Christopher C. Olson
Christopher Clarence Olson, 46 despite insisting he was younger, of either Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin or Mars, his family was never truly sure which – passed away at home unexpectedly in Weston, Wisconsin on April 4th 2024.
He was born in Chippewa falls in 1977 to Richard (Dick) and Dorothy (Hagedorn) Olson. Who knew from the moment he was born that something was a little off. They were proven right when Chris decided to drive down Rib Mountain (and not on the road). Chris graduated Wausau West High School before starting to work with his dad and brother in the family business, Midwest Amusem*nts. He ultimately preceded his fathers departure and became owner and CEO. All of which amazed his family, who were pretty certain Chris would run away to join the circus instead.
Chris was loved by all, especially dogs and according to him he was the ultimate stud. He saw the best in everyone, his smile was infectious and his laugh would make anyone feel welcome.
Chris is survived by his wife Amanda, daughters Bianca (Mike), Rozalynd, and Harper; Mom Mary; brothers Rodger, Rene (Kelly), Rick (Lynn) , Gabe (Amy), and sister Gina; the Midwest Amusem*nts Family; aunts and uncles; nieces and nephews, and countless friends who are still convinced this is some kind of prank.
Chris was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy, father Dick, mother in law Julie, brother Leevon, nephew Aiden, close friend Kevin, and his beloved bulldog Jude, who are thrilled to deal with Chris and his antics in the afterlife.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks to make a donation in Chris’s name to the Marathon County Humane Society.
The family deeply appreciates the kind words and sentiments but is requesting some privacy as they grieve and move forward from this unexpected loss.
Visitation will be held on Friday April 19, 2024, from 1pm – 2pm with the service starting shortly after 2pm at Brainard Funeral Home Everest Chapel 5712 Memorial Ct. Weston, Wisconsin.
Leo J. Brown
Leo Joseph Brown, age 85, passed away peacefully in Weston, WI on April 1, 2024, just three days shy of his 86th birthday. Leo was so thankful to be taken from the nursing home by his two daughters, Tina and Kathy. They made certain that he was lovingly cared for in his final days.
Leo was born in Lonsdale, MN to Mary and Leonard Brown, on April 4, 1938, in the upstairs bedroom of the family farmhouse. He was raised as a farm kid and went to country school where his mother was his teacher. Leo was a graduate of Bethlehem Academy’s Class of 1956 in Faribault, MN. He didn’t play many sports as a kid. He said he was too short for basketball and not fast enough for baseball, but he did join the boxing club at BA and earned a letter for his skill!
Leo married Jean Marie Hoban of Faribault, MN on December 22, 1962. They were married for 38 years and had seven children-Tina-1962, Connie-1963, Molly-1965, Peter-1966, Sarah-1969, Kathy-1972 and Becky-1973. There are also 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
At age 18, Leo went to work for Great Northern Railroad, later known as Burlington Northern. He worked there for 37 years before retiring at age 56. He was an assistant manager of Dimensional Shipments. His duties entailed choosing the route the trains would use dependent on the cargo dimensions and weight and height and width of the bridges, tunnels, overpasses and the curve of the track required for the train to reach its final destination. BN’s corporate headquarters moved from St. Paul, MN to Overland Park, KS in 1983. That is when Leo moved his family to Parkville, MO, where he lived until the last 11 days of his life.
Leo also proudly served, as a Corporal, in the US Army for two years. He was stationed in Ft Benning, GA and Ft Sill, OK. He earned medals for Sharpshooter-Rifle, Expert-Carbine and Good Conduct. He worked for a good number of Generals, Colonels and Majors, helping to write their correspondence and such.
Leo loved to work with his hands. If given a choice, he would have become a mechanic or a carpenter. He could fix anything and always had a project going. He was always happy to help anyone with their projects, too. He liked to stay busy. After retiring from the railroad, he started a handyman business and worked at the Kansas City Auto Auction.
Everyone loved Leo. He was hard-working and so much fun! He never met anyone that did not, eventually, become his friend. He was everyone’s favorite uncle, godfather or neighbor. Leo lived his life the way he wanted to and people were drawn to that.
