Grace Brickner

Grace Carol Brickner, 85, Marathon passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19,2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, with her family by her side.

She was born on September 13,1940, in Marathon, daughter of the late Matthew and Marie (Blume) Wagner. On April 11,1959, she married Jerome E. Brickner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon. He preceded her in death on March 9, 2022.

Grace lived her life rooted in a deep and unwavering Catholic faith, finding strength, purpose and comfort in her relationship with God. Through quiet example and steadfast devotion, she and her husband, Jerry, passed these values on to their children, teaching them the importance of prayer, compassion and service to others. Faith was not only something Grace believed, but something she lived each day, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy that continues to guide and inspire her family.

For over 27 years, Grace was the secretary at Brickner Motors in Little Chicago. Grace always said she liked working there because she loved the boss. She enjoyed spending time at the cottage with her family. Grace also enjoyed hunting with her husband; she was very proud of a successful hunt for a black bear. Fishing in Canada was a favorite family trip for many years. Grace never said no to a game of marbles and seldom lost. Most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her children: Jerome M. Ill (Jane) Brickner, Wausau and children, Janessa Grace (Tom) Ress and children, Ashton and Janea, Jerry IV (Hannah) Brickner and daughter, Ivy; Michael (Cheryl) Brickner, Tomahawk and daughter, Michaella; Steve (Linda) Brickner, Tomahawk and children, Steven (Katie) Brickner and children, Paityn and Abigail, Melissa (Kurt) Seubert and children, Madalynn, Quinnlynn, Conrad, and Gabriel, Shawn (Joey Greshowak) Brickner, Melanie (Scott) Heinz and children, Alexander and Raelynn Grace; Maria (Tom) Olson, Wausau and children, Thomas (Heidi) Olson, Michael (Kaylee) Olson and children, Alyssa, Braylee and Hudson, and Grace (Lucas) Somma; her siblings: Lucille (Jim) Sorenson, Madison and Mary (Jeff) Flamino, Mosinee and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Bryan, granddaughters: Tara and Kendra Brickner and siblings: Dorothy Klumpyan, Joyce Seubert and Kenneth Wagner.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, April 27,2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon. The Rev. Jospeh Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon, on Sunday, April 26, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. A rosary service will follow at 7:15 p.m. Sunday evening. Visitation will begin on Monday, April 27, at 9 a.m. and continue until 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Gifts from Heaven or St. Mary’s Catholic School. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon oversees arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.