Robert A. Drexler, 81, Stratford, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at Country Terrace in Stratford. A Mass of Christian burial was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 14, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Stratford, where visitation was from 9 a.m. until service time. Rev. Sengole Vethanayagam presided. Burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Town of Eau Pleine, at a later date. Sauter/Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family. Robert was born on February 12, 1941, at home, to Anton and Sylvia (Burr) Drexler. He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School until eighth grade and graduated from Stratford High School. He was a skilled millwright by trade and a carpenter that was proud of his craft. After visiting “Rest-a-While” resort on Big Bearskin Lake in Harshaw, he met his lifetime love, Patricia Meyers. They married on May 22, 1965. She sadly passed away on June 9, 2010. Together they had three daughters: Laura (Russ) Lake, Renell (Justin) Graff and Renee (Bob) Reinwand. That brought them nine grandchildren: Joshua Lake, Jessica Lake (Ryan Polzin) and Jeremy Lake (Mariah Olson), Hunter Graff, Dane Graff and Lexee Graff, Jordan (Jamie) Drexler, Aftyn Reinwand and Bryan Reinwand. They also had two great-grandchildren, Jaxson Conlan and Ava Polzin. He has surviving siblings: Patricia Zuelke, Tony Drexler, Karlene (Ron) Derfus, Dave (Cory) Drexler, Jerry (Sandy) Drexler, Sharon (Bernie) Sladich and Linda Drexler, and a brother-in-law, John Meyers and his family in Fargo, N.D. During his life he loved hunting, fishing, woodcarving, winemaking and especially the family maple syrup hobby. After his retirement he took great pride in vegetable gardens during the summers. He was a “work hard, play hard” fella, so his request is to raise a glass and toast his life! A heartfelt thank you to all his caretakers throughout his illness and journey to peace. Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com. Paid obituary 117972

Jerome E. “Jerry” Brickner, 83, Marathon, died Wednesday March 9, 2022, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by his family on his journey home. He was born June 24, 1938, in Milwaukee, to Jerome and Pearl (Church) Brickner. On April 11, 1959, he married the love of his life, Grace Wagner, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon. She survives. Jerry was a member of the Army Reserves. He was owner of Brickner Motors, Brickner’s of Wausau and Brickner’s of Antigo prior to his retirement. Going to the cottage, annual trips to Canada fishing with family, and hunting trips out West and in Canada were among his favorite things to do. He loved animals and kids, and dearly loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Grace; their children and grandchildren: Jerry M. III (Jane) Brickner, Wausau, and their children, Janessa Grace (Tom) Ress and Jerry IV; Michael (Cheryl) Brickner, Tomahawk, and daughter, Michaella; Steve (Linda) Brickner, Tomahawk, and their children, Steven (Katie) Brickner, and children, Paityn and Abigail, Melissa (Kurt) Seubert, and children, Madalynn, Quinnlynn and Conrad; Shawn (Joey) Brickner; Melanie (Scott) Heinz and son, A.J.; Maria (Tom) Olson, Wausau, and their children, Thomas Olson, Michael (Kaylee) Olson and children, Alyssa and Braylee and Grace Olson; his siblings, Romayne (Joe) Breaman, Irma, Carol (Jim) Studzinski, Wisconsin Rapids, Lorraine Wilichowski, Minnesota, Ginger Weiks, Marathon, Gail (Steve) Studinski, Marathon, and Vicky Ramsey, Marathon; and sister-in-law, Linda Brickner, Marathon. Besides his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by an infant son, Bryan; two granddaughters: Tara and Kendra Brickner; two brothers: Raymond and Wayne; and brothers-in-law: Gerald Wilichowski and Bob Weiks. The funeral Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, March 14, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier presided. Burial was in the parish cemetery. Visitation was held Sunday from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon. Visitation continued Monday from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Gifts from Heaven or St. Mary School. Many thanks to the exceptional and caring staff at Aspirus Palliative Care. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 117969