His loves were many…babies, dogs, cars, grilling, being the first to have the “latest” gadgets, plaid, helping his friends and family, and his home…BUT what he really loved was dancing, listening to Polka music and playing his banjo. He passed away listening to polka music.
He was preceded in death by his parents-Leonard and Mary, his brother-Vince and his sisters-Elaine Lambert and Terry Nuetzman. Leo is survived by his brother-Denny and sister-Kathy Dodds.
The funeral Mass will be held, in a couple of weeks, at St Patrick’s Catholic Church on, Friday, April 26, 2024. Address: 7525 Dodd Road, Faribault, MN for GPS, but the church is actually located in Shieldsville, MN. Visitation will be from 10-11am, Mass 11am-12pm, with urn interment and luncheon to follow.
Virginia E. Davide
Virginia “Ginny” E. Davide, 95, died Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
She was born January 2, 1929, in Wausau, daughter of the late Edward and Dorothy (Jagla) Gauger. She married Joseph Davide on January 17, 1959. He preceded her in death on December 29, 1967.
Ginny retired in 2001 from M&I Bank after 26 years in accounting. She was a charter member of St. Anne Catholic Church and volunteered in many capacities including the Circle of Joy, Fatima Council and Sympathy Circle. For over 60 years she was an avid league bowler and traveled all over the United States for different tournaments and events. Ginny also enjoyed reading and putting together puzzles.
Survivors include her son, Jay (Kathy) Davide; son-in-law, Gary Wadzinski; special niece, Jackie (Dave) Pudelko and their son, Ryan; several other nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Lisa Wadzinski, son, David, sisters, Violet (“Tezy”) Kitowski, Delores (Richard) Valentine, and Diane (Jerry) Butterfield, brother, Ron (Lillian) Gauger.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, at St. Anne Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Allan Slowiak will preside. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service all at St. Anne Catholic Church, Wausau. Entombment will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2024, at the Garden of Eternal Rest, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.
Thank you to the Special Care unit at Pine Crest Nursing Home for the compassion and care they provided to her.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Thomas J. Berg
Thomas J. Berg, 75 passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at his home in Marathon, WI surrounded by his wife and family.
He was born on October 8, 1948 in Eau Claire, WI to Thilman and Muriel (Wickham) Berg. Tom married Marla Otto in Chippewa Falls, WI on June 8, 1984.
Tom graduated in 1966 from North High School in Eau Claire, WI. He was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps in 1968. He served from 1968-1970, with a tour of combat duty in Vietnam. Tom had the privilege to participate in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in October of 2023.
After serving his country, he attended Chippewa Valley Technical College graduating in 1975. He worked for several companies in the Chippewa Valley area.
Tom and Marla travelled to many destinations including Paris, the Caribbean, Las Vegas, Cozumel, Alaska, and Gulf Shores just to name a few. Tom also enjoyed painting, sketching, and playing trivia with his friends.
Tom’s favorite place to spend time was Chetek, WI. As a young boy, his family spent time at their Chetek lake home fishing, waterskiing and boating. Tom and Marla eventually built their own lake home in Chetek on his family’s property. Together they enjoyed hosting family and friends, taking pontoon rides and watching the eagles.
Survivors include his wife, Marla, sisters-in-law; Marsha Otto, Renee (Pat) Steffen, Rachelle Phakitthong, Joyce Berg, brother-in-law Jeff (Linda) Allan, and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings; Bonnie Allan, Jim Berg, Duanne Berg, Bob Berg; father and mother in-law; Wilbur and Charlotte Otto, and brother-in-law; Khamby Phakitthong.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at St Stephen Lutheran Church 424 North 3rd Ave. Edgar, WI with Pastor Gail Sowell officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00am with a service at 11:00am at the church. Burial will be held at a later date at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI.
