Wausau area obituaries February 9, 2024 (2024)

Thomas A. Tress

Thomas A. Tress, 69, of Wausau, beloved husband of the late Donna (Priebe) Tress, passed away peacefully at home on February 1, 2024.

Tom was born on May 19, 1954 in Wausau, son of the late Robert and Lorraine (Schreiber) Tress. He attended Wausau West High School. He married the love of his life Donna Priebe and they were married in 1978. During the course of his career he worked numerous jobs but especially enjoyed SNE, and Eastbay Footlocker. In his spare time Tom enjoyed fishing, hunting, being out in nature, playing cards but especially spending time with his family and friends. He was a long time member of Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Tom is survived by three children: Nicholas Tress, Benjamin Tress, and Beth Tress. Tom also leaves 10 grandchildren, along with several siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 13th at Our Savior Lutheran Church from 11 AM – 1 PM , a funeral service will follow at 1 PM in the church. Tom will be laid to rest next to his late wife on Valentine’s Day at 2:15 PM at Restlawn Memorial Park.

Carol J. Kuether

Carol J. Kuether, 83, of Wausau, beloved wife of the late James A. Kuether, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Carol was born on February 27, 1940 in Wausau, daughter of the late John and Frieda (Freiberg) Messing. She was a graduate of Wausau High School. She began her career at Wausau Insurance and then later retired from Marshfield Clinic. In her spare time Carol enjoyed playing BINGO. She was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church. She enjoyed her breakfast and lunch groups with friends. She was proud of her native Wausau heritage. Most importantly she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to so many. Carol will be remembered for living a very simple but happy life.

Carol is survived by her two sons: Scott (Linda) Kuether, and Greg (Kevin Davis) Kuether. She also leaves her two grandsons: Jordan Kuether and Spencer Kuether along with a sister-in-law Marcia Kutchera and several nieces, nephews, and extended family. She also loved her grand-animals Rex and Gracie. Carol is preceded in death by a son, Todd Kuether, brother, John Messing, along with many other extended family.

Visitation will be held at Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams Street, Wausau on Thursday, February 15th from 9 AM – 11 AM with a service to follow at 11 AM. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of one’s choice.

Carol’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for their care of Carol on her final journey home.

John A. Marshall

John Alan Marshall entered eternal life on Sunday, January 28th, 2024, surrounded by family. The youngest of two children, he was born on October 31, 1943, to Grace and John R. Marshall in Valley City, North Dakota and grew up on a farm in Noltimier/Alta township, North Dakota. John graduated as salutatorian from Noltimier Consolidated High School. He was a member of the basketball and track teams, choir theater group, and was one of his church’s pianists.

John graduated from Valley City State College in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. While in college, he was part of the Hesperian Sigma fraternity, president of the Young Republicans, and a member of the college bowling team.

After graduation, he taught elementary school at Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City, South Dakota. There, he met his wife, Judith, in 1965. They were married on June 25, 1966, in Washburn, North Dakota and celebrated 57 years of marriage prior to their deaths.

The fall after their marriage, John and Judith moved to Wausau, Wisconsin. Over the next 12 years, John taught special education at Lincoln and Grant Elementary Schools and math at John Muir Middle School. After his retirement from teaching, he was employed as a buyer and co-manager at the Tackle Box sports shop in Wausau. When that business closed, he was employed at Sportsman’s Repair in Mosinee, where he repaired guns, rods, reels, and boat motors.

Over the years, John was active in the Wausau Skeet and Trap Club and won several state titles. He enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, and cooking. John had very steady hands and enjoyed building model airplanes, cars, and miniature houses for his family. John and Judith also enjoyed traveling and were able to visit all 50 states after their children were educated. All of their children are graduates of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Survivors include children, John D. (Elizabeth) Marshall, Joellyn (Jeffrey) Mentink, and Jeffrey (Jessica) Marshall; former son-in-law, Terrance Weaver; seven grandchildren, Paige, Alexandra, and Chase Marshall, Marcus and Mason Weaver, and Zachary and Nolan Marshall; and three step-grandchildren, Jacqueline Mentink, Alyssa (Jacob) Thronson, and Benjamin Mentink. John is also survived by his sister, Judith (Orville) Alveshere; sisters-in-law, Janel (John) Heroff and JoAnn Nick; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Judith; his parents, Grace and John R. Marshall; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Maythel and Ernest Dierks.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 24, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 150202 County Road NN, Wausau, Wisconsin. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. He will be laid to rest with his wife, Judith, at Pine Grove Cemetery following the service at 2:00 pm.

