In remembrance of Sylvester (Sy) Altfillisch, who passed away on March 30, 2020, his family will be hosting a celebration of Sy’s life on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020. Sy’s family would like to invite all family and friends to join them for a prayer service to be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery on Hwy. A in Hamburg at 10:30 a.m. After the prayer service, there will be a luncheon to follow at the Hamburg town hall for everyone to gather and share their favorite Sy memories. Because Sy’s favorite color was blue, the family asks that all attending to wear their favorite shade of blue. Paid obituary 93071

Merlin Herbert Stahel, age 87, Marathon, passed away August 13, 2020, at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau. He was born March 28, 1933, to the late Reinhart and Viola (Langhoff) Stahel, in the town of Stettin. He attended school in Marathon and then was employed as a farm hand at the late Arnold Goetsch farm in the town of Stettin. He was drafted into the armed service in 1953. He served there for two years, including sixteen months in North Korea. In 1955, he was discharged. On June 25 1955, he married Jean Ione Tesch. He was employed locally until 1956, when he moved his family to Milwaukee where he worked in maintenance at a tannery for ten years. In 1966, upon the death of his father, he purchased the homestead farm from his mother. He, his wife and children farmed dairy and ginseng until 1998. He then retired from farming, raised beefers and worked in maintenance at the Eastbay Distribution Center part-time until his wife, Jean, passed away March 30, 2008. He then spent his time doing what he enjoyed all his life, tending to some hobby cattle, fishing, hunting, playing cards and attending polka dances. He was also a lifelong member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, town of Stettin, where he served on the church board and was also a member of the choir and brotherhood for many years. He was also an active member of the Alois Driekosen Post #469 American Legion. Survivors include one son, Gerald (Carrie Salyers) Stahel, Schofield; three daughters: Roxanne (Chuck) Kaiser, Robin (Steven) Bloom and Renee (Paul) Mucha, all of Marathon; nine grandchildren: Jason (Angela) Stahel, Jamie (Chris Ziegel) Weiler, Jeremy (Pam) Stahel, Kurt (Pam) Behnke, Derek (Heather) Behnke, Andrew (Kelly) Bloom, Amy (Julio) Cruz, Luke (Alanie) Mucha, and Skye Mucha; two step-grandchildren: Cody (Montana) Salyers and Samantha Salyers; fourteen great-grandchildren: Shynia, Cheyanne and Dakota Stahel, Cody (Ryleigh Dahlke) and Caylee Weiler, Carlie, Kyson, Keiarra and Kale Stahel, Marcos and Andres Cruz, Avery Bloom, Ali Behnke, Levi Mucha; five step-great-grandchildren: Gwendolyn, Thea and Cora Salyers, Haley and Rayme Burns; one brother, Melvin Stahel, Marathon; two sisters: Lois Hermans, Marathon, Verna Baneck, Schofield; one brotherin- law, Ray Teske, Wausau; many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his social companion of many years, Carol Uekert. Besides his beloved wife, Jean, he was preceded in death by his parents, Reinhart and Viola; his grandson, Beau Mucha; sisters: Lydia Werner, Selma Evers, Leona Teske, Esther Mohr; brother, Norman Stahel; brothers in-law: Alvin Werner, William Evers, Joseph Mohr, Gary Hermans, Walter Baneck; sisters-in-law: Clair Stahel and Jeanette Stahel. A private family funeral service was held Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, at 10:30 a.m., at Trinity Evangelical Church, town of Stettin. Burial was followed in Stettin Christian Cemetery, where full military honors were conducted by the Alois Dreikosen Post #469. Public visitation was held Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon. Current social distancing and masking guidelines were practiced. A luncheon for family & friends at the Stahel family farm followed the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, town of Stettin. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. The family would like to thank everyone at Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the wonderful care and compassion they gave Merlin. Paid obituary 93305

In remembrance of Sylvester (Sy) Altfillisch, who passed away on March 30, 2020, his family will be hosting a celebration of Sy’s life on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020. Sy’s family would like to invite all family and friends to join them for a prayer service to be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery on Hwy. A in Hamburg at 10:30 a.m. After the prayer service, there will be a luncheon to follow at the Hamburg town hall for everyone to gather and share their favorite Sy memories. Because Sy’s favorite color was blue, the family asks that all attending to wear their favorite shade of blue. Paid obituary 93071