The family thanks the staff of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Service.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Thomas J. Lawrence
Thomas Jon Lawrence Son of Wilbur “Red” and Alice L. (Kittel) Lawrence, husband to Joyce, brother of Kenneth. A patriarch, uncle, father, and grandfather, veteran. A superior man full of humor, compassion, and a healthy respect for heights has found peace and rest on April 11, 2024.
A Wausau native, Tom graduated from Wausau High School, attended NTC, and followed his brother into naval service. On the USS Picking (DD685), a Tin Can stationed at Long Beach, CA he served as a machinist mate 3rd class during the Vietnam war, completing two tours and surviving the Tonkin Gulf Conflict. Tom shared the mostly safe and funny stories of his time. During his Navy service he met the love of his life, Joyce.
Tom and Joyce, married 54 years, resided in Schofield with their daughter Cheryl. Tom received a life saving kidney transplant in 1997 without it the list of survivors was long and seasoned with those who are more than family: Cheryl, his daughter,; Sabrina, Charli and JD Wolfie, Miranda, Hayden, Hunter,; Jen and Brad, Hailey, Rylan, Jeremy and Erica, Cadence, Alex, Cameron, Chael, Charlotte, ; nieces Jennifer, Katherine, and Amanda Dawn; sisters Donna, Candy and , brothers in arms, many beloved dogs especially Vanna, Cooke, Shota, and Tipper, and his wife Joyce.
Tom worked at Wisconsin Public Service until his retirement as lead lab technician. Most weekends the family spent time in Crivitz ,WI camping, fishing, reading, and enjoying the area.
Military Honors with be conducted at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday April 16, 2024 at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m until the time of services at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Ramona A. Ulrich
Ramona A. Ulrich, 94, Wausau, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
She was born February 21, 1930, in Marathon, daughter of the late Edwin and Leona (Mueller) Fellbaum. In 1963 she married Theodore Ulrich who preceded her in death.
Growing up on a farm with a large family of 11 siblings, Ramona was looked to for advice and guidance. She had a strong bond with her siblings and through all the hardships life brought she worked through them with determination and perseverance. Her home was the hub of all family events and gatherings. There was nothing she loved more than her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ramona enjoyed spending time with her family, crocheting, baking, and eating lemon pie. She left a mark on everyone’s heart that she met, being remembered as a feisty, strong, independent mother, grandmother and great-grandmother with a big heart and strong faith.
Survivors include her daughters, Beth (Rob) Thorn and Shelley (Steve) Hein; grandchildren, Stacey Ulrich, Haley Ulrich, Megan Hein and Isaac (Kayleigh) Hein; great-grandchildren, Bristol and Brayden; siblings, Arlyle (Carl) Schmidt, Darlene Osness, Ardell Salzwedel, Lorna (Joe) Grabko and Sharon Schultz.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded by siblings, Marcella Beckman, Beverly Fellbaum, Vernon, Dennis, Arden and Donald Fellbaum.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 15, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. Rev. Jim Mayland will officiate. Visitation will be Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service all at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau.
The family would like to thank Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the wonderful guidance and care that was given to Ramona in her final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
David H. Nieland
David H. Nieland, 72, Wausau, passed away at his home on Monday, April 8, 2024 with his wife, Karen by his side.
He was born on October 15, 1951 in St. James, MN, the third child of the late Richard M. and Marion (Meier) Nieland. David was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in St. James, MN and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN.
He grew up in Arlington, MN where he graduated from Arlington Green Isle High School in 1969. On September 26, 1978 he married Karen Rucks at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN.
David attended Hutchinson Technical College in Hutchinson, MN. Upon graduation, he gained employment at Twin City Testing in Wausau, WI in 1986, eventually working for Bureau Veritas as a welding/bridge inspector, until his retirement in 2017.
Among his interests and favorite pastimes, he enjoyed fishing, tending to flower gardens, anything wildlife related and doing crossword puzzles with Karen.
Survivors include, his wife, Karen Nieland; two sons, Dillon (Renee) Hicks and Matthew (Sarah Thompson) Nieland; two grandchildren, Jakob and Lillianna Hicks; two sisters, Beth Dahl and Carol (Brad) Willmsen; one sister-in-law, Jacqueline Nieland; and two aunts, Evelyn Christianson and LaVonne Rosenwinkel.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Richard F. Nieland.
