seliger, 89, Wausau, passed away on Monday, May 29, 2023, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital under hospice care. She was born December 14, 1933, in Wausau, daughter of the late Laurence and Gertrude (Baumann) Holzem. She graduated high school in Wausau in 1952. On July 6, 1953, Karren married Mark. He preceded her in death on July 5, 2001. Mark and Karren started their married life on a small dairy farm on Highway 29 near Marathon City. Karren also worked at Marathon Electric. In 1963 they moved to the “farm” in Hamburg where they continued with dairy and hobby farming. The couple was blessed with many great neighbors in Hamburg. A few years after Mark’s passing, Karren moved to Wausau. She loved attending church at Holy Name and riding the city bus to go shopping and to the library. Karren and her husband Mark took flying lessons and they each soloed a plane. She acquired a soil testing license and took classes toward an accounting degree at North Central Technical School in Wausau. She enjoyed reading and spent a lot of time at the library. She also enjoyed gardening, especially tending to her roses. She enjoyed canning, wine making, and also enjoyed a great game of Sheepshead. Karren enjoyed traveling with family, sewing quilts and blankets, and embroidering pillowcases and dish towels. Many of her lap quilts were donated to nursing homes and through Saint Catherine Council at Holy Name. Most of all, she looked forward to the many family gatherings either at the syrup shack or for the holidays, which were always spent together as a big family. Karren’s life brought her many blessings--her children: the late Mark Jr., infant son John, Lisa (Randy) Stack, David Seliger, Daniel Seliger, Michael (Sandy) Seliger, the late Susan Boles, Ann Seliger, Andrew (Sue) Seliger, James (Ellen) Seliger, Matthew (Jen) Seliger, Sara (Bill) Schroeder, Kara (Keith) Seliger; grandchildren: Daniel Jr., Danielle, Olivia, Paige, Miki, Messeana, A.J. (Alysia), Rick (Jamie), Amber (John), Brandi (Alex), Amber (Brian), Luke (Megan), Peter (Selena), Faith (Mason), Hazel, Taylor (Will), Thomas, Laura (Hobby), Jacob (Mary), Emily (Caleb), Sophia, Edison and Ethan; 19 great-grandchildren and two more on the way; brother, Ken (Carol) Holzem, and sister, Marlene Konopacki. Karren was also preceded in death by siblings: Roger, Richard, Robert, Lawrence, Mary and Joane. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 9, 2023, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1104 South Ninth Avenue, Wausau, with Rev. Samuel Martin 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 St. Mary’s Cemetery, Marathon. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services and the Aspirus Palliative Care Unit for the care that Karren received. Paid obituary 137586

Robert J. Gauthier, 76, Reno, Nev., died peacefully on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the VA Community Living Center. He was born to the late Edward A. and Loretta (Passehl) Gauthier on October 14, 1946, in Wausau. Robert attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School and graduated from Athens High School. He attended one semester at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Robert was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He honorably served three years in the Navy. It was during this time that he met his first wife, Rufina Lagura Josol. After being discharged from the Navy, they moved to Athens and purchased Skylite Supper Club in 1979, which they owned and operated together until 1996. He was a long-time member of the American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars. Robert was married to Jocelyn Bona on May 20, 2000. and lived in Columbus. Robert worked as a custodian for the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Madison School District before moving out to Reno, Nev., in 2003. Robert did custodial work for Washoe County School District until his retirement in 2009. Robertissurvivedbyhiswife,Jocelyn,Reno;twodaughters:MaryJohnson, Weston, and Renee (Perry L.) Haugen, Sun Prairie; two grandchildren: Perry Andrew and Alex Haugen; one sister, Mary (George) Empey, Athens; three nephews and one niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Edward C. Gauthier, one son, Jason Gauthier, one son-in-law, Roger Johnson and the mother of his children, Rufina Gauthier. A celebration of Robert’s life was held on Tuesday, June 6, at 10 a.m. at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery with military honors. Then a funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens, with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial with military honors will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Paid obituary 137602

