Joyce Ann Kreft, Athens, left this world so very peacefully on Sunday afternoon, February 26, 2023, at age 81, with nieces and nephews by her side at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Joyce Ann was born December 20, 1941, at her family’s farmhouse near Athens in the Town of Bern, the daughter of Cyril and Catherine (Schmidt) Kreft. She was the youngest child in a family of five children, arriving as a welcome surprise to her much older siblings. Joyce Ann attended St. Anthony Grade School. She graduated from Athens High School in 1959. Immediately following graduation, she left for Lincolnwood, Ill., (suburb of Chicago) where she would live and work with the family of Dave and Pat Biasco until her retirement in 2015. “Joyce” was the loving and caring Mother’s Helper for a family of ten children, continuing to live with Mr. and Mrs. Biasco as empty nesters in Glenview, Ill., and doting “Joycie” to their grandchildren. She was blessed to enjoy and love them as a dear and cherished second family as they did her. Joyce Ann returned for a vacation to Athens, annually, in September to visit her family and the growing generations of nieces and nephews. Through the years many family members and Biasco family members received a beautifully detailed, hand stitched Christmas stocking or tree skirt or another keepsake. Yes, she loved sequins on these gifts of handiwork! Her creative talent showed itself in these lovingly made gifts. For decades, she wrote weekly letters to her mother and received weekly letters in return with a copy of the local Athens newspaper. She was an avid sender of birthday and holiday cards to her relatives, the Biasco family and others. Frequently, the envelopes were filled with mini sequins or tiny, glittery confetti surprises inside, and, always, stickers on the outside. She enjoyed reading, cooking, baking, following current events and various professional sports (Bears, Packers, Cubs), listening to Chicago radio, and in recent years, long phone calls. Also, not to be missed, she watched her favorite afternoon TV “stories” (soap operas). Upon retirement in 2015, Joyce Ann happily returned to Athens and enjoyed living at the Plisch Street senior apartments until her recent illness. Joyce Ann is survived by 16 nieces and nephews: Duane (Deb) Kreft, Marathon, Barbara Kreft, Merrill, Gail (Larry) Kretschmer, Athens, Clarice (Greg) Pelkey, Berlin, Conn., Julene M. Romoren, Chicago, Ill., Doris (Gary) McGinley, St. Peters, Mo., Mary Helen Mroczenski, Waukesha, Ronald Mroczenski, Greenfield, Robert (Mickie) Mroczenski, New Berlin, Roger (Peggy Krusick) Mroczenski, Milwaukee, Dan (Mary) Mroczenski, Lakewood Ranch, Fla., Elaine (Ken) Marciniak, Branson, Mo., Rhonda (Dan) Thompson, Stratford, Claude (Sue) Kreft, Athens, Glen (Florence) Kreft, Marathon and Gary (Sharon) Kreft, Marathon; and many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. Joyce Ann is survived by former sister-in-law, Sally Whaples of Athens. Joyce is also survived by the Biasco children: Linda, Sandy, Sharon, Chris, David, Mark, John, Paul, Mary and Peter, and their 34 children. Joyce Ann was predeceased by her parents, Cyril and Catherine Kreft; brothers and sister-in-law: Donald (Theresa) and Jerome Kreft of Athens; her sisters and brothers-in-law: Rita (Stanley) Waluk of Kensington, Conn., and Vivian (Alex) Mroczenski of Abbotsford, and niece, Charlene (Orlando) Kreft Schmitt of Wausau. Special appreciation and gratitude are extended to the medical staff who cared for her at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and the Athens Ambulance team. A funeral Mass will be held Monday, March 6, 2023, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Athens at noon. Rev. George Graham will preside. Visitation at St. Anthony Catholic Church will be Monday from 10 a.m. until the noon Mass. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Athens. Memorials can be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church in Athens. The funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the Peterson Kraemer Facebook page. Paid obituary 132974

David L. Augustine, 84, Athens, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital from complications after contracting COVID. He was born April 9, 1938, to Lawrence and Arlene (Auner) Augustine at the Marshfield hospital. Dave was raised on his family farm in the Halsey township near Athens and in 1958, graduated from the Athens High School. Dave joined the United States Marine Corps and in September of 1956 he was stationed in Las Vegas, Nev. In 1962, he retired as Lance Corporal. Dave moved to Milwaukee where he raised his three children and worked for 25 years at General Electric. On July 29, 1981, Dave married Ruth Ann Guden, joining their two families. Until retirement, Dave worked for SD Ellenbecker Construction. Dave enjoyed hunting, fishing, wood working, gardening, watching old westerns on TV, and was quick to accept a game of cards. His grandchildren would all agree that he was a hard man to beat at a game of cribbage. He was the King of the Sunday drive. A simple, “Let’s go for a drive”, could last all day. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ann Augustine and their children, Brian (Sandy) Augustine, Lanie Augustine, Kendall (Anne) Augustine, Lisa (Randy) Guralski, Lynn Perry and Kory (Andrea) Mader; grandchildren: Amanda Gajewski, Jessica (Joshua Baran) Giarth, Adam Snowberger, Mitchell Guralski, Taylor Guralski, Lewis Perry, Hannah Guralski, Sophia (Aaron Tesch) Perry, Emersyn and Will Mader; great-grandchildren: Theo and Zoe; sister, Alvira Henrichs; and a brother, Dale (Patricia) Augustine. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce, and her husband, Laverne Henrichs, and brother-in-law, Haran Henrichs. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the Athens EMTs and Aspirus ICU staff for the outstanding care they provided to David. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 132947