A celebration of David’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, WI. Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Cynthia M. Caruso
Cynthia M. Caruso, aged 54, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2024, with her daughters by her side, after a long battle with cancer. She was born on December 21st, 1969, at Cook County Hospital to Sharon Witt. She grew up in Bruce, Wisconsin with her 5 siblings. In 1990, she married Vince Caruso in Necedah, Wisconsin, and together they had 2 children. They divorced in 2010, and she spent the past 13 years throughout Wisconsin, where she worked in manufacturing and sales.
Cindy loved to spend time with her family, especially her granddaughter, Clara. She learned how to cook and bake from her mother and enjoyed sharing food with others. She was a very sociable person and made friends wherever she went. Cindy will always be remembered for her loving and caring personality.
Cindy was preceded in death by her grandparents and stepfather Edward Witt. She is survived by her children, Celeste (Jim) Lietz and Brittany (Kayla Hansen) Caruso, her granddaughter Clara Lietz, her mother Sharon Witt, and her siblings Holly (Paul Jaeger) Garrett, Jeremy (Michael Sabusap) Garrett, Brain (Denise) Garrett, Joshua Collins, and Carrie Collins, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Cindy felt it was more important to spend time with family and friends before her passing. Therefore, there will not be a funeral or memorial service held. Instead, we encourage everyone to share photos and memories of her on her Facebook page.
Heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Aspirus Hospice House in Wausau who showed her such love and compassion during her final months.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS
Clemence Ogurek
On Thursday, 04 April 2024 Clemence “Clem” Ogurek passed away at Mount View Care Center in Wausau, Wisconsin at age 97.
Clem was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 20, 1927. He was raised in Thorp, Wisconsin and attended Gilman and Thorp schools.
Clem volunteered for military service in 1945 and was honorably discharged as a Corporal in the Army Air Corps in August 1947.
He graduated from Maler Barber College in June of 1950 and practiced as a barber for 25 years. In 1974, at the age of 47, Clem made a career change and became a licensed hearing specialist for Beltone Electronics Corporation. In 1976 he and his wife Helen established a full-time office for Beltone in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Clem retired in 1989 at the age of 62 after major heart surgery. He loved sports including archery, hunting, fishing and golf. Clem was extremely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his daughter Diane Newburn and his devoted and loving wife Helen. He is survived by his daughter Deborah (Jerry) Draxler, son James (Renee) Ogurek, and son Jeffrey (Elizabeth) Ogurek.
He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Clem was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and was very proud of his family.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, 20 April 2024 from 11:00-12:00 at Restlawn Memorial Park Chapel, 235962 N. Troy St, Wausau, WI54403.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association and Newman Catholic Schools or charity of choice.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS
Joyce A Godin
Joyce A Godin, 72, of Wisconsin Rapids, died Monday April 1, 2024 after a fall in her home.
Joyce was born January 3, 1952 to Warren and Bernice Godin (Hintz) in Wisconsin Rapids. She was a member of St Vincent DePaul Church.
Joyce attended schools in the Wisconsin Rapids area and graduated from Lincoln High School. She was employed by Opportunity Development Center. Although she struggled with disabilities, she lead a full life.
Joyce loved Country music and was a fan of RFD TV. She and her cat, TigerLily, spent many hours watching and listening to her favorite programs.
Joyce is survived by her sister, Anita (James) Borski, Sun City, Arizona, and her two great nieces, Kelsey (Simon) Schultz of Kronenwetter, and Hailee (Eric) Sankey of Plover, her great great nephew, Waylon Sankey and her cat, Tigerlily. She leaves behind several close friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and nephew Chad Godin of Stevens Point.
Private family services will be held at Guardian Angel Cemetery, Stevens Point, WI at a later date.
Rest in Peace Joyce. You are free of your disabilities, now fly free!!
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com