Keith D Borchardt, 59, Kronenwetter (formerly Stratford & Marathon), passed away with his wife by his side on March 2, 2022, at home. He battled cancer for two years and the Lord seen he was tired and came to take him home. Keith was born in Fond du Lac, on Aug. 18,1962. At the age of three months, he was adopted by his loving parents, Lester Borchardt and Doris (Kroening) Borchardt and lived in the Town of Wien. Keith received his education at the Stratford Public Schools. In high school he met his high school sweetheart and soul mate, Diane VanDerLeest, who became his wife on Sept. 5, 1981, at St. Joseph’s Parish, Stratford. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in 2021. The couple lived in the Town of Cleveland for 25 years, then moved to Marathon for several years and now residing in Kronenwetter. Keith spent several years working for his father-in-law’s farm until their retirement, he then spent eight years working as a John Deere farm machinery mechanic in Auburndale. During all those (18) years Keith worked part time as a road maintenance assistance for the Town of Cleveland. His passion was plowing snow and keeping the town roads as smooth as he could. He was promoted to the head road maintenance position for three years. His goal was to be employed for the Marathon County Highway Dept in Wausau. That dream came through in 2006 when he became employed there. He was extremely devoted to his position as a road maintenance employee and, in time, a foreman. Every day his goal was to keep people safe on the snow or ice-covered roads. In the summer he was the foreman for the road crew and things needed to be done right, no do overs with a road repair. He enjoyed being a mentor for new employees as he always pointed out all the good things about the job and working for the county. In Jan. 2021 Keith had to retire as his health did not allow him to continue. This was a very hard thing for him to have to do. Keith loved spending time with his grandchildren and his family. He and his grandson, Mason, were ice fishing buddies and grandpa’s right-hand man. He also found a niche for something to do with each of the girls. He was a bow & gun hunter, loved ice fishing with his son, grandson and wife. For several years as empty nesters they had a motorcycle and took some great trips with fellow bikers and loved being out in the wind together. Keith was a very loving and compassionate man, when he could help someone get through a rough time, he was an ear to listen. You always could find a smile on his face and that will truly be missed. Keith is survived by his wife, Diane; son, Matthew (Tammy) Borchardt; a daughter, Katie (Derrick) Schillinger; grandchildren: Mason, Adalynn and Shelby Borchardt, Lia & baby Schillinger who will arrive in March; siblings: Kenneth Borchardt of Spencer, Karen Maynard of Chippewa Falls and Carol Carlson of Fond du Lac; brother and sister-in-law, Donald (Bucky) and Judy Budtke, Stratford; niece, Heather (Levi) Vitek; nephews: Tyler (Desi) Budtke, Dylan (Taylor) Budtke, Ethan (Ashley) Borchardt, Jamie (Shauna) Carlson and Ryan Carlson; and aunts, uncles and cousins he cared dearly for. Keith was pre-deceased by his parents, Lester and Doris Borchardt; a grandchild, Gabriel Borchardt; a sister, Kay Hergert; mother and father-in-law, Marvin and Shirley (Brusky) VanDerLeest; along with several aunts and uncles. Pallbearers will be Jeff Koppa, Jim Zelinka, Wally Legenza, Peter Kroening, Kurt Wozniak and Josh Pawlowski. A funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 712 Market St, Marathon City, at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 7. A visitation will be held at Beste Funeral Home, 611 3rd St, Mosinee, on Sunday, March 6 from 2-5 p.m. and at the church from 9 a.m. until time of the funeral. Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Cty. Hwy. B, following the funeral. God looked around his garden and found an empty space. Then he looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, he only takes the best. -Anonymous Paid obituary 117644