The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice, caregivers Keri Lehmann, Lisa Eckel, Sarah Jacobson, and Ingleside Manor staff for their wonderful care.

Judith L. Marshall

Judith Louise (Dierks) Marshall, 79, entered eternal life peacefully with her children by her side on January 6, 2024, after a battle with gallbladder cancer. The oldest of four children, Judith was born November 14, 1944, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Maythel and Ernest Dierks while her father was in the Army in World War II. Judith grew up in Washburn, North Dakota. She graduated from high school as valedictorian. After high school, she joined the International Music Camp School of Fine Arts’ first European tour band with both Canadian and American students and directors. The group played concerts in England, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Judith graduated Summa Cum Laude from South Dakota State University with a BSN in 1966. She was a member of the Pride of Dakotas marching band, the student nursing organization, and Sigma Theta Tau.

Judith married John A. Marshall on June 25, 1966. They celebrated 56 years of marriage before she passed away. Only six weeks after marriage, a driver crossed the center line of the highway and struck Judith’s car head-on. John was by her side during her hospitalization of over two and a half months. After recovery, she and John moved to Wausau, Wisconsin. Judith was employed as a Registered Nurse at Memorial Hospital, the Wausau City Health Department, and Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Her nursing career spanned over 45 years, where she worked in every department, except the delivery room, with most of her time spent in her first love, the Emergency Department. She was a Certified Emergency Nurse for many years as well as maintaining other certifications. Over the years, she enjoyed being a preceptor to many new staff members until she retired in 2011.

Judith enjoyed reading, sewing, bicycling, playing Mah Jongg, and baking. Her family enjoyed the made-from-scratch pies that were her specialty. She enjoyed playing board games at family events with her children and grandchildren. She had also been a member of the Older Wiser Lutherans (OWLs) group, church circle, and American Association of University Women (AAUW). Over the years she was active in church through singing in the choir, participating in lay reading, and participating in Bible studies. Judith and John were able to travel to all 50 states after their children were educated. All of their children are graduates of University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Survivors include her husband, John; children, John D. (Elizabeth) Marshall, twins Joellyn (Jeffrey) Mentink and Jeffrey (Jessica) Marshall, and former son-in-law Terrance Weaver; seven grandchildren, Paige, Alexandra, and Chase Marshall, Marcus and Mason Weaver, and Zachary and Nolan Marshall; as well as three step-grandchildren, Jacqueline Mentink, Alyssa (Jacob) Thronson, and Benjamin Mentink. She is also survived by her sisters, Janel (John) Heroff and JoAnn Nick; sister-in-law Judith (Orville) Alveshere; and many nieces and nephews.

Judith was preceded in death by her parents, Maythel and Ernest Dierks; her sister, Janice Dierks; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Grace and John R. Marshall.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 24, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 150202 County Road NN, Wausau, Wisconsin. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. She will be laid to rest with her husband, John, at Pine Grove Cemetery following the service at 2:00 pm.

The family would like to express their thanks to staff at Agrace hospice care, UW Hospital’s Home-Based Hospital Care program, and Pastor Jared Parmley for their care given to Judith.

Delores R. Anderson

Delores Ruth Anderson, 95, entered into eternal rest on February 6th, 2024. Delores was born at home in the Town of Texas, Marathon County, to Charles and Mayme (Kittel) Schwede on June 11th, 1928. Delores married Eugene (Andy) Nailus Anderson on August 17, 1946 at Mission Evangelical Church, where she was a member all her life. She served as Treasurer there for almost 50 years, and was the organist and pianist for many years. Delores was also a Sunday school teacher, and a member of the Ladies Aid, serving in many offices. She was employed at Marathon Battery, then Kresge and Kmart until retirement. She volunteered at the Talent Shop for 20+ years. Delores also volunteered as a head cook for Camp Blessing, especially enjoying the handicapped children.

Delores is survived by sons, Gary D. (Estelle) Anderson, Mark N. (Janeen) Anderson, Brian C. (Julie) Anderson; daughters, Gloria J. (Thomas) Pagel, Marcia M. (Jon) Graveen; grandchildren, Christopher (Jamie) Anderson, Philip (Tanya) Pagel, Ruth Lashua, David (Andrea) Graveen, Michael (Rebecca) Graveen, Ashley (Thomas) Brock, Dr. Katherine (Collin) Anderson, Deborah (Michael) Stencil, Joel (Angela) Anderson; 27 great-grandchildren; 6 great great-grandchildren; 3 Brothers: Edward, Charles Jr, and Billie Schwede, and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Eugene, 2 sisters: Belvajean Tritten, Marilou Newman, 2 brothers: Morris and Donald (Pete) Schwede and grandson Eugene Pagel.

Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Mission Evangelical Church (243734 Camp Blessing Road, Wausau WI 54403). Elder Jeff Tritten will officiate. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024 from 9:00 am until the hour of service at the church. Burial will follow at Mission Evangelical Cemetery (162324 Granite Rd, Wausau, WI 54403)

Roger R. Pospychala

Roger R. Pospychala, 88, of Wausau, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at home under the care of Interim Hospice.

He was born on May 7, 1935 in Wausau to the late Joe and Irene (Benz) Pospychala. Roger married the former Joan Smith at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau, on June 28, 1958. He worked for over 40 years at Wausau Paper and held multiple positions during his time there. He loved woodworking and was a multiple award winner at the Wisconsin Valley Fair. Roger also enjoyed fishing and spending time tending to his gardens, especially his flowers.

Survivors include his wife, Joan; children, Kurt (Donna) Pospychala and Scott (Kelly) Pospychala; grandchildren, Amanda Pospychala, Megan (Tyler) Alexander, Andrew Pospychala, and Abbie (Paul) Van Grinsven; great-grandchild, Theodore; sister, Carol Kaczke; and sister-in-law, Barbara Barthels.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Irene; and sister, Diane Beese.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Dorothy M. Lazotte

Dorothy M. Lazotte, 91, passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2024 with her family by her side after a long battle with Alzheimer’s at Stone Crest Residence in Wausau, Wisconsin, under the care of Aspirus Hospice Services.

She was born January 16, 1933 in Menominee, Michigan, daughter of the late Arnold and Elizabeth (Rouse) Ritter. In 1951 she graduated from Neenah High School and worked for Marathon Corp. in Menasha for 10 years. On May 17, 1958 she married Wilbur (Will) Lazotte at Saint Margaret Mary Parish in Neenah, Wisconsin. Dorothy and Will lived in Modesto, California for four years followed by a year in Urbandale, Iowa before moving to Wausau in 1972.

She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother who loved to cook, bake and was always looking for new recipes. She enjoyed flower gardening and growing lots of beautiful house plants. She also enjoyed cross country skiing, bowling, golfing, camping and traveling. She loved babysitting her grandson. She helped take care of her ailing parents and sister.

Survivors include her husband, Will; son, Mark Lazotte; daughter, Karen Alexander (Tim Hoff); grandson, Matthew Alexander (Alyssa Loertscher); sisters-in-law, Barbara Ritter and Marietta Dahlke, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Eunice Zamzow; brothers, James, Henry and Arnold Ritter; brothers-in-law, Harvey Zamzow, Norbert LaZotte, Edward Klundt and John Dahlke, and sisters-in-law, Mary Ritter, Agnes Lazotte, Angeline Klundt and Marjorie LaZotte.

Private family services were held. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Town of Maine, Wisconsin.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

Lorenz C. Breitenfeldt

Lorenz “Sonny” C. Breitenfeldt, 78, Town of Wausau, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born August 30, 1945, in Wausau, the son of the late Lorenz A. and Linda (Voelker) Breitenfeldt. Sonny was baptized on October 7, 1945 at the family home by Pastor Bertermann. Sonny was confirmed at Little Trinity Lutheran Church in the town of Wausau on April 10, 1960. On April 1, 1967, he married Charlotte Gut at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau (no foolin’). They met at a polka dance at Colonial Ballroom. It was the first and last time he asked her to dance. Even so, they kept polka dancing for many years together to the music of The Jolly Kids, Music on Tap, and other bands his son played in. Going to church on Sunday morning was always a priority even if he had to drive fast to get to church on time after morning chores.

Sonny left school early to take over the family farm after the early death of his father, but Sonny continued to learn his entire life. He read the farm trade magazines and adapted new farming practices quickly. His reading and curiosity drove innovation not only in farming but in racing and snowmobile trail grooming, too. Sonny had to make a lot of decisions in his life, and “most of them were good,” which he says led to success. Sonny shared his wisdom from the years of trials and errors with his children and grandchildren.

