01 August 2023

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25 July 2023

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Silvaline Pickruhn

Silvaline Pickruhn


Paid obituary 139846 Silvaline Pickruhn, age 106, died Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Athenian Assisted Living, Athens. Silvaline was born April 7, 1917, in the Town of Rib Falls to the late Bernard and Emma (Huehnerfuss) Brandt. Silvaline married Harley Pickruhn on June 3, 1939, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Rib Falls. Together they had two sons: Jerome and Cyrus. Silvaline and Harley farmed in the Town of Hamburg until 1966 when they moved to Wausau. There she set up her weaving loom, making beautiful rag rugs for family and friends, with Harley sewing and her working the loom. In their earlier years they traveled to various states, along with a special trip to Germany. Summers were always spent at their cottage ‘Up North’. Silvaline is survived by her sister, Pearl Sekorski, Wausau; daughterin- laws: Carol Pickruhn, Marathon and Lorraine Pickruhn-France, Boise, Idaho; grandchildren: David Pickruhn (Marathon), Barb (Korey) Kaldunski, Athens, Dale (Terese) Pickruhn, Wausau, Jody (Tina) Pickruhn, Ishpeming, Mich., and Stacy (Arthur Eslinger) Pickruhn, Boise, Idaho; great-grandchildren: Tarrah (Anthony) Bennish, Briah (Christopher) Perry, Megan (Taylor) Chappel, Logan Pickruhn, Quinn & Zeke Eslinger, Miles & Foster Pickruhn and great-great-grandchildren: Grant, Alayna, Jace & Sylvia, with two more on the way; and many extended family and friends. Silvaline was preceded in death by her husband, Harley; her two sons: Jerome and Cyrus; her brothers and their wives: Lewellyn (Mabel) Brandt, Lawrence (Anita) Brandt, Levi (Ethel) Brandt, Marvin Brandt, Milton (Arlene) Brandt, Ervin (Helen) Brandt, Lilas (Eileen) Brandt and Walter (Marion) Brandt; her sister, Clarice (Harold) Kopplin, and her brother-inlaw, John Sekorski. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 21, 2023, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 135237 CTH Road A, Marathon. Pastor Will Ostrem presided. Burial was in the church cemetery. Friends called at 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. The family would like to extend a heartfelt word of thanks to her special friend, Ellen, for her daily visits, and Lori & Lisa and all the staff and residents at Athenian Assisted Living for their care and friendship to Silvaline during her time there. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your soul. 1 Peter 1: 8-9. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.

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Robert Ulrich

Robert Ulrich


Robert Harold Ulrich, 92, lifelong resident of Stratford, passed away on July 18, 2023, at Stoney River Assisted Living, Marshfield. Born at his parents’ home in Stratford on February 21, 1931, Bob was the eldest son to Walter and Florence (Untiet) Ulrich. He graduated from Stratford High School Class of 1949 and began working as a bookkeeper for Klemme Sales. On May 23, 1953, he married his high school sweetheart Donetta Marie Oertel at Zion Lutheran Church, Stratford. Bob began his business entrepreneurship in Stratford with teenage jobs at the canning factory, lumber company, bowling alley and movie theatre. He incorporated local businesses (Stratford Turkeys, Ulrich Feeds, Ulrich Bus Service, General Shoe.) He was involved in the Lions Club and Elks Club. He was elected to the Stratford area school board and hosted several foreign exchange students at his home on Elm Street. As a lifelong Lutheran, Bob served on the church council and helped start Germanfest, an annual fundraiser. As a Luther League advisor in the mid 1970’s, he initiated the first ecumenical service featuring “He Lived the Good Life.” He also enjoyed dancing, fishing, hunting, bowling, golf and playing cards. Bob took the opportunity to travel around the world, mixing business trips with his treasured hobbies. Bob used his organizational skill to bring people back to Stratford as he arranged class reunions, family gatherings and community events. He was a generous man who enjoyed good conversation and was grateful for the many blessings he encountered. Robert is survived by his five children: Dale (Adele) Ulrich of Phoenix, Ariz., Cheryl (Bob) Martines of St. Charles, Ill., Lori (Don) Uthmeier of Stratford, Beth (Tom) Griffith of Venice, Fla., and Jody (Chad) Arnow of Dayton, Ohio. Blessed with ten grandchildren, Bob celebrated their school/church events as he was very proud of their milestone accomplishments. His surviving grandchildren are Alec Martines, Amanda (Tom) Bird, Annie Martines; Karl, Sam, Henry Uthmeier; Matt, Jake Griffith; Nate, Grace Arnow. Bob is also survived by his sister, Bonnie (Pat) Buchberger, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Donetta; his brother, Fritz; sister-in-law Nancy Ulrich, and sister-in-law Jeanine (Huebner) Martinson. A memorial service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Stratford at noon on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, with the Rev. Amy Heinz presiding. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. Interment will follow at Zion Lutheran Church cemetery. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com. Paid obituary 139858