Ronald “Papa Hay” Hanke of Marathon passed away on March 1, 2022. On Jan. 28, 1943, he was born to the late Walter and Alma (Zastrow) Hanke. He was baptized and confirmed by St. Matthews Church, Marathon, and attended Marathon High School. On Nov. 1, 1969, he married Judith (Zunker) Hanke, Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Stettin, where he remained a member. She preceded him in death on Feb. 20, 2014. Ron was known as “Papa Hay” to his family and close friends. His most treasured joy was his four grandchildren. To honor his farming legacy, his grandsons gave him his nickname. Ronald spent many years on his farm, Hillside Ginseng Farm, in the Town of Stettin, where he tended ginseng, other crops, and cattle as well as planting flower gardens and vegetable gardens to gather ingredients for his famous canned pickles. He plowed snow for the Town of Stettin for years. He will most famously be known for his love of the “Polka.” There were few times you would be around him that he wouldn’t be listening to polka music or talking about the next polka dance he and Judy would be attending. He took pride in his son, Randy, learning to play the concertina at a young age and continuing to play polka music today. He also loved hosting big and small parties, cooking and at any given time would be available for a game of sheepshead. When not farming, Ron and Judy enjoyed traveling to casinos in Las Vegas, Reno, Nev., and Atlantic City. His boisterous sense of humor was always present when entertaining others. Papa Hay found delight in sharing a joke to hear the laughter from those who had his attention. He loved attending local events, from the Marathon Fun Days to the Edgar Steam Engine Show. He was always quick to make new friends even throughout all the years of hospital, rehab and nursing home stays and would entertain anyone even if he wasn’t feeling the best. Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Marvin Hanke; sister-in-law, Karmen Hanke; brother-in-law Wayne Lang; brother-in-law, Earl Wondrash; brother-in-law, Carlton Luedtke; and brother-in-law, Lawrence Gerhart. He is survived in death by his son, Randy Hanke and his children, Jace and Trey Hanke (mother, Chris Bletsoe Hanke) of Marathon and daughter, Renee (Daniel) Braun and their daughters, Kennedy and Avery Braun Prescott; his siblings: Verna Gerhart, Orville (Darlene) Hanke and Janice Lang; brother-in-law, Russell (Donna) Zunker; sisters-in-law: Carol Wondrash and Cheryl Zunker; as well as many nieces, nephews and close friends. A funeral service was celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, March 7, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Stettin. Pastor William Ostrem presided. Visitation was on Sunday, March 6, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, and again on Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Ron was laid to rest at Restlawn Memorial Park on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 10 a.m. Online condolences can be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. In lieu of flowers the family will be accepting memorials in his name. The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to his grandsons, Jace and Trey Hanke, the staff at Mount View Care Center, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice and the many supportive and good friends that have helped and cared for him throughout the years. He will forever be loved. Paid obituary 117542

Allan (Al) Leitermann 87, crossed from this life to his Lord’s arms on Sunday, March 6, 2022. He was born in Marathon on March 13, 1934, to Elmer and Elleanor (Erdman) Leitermann. He married Marcella Mroczenski on May 16, 1956. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2006. He is survived by his son, Ken (Bonnie) Leitermann, Tomahawk; his daughter, Brenda (Kevin) Kaiser-Sorenson,Marathon;son-in-law,StevenJilk,Marathon; grandchildren: Clayton Leitermann, Melissa (Tyler) Thrun, Jason Jilk, Dawn (Luke) Gordon, Dr. Dakota (Rachel) Kaiser and Austin Kaiser; great-grandchildren: Caleb and Connor Trevino, Cole and Ella Gordon, Theo and Grace Kaiser, and sisters: Charlotte Seubert and Rita Stieber. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcella in 2020, and daughter, Susan Jilk in 2018. He was a grateful man. His family and friends meant the world to him. He enjoyed playing solitaire, NASCAR, gospel and old country music. Allan was a friend of Bill W. He chose sobriety in 1977. He spoke at conferences in the U.S. and Canada. He volunteered on a 24 hour crisis helpline for addicts. Al helped many people by telling his story of sobriety and befriended other friends of Bill W. Allan’s grandson presented him with a 40 year sobriety coin five years ago. Allan served his country with eight years of service during the Korean War. He took a trip of a lifetime with the “Honor Flight” in 2015. That flight helped him discover the value of his military service. Al worked at Marathon Cheese in its early days in Ray Goldbach’s mother-in-law’s basement. Ray introduced Allan to Marcella during that time. He then worked for Pauly Cheese for 29 years until its closing. He worked for Fred Mueller Buick-Pontiac in PR for 12 years. Al volunteered and was head of maintenance at St. Anthony Retreat Center from 1978-1990. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Marathon, on Saturday, March 12, 2022 (the day before his 88th birthday) with Msgr. Joseph Diermeier presiding. Visitation with the family will start at 9 a.m., please come and view photos and pay your respects. At 11 a.m. there will be a Reflection of Life with music, followed by a funeral Mass. A family burial will take place in April on his wife’s birthday when the weather is more conducive. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expresses at HonorOne.com. Paid obituary 117750

Raymond John Baumgartner Jr., 63, has completed his journey to his heavenly home on March 5, 2022, surrounded by his family’s love. Ray was born to Raymond and Geraldine (Betty) Baumgartner Sr. on July 25, 1958, in Eagle. Ray grew up dairy farming with his parents and graduated from Argyle High School in 1976. After high school he went on to complete the UW Madison Short Course. In 1978 he purchased a dairy farm in Athens, with his parents, forming RB Dairy Incorporated. Shortly after moving, Ray met the love of his life Betty through mutual friends. The storybook romance started with a kiss in the rain at the Milan ball tournament. They married on November 14, 1981, at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford. Ray and Betty operated RB Dairy Inc. up until 2009. After farming, Ray found a new career at Menards. He was a “personal shopper” to many and was often approached by family and strangers alike for Menards advice. Ray was blessed with the gift of gab, prompting his family to often use the phrase “Everybody Loves Raymond.” No matter where he went, he found someone to talk to! Ray enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an avid Packer fan, had a passion for war history, and spent countless hours on the golf course. No matter what it was, Ray went all in, but it was especially obvious with his family. His family was his pride and joy. In his younger years, he would often joke that he was outnumbered by females since he had three daughters and a barn full of dairy cows. But later in life the tables turned when he gained three sons-in-law and he was blessed with five grandboys! Ray was often the instigator of chaos and just enjoyed being goofy with his family, making everyone laugh. Ray is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters: Ann (Andy) Thurs, Jessica (Nick) Kelley and Gena (Chad) Heeg: grandsons: Trey and Levi Heeg, Evan Thurs and William and Callum Kelley; siblings: Jerry (Julie) Baumgartner, David (Pat) Baumgartner, Robert Baumgartner, Andy (Norma) Baumgartner, Charlotte Spellman, Alice Miller, Zida Reed and Phil (Heather) Baumgartner; mother-in-law, Pat Schauer; brothers-in-law: Brian (Daniella) Schauer and Joel Schauer; sister-in-law, Karen (Lampros) Petanitis and many nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Geraldine Baumgartner; siblings: Phyllis Schneider and Walter Jones, and father-inlaw, Willard Schauer. Ray was a strong Christian husband, father, and papa. His faith, strength and perseverance were an inspiration to many. Thank you to Pastor Mark Schwalenberg, our Trinity family, the entire Athens community and all of our family and friends for your love and support. Thank you to the hospital care teams, home health teams, and hospice care staff for the care and compassion given not only to Ray, but to his entire family. The journey wasn’t easy, but let us all remember that God is Good all the time, and all the time God is Good. Private services will be held. The services will be live streamed at 12 noon on Sunday, March 13, 2022, on the Trinity Lutheran Church website, www. trinityathens.net or the Trinity Lutheran Church Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 117753