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

Patricia J. Tietyen, 81, of Stratford, passed away on February 16, 2024, at Safe Haven Senior Care. She was born on September 15, 1942, in Newton, Ill. A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, March 16, at Zion Lutheran Church in Stratford, with the Rev. Amy Heinz presiding. The service will be livestreamed online at www.facebook. com/rembsfuneralhomes. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the service time. Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery on STH 97 in Stratford. Sauter/Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jamie John Phillips, 78, went peacefully to his eternal home surrounded by family on February 3, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, from complications due to Parkinson’s. Jim was born April 28, 1945, in Wausau, to the late Florence (Maldonis) and John Phillips. On May 13, 1967, he married Lynn Baumann in Marathon. Jim was a very hard worker and his daughters and grandchildren learned from that work ethic. He built his own home, which he lived in for over 50 years, and helped with each of his daughter’s homes, adding his carpentry skills and knowledge. Jim worked part-time at Deininger’s Citgo Station in Marathon for many years while also working full-time at HammerBlow Corp. in Wausau. When HammerBlow closed down, he went to work at Cequent Manufacturing in Mosinee, until his retirement. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Rib Falls, from the time he was married until Zion merged with St. Matthew’s, Marathon, in 2021 when he became a member there. He served as church council president, and on many other committees at Zion. Jim enjoyed a good game of sheepshead with whoever was willing to play, going on motorcycle rides with Lynn, a round of golf on a nice summer day, a good meal with at least a few desserts, grilling the best brat or hamburger, working in his huge garden, keeping the perfect lawn, or relaxing with a good movie. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and all his grandkids. The grandkids enjoyed listening to Grandpa’s stories of his younger days, having Grandpa push them on the swings in the backyard or enjoying time with him in the sandbox, which he made for them to have at their own houses. Jim made it a point to attend all of his daughter’s school activities, like sports or band/choir concerts to cheer them on, continuing to do so when the grandchildren started school. He did this up until his health made it difficult to get him there, but always was happy to hear about all of their accomplishments and adventures. Jim taught his girls how to swim, play ping pong, drive a stick shift, and ice-skate. He was also always the driver. He drove them to all their activities, starting with baton competitions for Heather, when she was three years old, up to pulling the huge horse trailer for horse shows, when the girls were in their early teens. He was always the driver on road trips, even when his daughters had their licenses. Jim enjoyed a nice vacation, whether by plane, car or motorcycle, visiting places such as Hawaii, Las Vegas, Yellowstone and many more. Jim is survived by his wife, Lynn, of 56 years; two daughters: Heather (Jeff) Laabs of Merrill and Heidi (Russell) Hornung of Marathon; grandchildren: Tanner, Trinity and Treyten Hornung and Halle Laabs. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law: Henry (Peggy) Baumann, Robert Baumann, Paul “Jerry” Bohnert and Chuck Howe; five nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his two sisters: Alice Bohnert and Salli Howe. Private services will be held. Peterson/Kramer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4 Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 148405

Gerald R. Spaeth, 77, of Spencer, passed away on Feb. 7, 2024, at House of the Dove in Marshfield. A Mass of Christian burial was held on Tuesday at Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer, where the Rev. Barry Saylor presided. Burial was held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in the town of Eau Pleine, Marathon County. Rembs Funeral Home assisted the fmaly with arrangments.