Ann Kaiser, Stratford, went willingly and peacefully to her Creator on August 10, 2020, after defying the oddsmakers by holding diabetes and heart disease at bay for 55 and 28 years, respectively. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, Aug. 13, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Stratford, at 11 a.m. Ann’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 10 a.m. The Mass of Christian burial will be streamed online at www.facebook.com/rembsfuneralhomes. Ann was born on July 25, 1940, in Bevent, to parents John and Verona (Kurszewski) Fliss. She attended school in Shantytown and then Mosinee until the ripe old age of 15 when she moved to Stratford to live with and work for her aunt and uncle in Diermeier’s IGA. She met the love of her life, Norman Kaiser, at the age of 18 at Riverside Ballroom in Stratford. Norman, who was fed up after being harassed by his buddies for not having a girlfriend, declared he would ask the next girl to come out of the bathroom to dance. That girl was Ann. Immediately smitten, Norman gave Ann a ride home that night and about a year later proposed marriage. Ann, a woman with a quiet and quaint sense of humor, initially told Norman “no” but immediately changed that to “just kidding” after Norman dropped the ring in disbelief. In addition to her sense of humor, Ann will be remembered by family and friends for her ability to turn “just snacks” into a meal that feeds 40, her always full cookie and candy dishes, her ability to tackle unchartered territory (driver’s license at age 43, Facebook at age 79) and her tolerant and loving attitude toward all. Ann is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Norman Kaiser; her nine children: Deb (Tom) Hayes, Roy (Karin) Kaiser, Diane (Dave) Austin, Allan (Shari) Kaiser, Randy (Cheryl) Kaiser, Lori (Jon) Kaiser-Balz, Robin (Sarah) Kaiser, Robert (Judy) Kaiser, all of Stratford, and Cindy (Gary) Dieringer of Marshfield. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren (all of whom will claim they were her favorite); and six great-grandchildren. She was also looking forward to meeting three additional great-grandchildren yet this year. Ann was preceded in death by her mother and father; her brothers: Ludwig (Elsie) Fliss and John (Cynthia) Fliss; sister, Emily (Clarence) Burant; and a nephew. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting memorial gifts to either of the following tax-deductible organizations: 1) Auxilary to the Stratford VFW Post 6352; or 2) Neil Family Pediatric Diabetes Fund, which funds a camp to educate young diabetics about how to live with their disease. Checks addressed to either one of these two organizations may be mailed to Diane Austin, 119151 Balsam Road, Stratford WI 54484. Your memorial gift will be acknowledged by the family before being sent to the charity. The Sauter-Rembs Funeral Home, Stratford, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com. Paid obituary 93076