Billy D. Fergot, 91, Edgar, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at Mount View Care Center, Wausau. He was born November 8, 1931, in Edgar, son of the late George and Marie (Devlin) Fergot. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the military and served in two branches, the Navy and Marine Corps., First Marine Division, serving in the Korean War. On February 12, 1955, he married Sylvia Berg from Edgar. Starting his working career for Kresge Co. (K-Mart) he started in 1955 as a stock boy and retired in 1988 as a regional district manager. He was a member of the Edgar Lions Club, served as a chairman for the Parks Committee, sat on the Edgar Village Board, served as a Boy Scout representative and, along with his wife, Sylvia, started the Edgar annual Easter Egg Hunt for community children. For over 35 years, Billy was a member of the American Legion, Post No. 393, where he served as a commander and finance officer. He also enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Sylvia; children: Daniel (Sandy Taylor), James (Kerri) and Janet; grandchildren: Jeremy Apel, Shannon Medina, Shelly Dixon, Joshua (Christina), Kristina, Zachary and Jacob Fergot; ten great-grandchildren; and brothers: Robert and Harold “Sam.” Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: George Jr., Roy and Gordon, and sisters: Marjorie Roberts, Edith Moore, Nancy Ulrich, and Janet. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 7, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. and again Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service, all at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. Full military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post No. 393 at St. John Cemetery, Edgar, following the Mass. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 131695

Helen J. Bartsch, age 92, of Marshfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Wells Nature View in Marshfield under the care of Well’s Staff and ProMedica Hospice. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 2, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Marshfield with Rev. Daniel Thelen presiding. Following the service, she will be laid to rest with her husband in the Veterans Field of Honor in Hillside Cemetery in Marshfield. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Friday for a time of visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. The honor of pallbearers belongs to her sons: Randall, Brian, Dennis and Gary. Helen’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To read her full life story and offer condolences, please visit www. lifetributesfuneralhome.com. Paid obituary 137332

Virgene “Bibbles” V. Martens, 88, Stratford, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at House of the Dove in Marshfield. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023, at St. John “High Steeple” Lutheran Church in the Town of Wien, Marathon County with Rev. Michael J. Mathey presiding. Burial will be at Colby Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Sauter/Rembs Funeral Home in Stratford and from 10 a.m. until service time at the church on Friday. Bibbles was born on February 1, 1935, in Town of Eau Pleine, Marathon County, to Lavern “Preacher” and Viola (Leffel) Treankler. She graduated from Stratford High School. On October 6, 1956, she married Norman Martens at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in March Rapids. He passed on January 7, 1981. Bibbles grew up in rural Stratford and farmed with her husband in the Town of Frankfort. After moving to Stratford, she took up bowling and playing cards. She was a member of the Homemakers Club and a lifelong member of St. John “High Steeple” Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday school and was president of the Ladies Aid. She was also an avid Packers and Brewers fan. She is survived by her three daughters: Renell (Bruce) Wassmann of Athens, Lori (Leroy) Wiesman of Stratford and Amy (Roger) Kress of Marshfield; grandchildren: Tracy (Luke) Stanek, Kati Wiesman, Matthew Wassmann, Adam Wassmann and McKayla Martens; great-grandchildren: Lydia and Eliot Stanek, and several nieces and nephews. She is further survived by her sisters: Verla (Alfred) Kolberg and Joan (James) Weisenberger. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister, Marlyn Landwehr. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Compassus and House of Dove, and neighbors, Don and Charlotte Frodl, Bob and Dori Spindler, Paul and Tamara Spindler, and Kristin Spindler. Memorials can be made to St. John “High Steeple” Lutheran Church. Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com. Paid obituary 137046

Melvin H. Stahel, age 80, of Marathon City, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023, at Aspirus Hospice House. Melvin was born on October 9, 1942, to the late Reinhart and Viola (Langhoff) Stahel. He grew up in the town of Stettin. He married Clair Ann Weiland on October 16, 1965, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in the Town of Cassel. She preceded him in death on March 31, 2008. He worked at Anderson Brothers and Johnson and Menzner Lumber. He enjoyed cooking, baking, reading, fishing and listening to polka. He was a member at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marathon. Melvin is survived by his children: Sarah (Larry) Galassi, Maria Hornick, Leon (Julie Volhard) Stahel and Daniel Stahel; grandchildren: Matthew Stennet, Katie Galassi, Amanada Galassi, Thomas (Christy) Galassi, Zachary (Viridiana) Galassi, Derrick (Jenna) Stahel and Logan Stahel; and 10 great-grandchildren. Besides his parents and wife, Melvin was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Cassandra Galassi, and siblings: Esther, Lois, Verna, Merlin, Norman, Lydia, Selma and Leona A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Marathon. The family would like to thank the staff of Aspirus Hospice and Home Care Services for the great care they gave Melvin. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be given at www.helke.com. Paid obituary 137121