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Maurita Burke

Maurita Burke


Maurita “Murt” Burke, 89, beloved wife of the late Dennis L. Burke, passed away peacefully at home on June 18, 2023. Murt was born on August 29, 1933, in Richland Center, daughter of the late Gerald and Mabel (Hoffman) Johnson. She worked with her husband at Clearfield Cheese for many years. In her spare time she enjoyed watching golf and knew many of the golfers by name. She loved to play Sheepshead, and crocheting. Murt was also proud to take care of her lawn until she could no longer do it. Murt enjoyed having a “cold one” and always preferred a heavy beer. She was a longtime member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. She will be fondly remembered for her quirky sense of humor. Murt is survived by two children: Denise (Steven) Seubert and Christopher (MaryJo Allen) Burke; two grandsons: Terry (Jennifer) Seubert and Keith (Betheny) Seubert, along with six great-grandchildren: Addyson, Rolland, Ryker, Boden, Soren and Coley Seubert. Murt leaves two brothers: Jim (Marion) Johnson and Virgil (Sharon) Johnson; a sisterin- law, Norma Jansen, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 29, from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stettin. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Stettin Christian Cemetery. Helke Funeral Home of Wausau has been entrusted with arrangements. Murt’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Interium Hospice for the care given to her in her final days. Paid obituary 138603
18 July 2023

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Beverly Lucas

Beverly Lucas


Beverly Jean Lucas (Kaskavitch), 80, of Wausau, passed away on July 13, 2023, in her hometown. She was born on October 14, 1942, in Wausau. Beverly is survived by her husband, Charles Lucas; her daughter, Juli Harger (Kendall); son, Chuck Lucas (Lisa); siblings: Harold Kaskavitch (Sue), Bill Kaskavitch (Denys) and Carol Schmidt (Tony); grandchildren: Lucas Harger (Trina), Christian Harger (Nicola), Alex Harger, Glory Parlier (Zach), CJ Lucas (Anna) and Elly McKinney (Matt); great-grandsons: Aiden Harger, Hudson Harger, Arlo Harger and Dane Parlier. She is also survived by a niece, Raquel Fout (Scott) and nephews: Joel Kaskavitch and Matthew Kaskavitch (Stephanie). Beverly wass preceded in death by her father, Wallace Kaskavitch, mother, Bernice Jobs, stepfather, Wallace Jobs, and sister, Renae Kaskavitch. Beverly, known for her kindness, selflessness, and love for her family, touched the lives of many. She will be remembered for her unwavering love of Jesus, freely sharing her faith with others, and special devotional times spent with her husband Charles. Beverly was deeply cherished by her family and friends, who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. Beverly’s gift giving was a wonderful illustration of the individual love for each member of her family. She took the time and patience to choose the perfect gift to surprise and delight each one. Examples from Christmas include an Atari game console for her son so he could play the “latest” video games at home, and blue suede shoes for her daughter with a tag reading “From: Elvis” as a clue. Professionally, Beverly filled many roles, but especially enjoyed her time in the real estate industry. Her dedication and expertise made her a trusted and respected figure in the field. Beverly will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love, generosity, resilience, loyalty and class will forever live on in our hearts. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 3 p.m. at Brainard Funeral Home Weston Chapel, 5712 Memorial Ct., Weston, WI 54476. Visitation was from 1 p.m. until the hour of service at Brainard Funeral Home Weston Chapel. Paid obituary 139610