On Aug. 1, 2020, Jesus said, “Steve, you fought a good fight these last 10-1/2 months, you suffered enough, now it’s time to come home.” Steve Brodziski, 77, was born May 11, 1943, the son of the late Anton and Helen (Felzkowski) Brodziski in the town of Rietbrock. He attended St. Anthony School and graduated in 1961 from Athens High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines on Sept. 14, 1961, and served until his honorable discharge in 1964, with most of his last six months spent in Cuba during the Cuban Crisis. On June 23, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Gloria Schreiner, and were married for 58 years. After the service he worked part-time for Joe Mullins Cheese Factory for eight years, while being employed at Marathon Electric Manufacturing Corp., Wausau, making electric motors and generators ranging from small to very large, retiring after 41-1/2 years. He especially enjoyed relaxing by reading and meditating on the Bible each day, as well as diligently exercising at least an hour every day. He bowled for many years with his wife and family, competing in many local and state tournaments. With his wife, he enjoyed vacationing to many different states seeing all the beautiful sites America has to offer; doing yard work and keeping up the flowers and landscaping; helping out on the family farm when needed; making wood; but most of all loved our family get togethers during the holidays, birthdays and anniversaries, along with watching the grandkids’ sporting events. Survivors include his wife Gloria, Athens; six children: Douglas and Wendy Balz of Athens, Daniel and Lynn Brandt of Spencer, Benita of Athens, Daryl of Tucson, Ariz., Julie and Daniel Ellenbecker of Athens and Cherie and Kevin LaCombe of Eden Prairie, Minn.; 12 grandchildren: Brittany, Bryan, Mckenzie Brodziski, Beth (Jake) Day, Tyler (Mikaela) Brodziski, Taran (Heidi) Brodziski, Kyle, Ben Ellenbecker, Andy (Jessa) Ellenbecker, Mike (Autumn) Ellenbecker, Danielle (Andy) Bloch and Jakie LaCombe; two step-grandchildren: Allie and Derrick LaCombe; seven great-grandchildren: Jack and Raya Day, Lindy Brodziski, Paxton, Ryker and Emersyn Ellenbecker and an additional newcomer expected in late December. He is survived by a sister, Marian Larson of Schofield; brothers: Michael Brodjeski of Schofield, Anthony (Ruth) Brodjeski of Kenosha; sisters-in-law: Elaine Brodjeski of Wausau, Mary Brodziski of Athens and Darlene Brodjeski of Kenosha; and in-laws: Marie Hein, Andy and Lolly Schreiner, Clarence and Dolly Schreiner of Athens and Ceil and Warren Bartelt of Merrill. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers: Edward, Alex, Clement, Frank and Benedict; sister-in-law, Grace Brodjeski; in-laws: Frank and Iris Schreiner, Gordon and Katherine Westfall, Nancy Schreiner and Edward Hein. The funeral service will be held at Community Bible Church, Highway 97 South, Stratford, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, 2020. Pastor William Nesbitt will preside. Visitation will be Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. The service will be live streamed on Facebook, or for later viewing, at www. petersonkraemer.com. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Athens, around 2 p.m. with full military honors conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 8527. Pallbearers for the service will be grandsons: Bryan, Tyler, and Taran Brodziski; and Kyle, Andy, Mike and Ben Ellenbecker. Memorials may be directed to Community Bible Church or your favorite charity. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com The family would like to thank all the nurses, CNAs, doctors and staff at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill, for all the compassionate care and concern they showed for Steve and our family, especially during this trying time. God bless all of you! Paid obituary 92714

Marcia E. Wirkus, age 87, of Edgar, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at CopperLeaf Assisted Living in Marathon, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020, at Our Saviors National Catholic Church, 804 Jackson Street, Mosinee. Father Marion Talaga will preside. Friends may call from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service, all at the church. A short, graveside service was held on her birthday, March 30, 2020, with Father Robert Streveler presiding. We are mindful of the on-going challenges coronavirus is presenting, and are advising family and friends that FACE MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED for the visitation and funeral. Social distancing procedures will also be in place. We do not want to risk the health and safety of family and friends. If you are not feeling well, please stay home and get well. Marcia was born on March 30, 1932, in Wausau, the daughter of Monroe and Olive (Fowles) Ross. She was a 1951 graduate of Wausau East High School. After graduation, she was employed at Winkelman’s department store and JR Brushert Jewelers located in Wausau. On May 26, 1954, she was united in marriage to Willis B. Wirkus. Together they owned and operated a dairy farm until his passing in March 1990. She then worked at the Snack Shack in Edgar for ten years before retirement. She loved being a mom, grandmother and an aunt to all the nieces and nephews. She also enjoyed playing bingo and pente, drawing and the family trips they had taken out west. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edgar, where she belonged to Christian Mothers, Parish Council of Catholic Women and Our Lady of Lourdes group. Marcia is survived by five children: Paulette (Dale) Imhoff, Susan Wirkus (Patrick Palmer), Mary (Tim) Lenhard, Diane (Tom) Wirkus-Birch and Anthony (Rebecca) Wirkus; grandchildren: Lisa Lenhard, Jason Lenhard, Matthew (Ruth) Imhoff, Crystal Wirkus (Matthew Ferguson) and Tristan Wirkus; great-grandchildren: Preston Lenhard, Savanni Lenhard and Oliver Wirkus. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Willis; parents, Monroe and Olive Ross; stepfather, Bill Borth; brothers: Norris (Wyleta) Ross and Oliver Ross; sister, Enola (Harold) Gaulke; three stepsisters: Katherine (Walter Lawrence), Lucile (Louie Stadler) and Virginia (Joe Wirkus). Special thanks to Aspirus Hospice and CopperLeaf Assisted Living for all their care. Marcia’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences. Paid obituary 92665