Arlene Seubert-Volhard Arlene “Tottie” C. Seubert-Volhard, 93, of Marathon, passed away on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, at her home. Arlene was born on February 2, 1930, in West Bend, to Raymond and Mary (Weisner) Hornung and moved to Marathon at six months old with her parents. She attended grade school at St. Joseph (currently St. Mary’s, Marathon) and graduated from Marathon High School in 1948. After high school she worked at the old St. Mary’s hospital as a nurse’s aide. Her marriage to LaVerne Seubert took place on May 28, 1949, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon. After their marriage they moved into a renovated school south of Marathon. In November of 1949 they moved onto a farm near Marathon. They farmed ginseng for many years and later owned a construction business. The couple enjoyed traveling to Australia and had two trips to Hawaii. Tottie enjoyed sewing, snowmobiling, knitting, crocheting and playing cards. They enjoyed playing jokes by swiping chickens with friends. LaVerne preceded her in death in May 1994. In May of 1999 she married Edwin Volhard, Jr. They enjoyed singing in the choir, fishing and camping at Lake Gogebic, Mich., and together they built a house north of Marathon. He preceded Arlene in death May of 2017. Survivors include her seven children: Barbara (David) Ceranski, Robert (Julie) Seubert, Carole (Barry) Anker, Charles (Joan) Seubert, Beverly (friend, Shelly Filber) Seubert, Jeffery (friend, Ray Forster) Seubert and Paula (Robert) Stanley; 21 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three step-children: James (Wanda) Volhard, Jean (Doug) Kage and Carol (Robert) Kaldunski; and their children and grandchildren. Arlene was the oldest of eight siblings. Survivors include: Ellen (Jerry) Goetsch and Richard (Joyce) Hornung; sisters-in-law: Olga Hornung and Sharon Hornung; and one brother-in-law, Arnold Skrzypchak. She was preceded in death by three brothers: Fr. Eugene Hornung, Gordon Hornung and Raymond Hornung, Jr.; sister, Caroline Skrzypchak; sister and brother-in-law, Gladys (Elroy) Busko; sister-in-law, Dolores Hornung; grandson, Tracy Anker; and step-grandson, Andrew Kaldunski. The Mass of Christian burial will be at noon on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon, with Rev. Monsignor Joseph Diermeier presiding. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Marathon. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Arlene and her family are grateful to Dr. Kristin Whitaker for her loving care and friendship. Also to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for providing care and support at the farm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a donation in Arlene’s memory at a later date. Paid obituary 132619

Susan “Sue” M. Ballerstein, 64, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center. She was born August 21, 1958, in Wausau, daughter of the late George and Dolores (Skrzypcak) Schueller. On June 24, 1978, she married Del Ballerstein at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. Sue graduated from Edgar High School in 1976. She started working at The Bank of Edgar after graduation and continued to work in the banking industry until 2020. Her spirit was full of energy and her family was her whole world. Her family and friends could always count on her to help with anything asked of her. Above all, she loved her family and spending time with them, especially her grandchildren. She was so very proud of them - attending all their games, concerts and other events. She absolutely was their biggest fan. She especially enjoyed baking cupcakes and cookies with her grandchildren. She had a creative touch – always learning a new craft and willing to do projects of almost any kind for others – including stained glass art, making custom apparel and home décor. She made Kringle for the Schueller family Christmas every year. Another talent she had was photography – taking pictures during many special family gatherings and always had her camera ready at any of her grandchildren’s events. As a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic parish, she sang in the choir, helped with the parish fish fries and volunteered for various tasks. She was a wonderful loving mother, nana, sister, aunt and friend to many, taken from this world way too soon. She will forever be in our hearts and missed so very much. Susan will be lovingly remembered by her loving husband of 44 years, Del Ballerstein; children: Tracey (Matthew) Weiland, Troy (Kathy) Ballerstein, Trent (fiancée Rebecca) Ballerstein and Trevor (Jennie) Ballerstein; grandchildren: Fletcher, Sawyer and Delaney Weiland, Olivia, Hudson and Abby Ballerstein; siblings: Ken Schueller, Kristine (Joe) Borchardt, Carol (Wally) Jansen, Linda (Jerry) Mroczenski, John Schueller, Donna (Brian) Bargender, JoAnn (John) Schweitzer, Angie (Mike) Hartnady, Paul (Robyn) Schueller, Cindy (Jason) Hepfler and Todd (Jennifer) Schueller; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Borchardt and a niece, Amy Grant. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Edgar. Rev. Alan Wierzba will preside. Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 19, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service, all at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Edgar. There will be a parish rosary service at 7 p.m. Sunday evening at church. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to everyone who has called, texted, prayed, visited and sent cards and food during this time. We are so very blessed to have such strong and loving support. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or School, PO Box 35, Edgar, WI 54426. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 132396