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Brenda Schmidt

Brenda Schmidt


Brenda K. Schmidt, age 64, of Wausau, passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023, at her home under the tender care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Wausau. Rev. Gary Schultz will preside. A visitation will be held from 4 until 8 p.m. on Friday, July 21, and from 9 a.m. until time of service all at the church. A live stream will be available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Brenda was born on April 19, 1959, the daughter of Charles and Joanne (Singstock) Luther in Oak Park, Ill. She graduated from Abbotsford High School in 1977. On June 30, 1979, Brenda was united in marriage to Edwin Schmidt at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Edgar. She worked as a senior business rater for Wausau Insurance, which became Liberty Mutual, for 37 years. Brenda will be remembered for her big smile, heart and personality, along with her booming laugh and strong faith. She was always there to support her family, from getting her boys to school activities, cheering them on in whatever sport they were playing, to getting the family together for special occasions with, of course, delicious home-cooked meals. She was an incredible mom, and fiercely loved all of her family. She didn’t let a birthday or special occasion go by without a handwritten card, always complete with perfect penmanship. When she was diagnosed with cancer 10 and a half years ago, she put together a bucket list, which led to many travels, including national parks, the outerbanks of North Carolina, Alaska, and New York City to see the Radio City Rockettes at Christmas time. One of her last big trips was to Tucson, Ariz., to gather with high school friends. Brenda is survived by her husband of 44 years, Edwin; three sons: Derek Schmidt (fiancĂ©e, Rachel) of Wausau, Kirk Schmidt of Appleton and Luke (Rachel) Schmidt of Altoona; one granddaughter, Olivia; two stepgrandchildren: Jordan and Anders; her mother, Joanne Luther of Athens; four brothers and sisters: Cynthia (Greg) Raube of Reeseville, Mark (Julie) Luther of Spencer, Brian (Kathy) Luther of Athens and Sara Luther of Wausau; and a brother-in-law, Allan Faude of Withee. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles; her sister, Karen Faude; and her grandparents: Guy and Fay Luther and Albert and Theresa Singstock. The family would like to thank Dr. Christopher Peterson and the entire staff at Aspirus Cancer Center for their continuous care over the years. While going through chemo, Brenda looked forward to the cards of encouragement. We would also like to thank Aspirus Home Hospice for their care during her final days. Family and friends may express condolences online at www. maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 139623_2
11 July 2023

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Linda Kovalik

Linda Kovalik


Linda was born on Dec. 6, 1945, in Chicago, and died on June 29, 2023, in the SICU at Marshfield Hospital in Wisconsin. She attended Arlington Heights High School in Illinois, graduating in 1964; the picture of her is her graduation photo. She attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, but didn’t pursue a degree. All animals were dear to her when she was a child, and she continued her love of horses into adulthood. One job she had was “ponying” race horses at the track. This involved riding her own large strong horse to escort the thoroughbred racers (often squirrely!) out to the track and starting gate. She also had a job boarding and caring for horses, working with experienced veterinarians and learning expert care for all manner of injuries and ailments. During this time, she also bought a truck and an aluminum horse trailer/ambulance, transporting many animals to and from the tracks and horse hospitals. After many years with horses, Linda went into trucking, buying her own semi and later—following in her father’s footsteps—an aluminum dump trailer. When the trucking business fell off, she moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, where her brother Ron lives. During the 18 months she spent there, she attended a diesel mechanic school program, where she outperformed all the men and recent high school grads. By the end of the class she could take apart a diesel engine and reassemble it flawlessly. When she returned to Wisconsin, she lived in a tack house/chicken coop which she converted into a cozy home. She joined St. John Lutheran (ELCA) Church, where she was active in leadership and maintenance roles, as well as many fundraisers. Linda is survived by her brother, Ron, in Fairbanks, Alaska, and many dear and loving friends around the country. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at St. John Lutheran (ELCA) on Highway N in Edgar. Linda’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www. lifetributesfuneralhome.com. Paid obituary 139173

