Steve Brodziski

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