The Breitenfeldt family farm in the Town of Wausau was unique because of Sonny’s dedication to getting a job done quickly with less effort and less money. He was not afraid to try new methods, such as no-till fields, a milking pipeline in the 60’s, a milking parlor in the late 90’s, and recently milking robots. After all, he always believed the cows worked for him, he did not work for the cows. When diesel prices went up in 2000, he bought an oil extruder so he could “grow” diesel with sunflowers. His love for working in the garage allowed him to buy other people’s mishaps or breakdowns and turn them into low-cost, fully-functioning Breitenfeldt farm equipment. They made many modifications to the choppers to make snaplage, and he enjoyed cutting hay with the triple mower well into his 70s, often with a grandchild sitting on his knee. In addition to all that, they also cooked maple syrup for many years. Sonny had a way of making the impossible a reality on the farm, and if things didn’t go as planned, it added to the excitement of life. He worked hard, and he played even harder.

Sonny was instrumental in the family racing team and took great pride in watching and helping the generations of racers come through the ranks in the family. It all started as the crew chief for his good friend Lester Stankowski and a ’55 Chevy. The excitement of the racetrack often started with the hauler drive as kids sat in race tires in the back of a Suburban, and continued into the drive home thanks to the hauler. Sometimes the hauler limped back into the farm yard, like the time they towed it home with a Volvo car. None of that ever daunted Sonny, later becoming crew chief when his son started racing at the local short tracks. He taught his son and the many grandkids who raced that races were won at home in the garage with hard work, creative tinkering, and proper setup.

He was also involved with the local snowmobile club and enjoyed hitting the trails when he could. For many years, the trail groomer was parked in his yard, and he was considered the trail boss of the Nutterville trails in northeast Marathon County. Sonny strove for well-groomed, smooth trails, and often successfully advocated for better grooming methods. After one fun-filled failed attempt, he did accomplish the goal of riding snowmobiles 880 miles from their home to the Canadian border.

Sonny and Charlotte bought a camper as they retired from farming. They spent hundreds of nights and thousands of miles in the various campers over the years.

Vacation was an opportunity to conquer, not to be wasted by sitting or relaxing. Trips were often made to deliver or pick up equipment, and if the load was questionable, he never questioned it. They made two trips to Alaska, saw the California redwoods, and even took the camper down the Las Vegas strip. Through all of their adventures, their favorite campground was always a nice, flat Walmart parking lot. In recent years, they took up fishing. They started on the shore, moved to a two-person kayak, and recently bought a two-person pontoon. He only dumped Charlotte in the lake once.

But nothing brought more joy to Sonny’s life than spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. His seven grandchildren all held a special place in his heart, and the time he spent with them brought immense joy. Even in the last few years, he was still logging countless hours in the UTV with his special grandchild, Karlen.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte Breitenfeldt, Town of Wausau, his children, Alan (Kathe) Breitenfeldt, Wayne (Lori) Breitenfeldt and Connie (Kent) Laessig, all of Wausau; his grandchildren Eric (Olivia) and Ella Breitenfeldt, Brett and Jenna Breitenfeldt, Connor, Karlen and Callie Laessig, and his great grandchild Owen Breitenfeldt. Sister-in-laws Lois (Chuck) Schultz and Donna Falkowski and 5 nieces and nephews who all had many good memories of their time spent with Uncle Sonny.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant sister, Shirley Breitenfeldt.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 16, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. The Rev. Jim Mayland will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

Bonita M. Powers

Bonita Marie Powers (Haring), born April 3, 1947, unexpectedly died Sunday, January 21st, 2024, in her Wausau, WI home.

She is survived by her two sons, David Powers and Sal (Janelle) Panetta; her six grandchildren, Melissa Panetta, Anthony (Alex) Panetta, Brandon Powers, Vanessa Powers, Alexis Rhode, and Courtney Rhode; and her 3 great grandsons, Patrick Panetta, Nico Panetta, and Easton Drake.

Bonnie was born and raised in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, and is the daughter of George and Ruby (Giles) Haring. Bonnie lived in New York most of her adult life, until she retired and moved to Wisconsin to be closer to her family.

Bonnie took pride in her work as an office manager for the United Transportation Union. While under the wing of the UTU, she attended Cornell University and graduated with her degree in Labor Studies. Her office is where her love of rescuing animals started.

Bonnie dedicated her spare time volunteering at Kitten Angels in Albany, New York. Upon retiring she continued her service to sheltered animals, doing what she could to make a better life for them. She was known to enjoy the simple pleasures in life, including attending her annual clam bakes, winning a game of Yahtzee, and sipping on some coffee with milk…. Not cream.