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Phyllis Schnelle

Phyllis Schnelle


Phyllis Mae (Olm) Schnelle, age 91, Stratford, was surrounded by her children when God wrapped his arms around her and took her to his heavenly home on Thursday, July 6, 2023. A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at Christ United Church, Athens, where a gathering for family and friends was from 1 p.m. until service time. Rev. Teri Hanson presided. The service was streamed online at www.facebook.com/ rembsfuneral homes. Sauter/Rembs Funeral Home assisted the family. Phyllis was born on March 20, 1932, in the Town of Cleveland-Stratford, the daughter of Phillip and Mabel (Heller) Olm. She attended Balsam School and graduated from Stratford High School in 1950. After high school she moved to Kenosha where she worked at Snap-on Tools. She returned to Stratford to marry the love of her life, Edward Schnelle, on August 4, 1951. Phyllis and Eddie farmed and raised their family in the Town of Cleveland. Phyllis was an experienced seamstress and cake decorator. She enjoyed cooking, baking, reading, music, crocheting, shooting pool and darts, traveling, and an occasional trip to the casino. In the last years of her life she learned to play cribbage (which she was very proud of). She played cribbage and checkers on a regular basis with her family. She enjoyed attending events for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Phyllis and Eddie were fortunate to travel to many places, including Alaska, Hawaii and Europe, which they immensely enjoyed. Phyllis was a homemaker/working on the family farm and later was employed at the Marshfield Hospital and was the clerk for the Town of Cleveland for 34 years. Phyllis was a hard worker, dedicated to her family and her faith. She was an excellent example to her children and grandchildren. She was selfless and always put her children first. She was funny, feisty, and loved deeply. She truly was an inspiration and will be missed beyond words. Phyllis is survived by her nine children: Jackie (Mark) Behringer, Terry Schnelle, Cheri (Paul) Furhman, Barb (John) Chrouser, David Schnelle, Linda (Kim) Rothenberger, Pam (Scott) Baasch, Connie (Jason) Zuleger and Patti (Troy) Kuyoth. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 41 greatgrandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson. She is further survived by her brother, Eugene Olm. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Eddie, who passed away in 2017, as well as two grandsons: Lance Erwin and Bobby Schnelle, her parents, Phillip Olm and Mabel Schuster, and two sisters: Carol Hannemann and LaRae Hannemann. Special thanks to Acorn Hill in Mosinee for their excellent care and making Mom feel at home and loved. (May her music still ring through your halls). Words cannot describe how we will miss her. “How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com. Paid obituary 139228
04 July 2023