Amy Kristen Lang, 53, Marathon, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, July 24, 2020. She was born Feb. 15, 1967, in Wausau, daughter of the late Hubert and Dolores (Lenhard) Lang, who welcomed her to Heaven with their open, loving arms. Amy and her lifelong partner of 33 years, Ted Szymanski, loved spending time together in the outdoors. They spent many years gardening, boating, 4-wheeling; along with many nights out wining and dining, listening to music! Amy loved sitting outside on their patio, birdwatching and reading. The library has lost its No. 1 customer. Amy was a compassionate and loving person who had a great love for all, including animals. She and Ted had many pets over the years, including their dear Zoe Lee, and lots of reptiles. But none of their pets will miss her more than Lucas James, her rescue dog. Amy loved cooking, always trying new recipes, good and not so good! The not so good was up to Ted to finish off ! Amy’s pride and joy were her many nieces and nephews; from her oldest niece to her newest nephew, her two-month-old bundle of joy. Each one over the years looked forward to spending time with Amy and Ted at their home, playing in the orchards with their pets. Besides Ted, Amy has left behind her siblings: Dale Lang, Jeanne (Bob) O’Neill, Douglas Lang and Heidi (Marvin) Sekorski; along with many nieces and nephews; and lots of great friends. Amy will remain in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved her. She will be dearly missed. A private family memorial service will take place at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon. The Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Public visitation will take place on Thursday, July 30, 2020, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Marathon funeral home. Social distancing guidelines will be practiced. The family requires face coverings be worn for the visitation at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 92338

Paid obituary 92281 Josephine M. Yessa, age 90, formerly of Edgar, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020, after a restful day surrounded with her loving family at Abbotsford Health Care Center, under the tender care of hospice. A celebration Mass will be held on Aug. 8, 2020, at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Milan (open to all). Father George Graham will preside. Friends and family are welcome 9 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church. Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Josephine was born on June 9, 1929, the daughter of Casimir and Veronica (Literski) Cyzan in Elton. She graduated from Edgar High School. On Aug. 2, 1949, Josephine was united in marriage to Irvin Yessa, Sr., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edgar. He preceded her in death on Dec. 29, 2010. Josephine farmed with her husband in the town of Johnson. She also helped Irvin with his business, Bilt-Rite Products, and helped deliver the Wausau Daily Herald in the Rib Falls and Hamburg area. She also worked at Abby Cafe for several years. Josephine was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Milan and a member of the PCCW. She was also a member of the Homemakers club. Josephine loved making quilts with her family, crocheting, embroidery and shaking dice. She also enjoyed making wedding cakes for all of her children and many others. Most importantly, Josephine cherished her family. Josephine is lovingly survived by her ten children: Ronald (Judy) Yessa of Edgar, William (Mary) Yessa of Edgar, Lynette (Dennis) Myszka of Edgar, Deborah (David) Weber of Stratford, Irvin Yessa Jr. of Wausau, Mary Jo (Dale) Kroening of Bowling Green, Ken., John (Kelly) Yessa of Athens, Carl (Susan) Yessa of Edgar, Charles (Pamm) Yessa of Dorchester and Lou Ann (Stephen) Paul of Marathon. She is further survived by her 28 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren and another, or more, on the way! She is further survived by her brother, Michael Cyzan of Wausau; her sister, Phyllis Carney (Barney Reilly) of Madison; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Irvin; five siblings: Laurette, Robert, Laurrain, Marcella and Casimir Jr.; several brothers-inlaw, sisters-in-law and other relatives. The family would like to thank the staff at Abbotsford Health Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care their mother received. Family and friends may express condolences online at www. maurinaschilling.com.