Bonnie also enjoyed spending time with her family and cats, investing her money, and enjoyed an occasional visit to the casino.

Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a local animal shelter.

Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS

Leah D. Krause

Leah D. Krause, 47, of Merrill, passed away Sunday, January 28, 2024, at University Hospital in Madison.

Leah was born September 15, 1976, in Wausau, daughter of the late Richard ‘Dick’ and Diane (Abraham) Danielewicz. She is survived by her husband Jason Krause. They were married on September 29th 2012. Leah graduated from D.C. Everest High School with the Class of 1995. She furthered her education at UW-Stout and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design in 1999. Leah began her career with Rettler Corp in Stevens Point and in 2000, she accepted a position with Eastbay/Foot Locker in Wausau as a graphic designer, where she worked for over twenty years. During 2016 and 2017, she also worked at U Paint in Wausau. In August of 2022, Leah accepted a position with BSN Sports as a digital designer. During her career, Leah continued taking graphic and web design classes at N.T.C. in Wausau.

Leah enjoyed art and was so creative with gift ideas and projects. She enjoyed crossword and sudoku puzzles and playing scrabble and other word and board games. Leah loved hanging out with her family and adventuring with the kids. She also enjoyed going out with her many friends.

Leah loved watching her daughters figure skate. She took an active role in the Mosinee Figure Skating club and designed their ice show program and shirts. She was very proud of her stepdaughter, Kaitlyn, and of all of her accomplishments, and watching Elise grow. Leah was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill.

Survivors include her husband, Jason Krause of Merrill; daughters, Kaitlyn and Elise, both at home; sisters, Carrie Danielewicz (Ross Strupp) of Neenah, Julie (Josh) Schoenfuss of Ringle, and Nancy (Jonathon) Wendorf of Marathon; mother-in-law, Cathy Krause of Merrill; brother-in-law, Shawn (Kristie) Krause of Wausau; great grandmother-in-law, Dorothy Krause of Merrill; several nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Leah was preceded in death by her parents, Richard ‘Dick’ and Diane Danielewicz; brother, Chad Danielewicz; father-in-law, Duane Krause; aunt, Debra Danielewicz; uncle and aunt, Warren and Rosemary Abraham; uncles, Greg Danielewicz and Dennis Danielewicz; cousin, Nicole Danielewicz; paternal grandparents, Zigmund and Manetta Danielewicz; and maternal grandparents, Erwin and Bernice Abraham.

Ralph E. Tarras

Ralph Edward Tarras passed away on February 4, 2024, at the age of 81. He was born on March 2, 1942, in Gary, Indiana. Ralph took his last breath at his home in Weston, Wisconsin, with his devoted wife of 58 years, Mary, at his side.

Ralph had a remarkable journey through life. His passion for law led him into law enforcement. He started working for the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sherrif in 1967 and retired as a Detective in 1995 after 28 years of service. Prior to that, he worked for the Department of Natural Resources in fish management and as a part-time warden. During this time, he met Mary, and they were married in 1966. He loved to tell stories of his work adventures. Especially getting stuck on the back roads. This was often in the state-owned station wagon. Getting into those secluded lakes was no easy chore.

Ralph enjoyed nature. He loved bird watching (especially the bluebirds and woodpeckers), nature photography, hunting, and fishing. He enjoyed camping with his family at Clear Lake. He also loved to work on classic cars. Ralph restored a 1954 GMC truck to pristine condition. It was so nice he didn’t like to drive it for fear it would get damaged. Ralph’s presence was infectious and his commitment to his profession and hobbies was nothing short of admirable.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Mary, whom he cherished every single day. Together they raised two sons, Tim (Julie) and Jeff (Beth) and four grandchildren, Breanna, Trevor, Lexie, and Conner. They brought so much joy to Ralph. His love for his family knew no bounds, and he took pride in his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph (Rudy) and Velma and his siblings, Corinne, Betty, Harold (Hap), and Barb.

Visitation will be from 12 pm until the time of the memorial service at 2:15 pm on Friday, February 23 at BRAINARD FUNERAL HOME at 5712 Memorial Court, Weston. This will be followed by 3 O’clock coffee.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ralph’s name may be made to the American Heart Association (Wisconsin | American Heart Association).

Sponsored by Wausau Area Funeral Care

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