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Marie Wenzel

Marie Wenzel


Marie Margaret (nee Kohlbeck) Wenzel, 100, of Stratford, completed her earthly journey on June 28, 2023. Born June 3, 1923, to Joseph and Anna (Grall) Kohlbeck, she was the fourth of five children. She grew up on the family farm northeast of Hewitt in the Town of Marshfield. Marie attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Hewitt. Upon completion of her education, she first was employed as a domestic housekeeper and later at the Johnson Garment Factory in Marshfield. Marie met the love of her life, Alfred L. Wenzel, through his brother, Leo, whom she had been dating. When Alfred joined the military service, they continued their courtship through letters and just on furlough. Alfred was so concerned that this pretty young lady would be taken from him that he sent Marie an engagement ring and proposed through the mail. She accepted, and on May 29, 1946, six months after his honorable discharge from the Army, they were married at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Hewitt, a love story that lasted more than 69 years. Following their marriage, Alfred and Marie farmed with his parents on an 80 acre dairy farm south of Stratford. When Louis and Anna moved to Stratford in 1948, Alfred and Marie purchased the farm where they continued to live until they retired and moved into a new ranch style home in Stratford in 1982. Their son, Dennis, rented the farm until the fall of 1984, at which time it was bought by Leick Farms, Inc. Marie was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Stratford, PCCW and the Rosary Altar Society. Her interests included gardening, cooking, baking, canning, playing cards, throwing darts, playing bingo and attending family athletic and academic activities. She was an avid Brewers fan. She enjoyed playing softball with the family, always hitting the ball for the kids to retrieve! Her family thoroughly enjoyed her exceptional baking and cooking skills, often without the need of a recipe, especially her homemade bread, sweet rolls, doughnuts, cookies, pies, and everyone’s favorite, her Maple Nut Cake with penuche frosting. The basement shelves were lined with hundreds of quarts of canned goods every fall, and she was especially renowned for her sweet dill pickles. Dad was known as a master story and joke teller, but Mom could hold her own in that category. Among some of her favorites were these: “What is in a honeymoon salad?” Answer: “Lettuce alone!” “What did the girdle say to the hat?” Answer: “You go on ahead; I’ll bring up the rear!” “What did the ceiling say to the wall?” (Dad’s answer): “I’ll meet you in the corner!” Mom outdid him with, “Hold me up. I’m plastered!” After Dad’s passing on September 8, 2015, Mom continued to live in their home in Stratford until she could no longer carry on independently. In October 2017, she moved to an assisted living facility in Marshfield where she looked forward to almost daily visits from family, relatives and friends. Marie’s 50 descendants include eight children, 18 grandchildren and 24 greatgrandchildren: Dr. Edward Wenzel of Onalaska; Richard (Judy) Wenzel of Rozellville and their two children: Jamie (Heather), Taya (AJ Schoenfuss), Daxtyn, Zayden and Kollyns of Hewitt, Julie (Matt) Schillinger of Rozellville and Macie of Eau Claire and Marah of Rozellville; Mary Jean (Rodney) Passehl of Edgar, and their three children: Kelly (Chad) Erickson and Ashley and Preston, all of Edgar, Tracy (Christopher) Freund and Kayla and Dylan of Marathon, and Ryan (fiancĂ©e Karlin Stalder) and his son Trent, of McFarland; Roseann (Forrest “Speedy”) Johnson and their three children: Patrick (Megan) and Averi and Mila, Michael (Kimberly) and Mason and Kennedi, and Kristi (Les) Ormond and Jackson and Jaegar, all of Stratford; Dennis Wenzel of Stratford and his two sons: Ryan (Laura) and Jacob, Joel and Livia of Machesney Park, Ill., and Danny (Jodi) and Ellie and Henley of Stratford; Karen (Terrance) Fischer of Marshfield and their two sons: Bradley (Lisa) of Neenah and Christopher of Marshfield; Alice (Steven) Niehaus and their three children: Lisa (Bill) Frey, Benjamin (fiancĂ©e Ciara Heckel) and his children, Weston and Devyn, all of Marshfield, and Chad (Hanna) of Brookfield; Leon Wenzel of Medford and his three children: Matthew (fiancĂ©e Kayley Blaha) of Eau Claire, Brienna (fiancĂ© Tyler Goltz) of Green Bay and Cameron (fiancĂ©e Cayden Nuernberger) of Altoona. Futhermore, Marie is survived by a sister, Margaret (late Edward) Grassl of Marshfield, sisters-in-law: Alice (late Sylvester) Fischer, of Marshfield and Sr. Margaret Wenzel, FSPA, of LaCrosse, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a daughter, Carol Ann, in infancy in 1947 (a blue baby that lived for five days), one brother, Richard (Elsie), two sisters: Helen (Lawrence) Strupp and Martha (Joseph) Steckler, and inlaws: Raymond (Rose VandeLoo and Marie Mader Daul), Walter, Agnes (Victor Neuwirth and Peter Meyer), Marie (Ludwig) Grassl, Leo (Mildred Kurtzweil), Loretta (late Norman) Tritz, Sr Dorothy Wenzel, FSPA, and Donald (Rose) Wenzel. A Mass of Christian burial was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 3, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where a visitation was held from 9 a.m. until service time. St. Joseph’s Parish Council of Catholic Women recited the rosary at 8:45 a.m. Fr. Sengole Vethamanickam presided. The service was livestreamed online at www.facebook.com/rembsfuneralhomes. Burial was in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Town of Eau Pleine. The honor of serving as pallbearers belonged to her beloved granddaughters: Julie (Wenzel) Schillinger, Kelly (Passehl) Erickson, Tracy (Passehl) Freund, Kristi (Johnson) Ormond, Lisa (Niehaus) Frey and Brienna Wenzel. In lieu of flowers, the family will provide an opportunity for memorialization through donations at a later date in honor of their mother. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Father Sen and Mary Drexler for their compassionate visits, blessings, and invaluable end-of-life counsel. The family also extends a heartfelt appreciation to the assisted living facilities that provided unwavering care for Marie. The staff at Promedica Hospice, including Miranda, Julie, and Donna, deserve special recognition for their kindness, professionalism, and outstanding service. Their unwavering dedication, exceptional caregiving skills, and genuine care brought immense comfort to Marie and her loved ones. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.rembsfh.com. Paid obituary 138909