Violet “Vi” J. Golz, 88, of Colby, passed away peacefully in her sleep and met her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, at The Waterford at Colby under the care of ProMedica Hospice. She was born on August 30, 1934, in Athens to the late Edward and Esther (Weise) Hoge. Vi grew up on the family farm and graduated from Athens High School. She met the love of her life and future partner in ministry, Roland Golz, when he took his first teaching job in Athens. They were married June 2, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. Through the years, they would relocate often as Roland taught at several schools and later continued his education to become a minister. In 2021, they had the honor of celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary together. In their early years of marriage, Vi held various secretarial jobs while Roland taught school in Athens, New Albany, Ind., Wausau and Stevens Point. Vi was also a secretary at one of the largest hospitals in Illinois at that time while Roland studied to become a pastor in Springfield. Roland took his first minister position at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Dorchester in 1973. Vi passionately took on various duties pertaining to Roland’s ministry. In 1982 Vi and Roland moved to Bonduel to serve at St. Paul Lutheran Church. In 1993 they moved to Gresham where together they served several small congregations. At each church, Vi was instrumental in supporting the ministry by serving on the Altar Guild and Ladies Aid. She also lent her talents to creating the weekly bulletin, making quilts, and singing in each congregation’s choir. Over the years, Vi also expanded her own religious outreach through years of involvement with Lutheran Women’s Ministry League (LWML). She held various offices which included vice president and president of the LWMLNorth Wisconsin District. Also, near to Vi’s heart was her time volunteering for the LCMS Thrift Store in Shawano. She was honored to receive the Humana Community Quarterback award from the Green Bay Packers and their CEO, Mark Murphy, for the more than 25 years she devoted to the store. The community, her family, and many friends were very proud of her accomplishment. Throughout her life, Violet’s family was always a priority. She made the most delicious meals and baked goods. Her vegetable gardens, berry patches and flower beds were the envy of many. Her family and friends were the recipients of countless jars of home canned goods. Roland and Vi were always happiest at home but were blessed to take a church-sponsored journey to the Holy Land and also enjoyed a Caribbean cruise. Vi had a love for their pets, as you were almost certain to be greeted by a cat or dog when visiting their home. In 2018, they moved back to Dorchester where they would be closer to family and entertained by their children’s and grandchildren’s many pets. Survivors include her husband, Rev. Roland Golz of Colby; children: Rick (Carolyn) Golz of Dorchester and Randy (Renee) Golz of Little Chute; grandchildren: Neilana Golz (Logan), Leanna Golz (Jordan), Taylor (Sara) Golz, Tanner Golz, Tallon Golz, Marina Mordeel and James (Brianna) Mordeel; great-grandchildren: Paisley and Brynlee; sister, Luann Thurs of Athens; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Esther Hoge; sisters: Norma Heier and Nila Koeller; and brothers-in-law: Gordon Thurs, Sylvester Heier and Frank Koeller. A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, with Rev. Mark Schwalenberg presiding. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Immediately following the service, lunch will be served. Burial will be in the Athens Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. The family would like to thank the staff of The Waterford at Colby, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, and ProMedica Hospice for the care Violet received. Paid obituary 132291

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

Sharon “Sherry” M. Zilinsky, 72, Wausau, passed away on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, at Wellington Place, under the care of Interim Hospice. She was born June 16, 1950, in Wausau, daughter of the late Elroy and Helen (Weisenberger) Strasser. On November 8, 1980, she married David Zilinsky at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. For many years, Sherry worked as a supervisor in the billing and collections department at the former Wausau Insurance, now known as Liberty Mutual Insurance, until her retirement. Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, shopping and watching Wisconsin sports. She also loved to spend time with her family and decorate her home for the holidays. Survivors include her husband, David, Wausau; two daughters: Kelly (Joshua) Denzin and Lisa (Mike Mead) Zilinsky of Wausau; two grandchildren: Alexis and Duncan Denzin; seven siblings: Jerry (Lynn) Strasser, Denny (Jayne) Strasser, Bob (Sherri) Strasser, Sandy (Tim) Witzeling, Karen (Bill) Fischer, Kathy Strasser and Terry (Jill) Strasser; and many nieces, nephews and relatives further survive. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by infant twin sisters: Mary Jane and Nancy Ann. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at Holy Name Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Samuel Martin will preside. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 131527