OBITUARIES
Recent obituaries in Wausau, Athens, Marathon, and Edgar
The obituaries in the Wausau, Athens, Marathon, and Edgar Areas reflect the region's diverse population, featuring individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Some were pioneers in their fields, while others dedicated their lives to community service or philanthropy. Their stories serve as a reminder of the richness and complexity of Wausau, Athens, Marathon, and Edgar's history and identity.
Terry A. Hoffer
Sep 17, 2025
Terry A. Hoffer, 84, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2025, under the care of Interim Hospice at his home.
He was born September 4, 1941, in Wausau, son of the late Anton and Amanda (Gieb) Hoffer. On September 15, 1962, he married Charlene Mortensen at St. Mary Catholic Church in Wausau, and together they recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.
Terry built...
Dennis J. Sonnentag
Sep 17, 2025
Dennis Sonnentag, a lifelong resident of Edgar, WI passed away at his home just 3 days after celebrating his 80th birthday with family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marilyn (Schulz) Sonnentag (Edgar, WI); three daughters, Shellie Sonnentag (Brad Hompe, Stanley, WI), Angela Christianson (Andy Christianson, Stanley, WI), and Gina Knetter (Travis Knetter, Edgar, WI);...
Lois G. Wenzel
Sep 4, 2025
Lois G. Wenzel, 97, Wausau, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at North Central Health Care, Wausau.
She was born on May 10, 1928, in Edgar, daughter of the late Norville and Marion (Shanks) Justmann. On May 13, 1950, she married Orin Wenzel in Edgar. He preceded her in death on January 29, 2006.
Prior to having children Lois worked at...
Cheryl L. Wenzel
Aug 14, 2025
Cheryl L. Wenzel, 68, Merrill, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at her home.
She was born on October 12, 1956, in Wausau, daughter of the late Orin and Lois (Justmann) Wenzel.
For many years Cheryl was an interpreter for Merrill Public Schools. Some of her favorite pastimes included crocheting and going on walks with her friends.
Survivors include her brother, Greg...
Kathleen "Kathy" Rae Gerard
Sep 20, 2025
Kathleen “Kathy” Gerard, 73, Wausau, died on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by her family. Kathy was born on April 29, 1953 to Milton and Rita Long in Wausau, Wisconsin, and lived in Wausau her entire life. She attended Wausau East High School, graduating in 1970. In 1991 she returned to school, earning an Associate Degree...
Darlene "Pinky" J. Balz
Sep 3, 2025
Darlene “Pinky” Joy Balz, 87, of Phillips, Wisconsin, and formerly of Athens, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born on January 9, 1938, to the late Denver and Edna (Schnelle) Ziegel in the town of Hamburg.
Darlene worked for Fromm Brothers, as a legal aid at a law firm, and then Employers Insurance...
Janet D. Schave
Sep 2, 2025
Janet D. Schave, 65, passed Tuesday, September 2, 2025, unexpectedly at her home.
She was born January 12, 1960 in Milwaukee.
Janet worked as an assembler for a majority of her life until she no longer could. After stepping away from her work, she spent her time watching her grandkids grow up. Janet enjoyed feeding the birds, hummingbirds especially. She was always...
Lorraine F. Barthels
Aug 30, 2025
Lorraine F. Barthels, 94, Wausau, died Saturday, August 30, 2025 at her home.
She was born July 3, 1931 in Mosinee, daughter of the late Fred and Helen (Rzymek) Maly. On October 17, 1951, she married Albert R. Barthels. He preceded her in death on April 4, 2001.
Lorraine was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Wausau since 1951. She...
Carol J. Feldbruegge
Aug 22, 2025
Carol J (Warosh) Feldbruegge, died Friday, August 22, 2025, at Mount View Care Center under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice.
She was born on August 29, 1935, to the late Al and Mable (Bier) Warosh. On August 17, 1963, she married the love of her life, Gerald F. Feldbruegge and spent almost 59 years together with her best...
Jeffrey "Jeff" P. Rekowski
Aug 21, 2025
Jeffrey “Jeff” Paul Rekowski, 68, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 21, 2025, under the compassionate care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
Jeff was born on May 2, 1957, in Wausau, son of the late Anthony and Dorothy (Dawiedczyk) Rekowski. On May 10, 1986, he married the love of his life, Laurie (Heinrich). From...
Delores Ann Osterbrink
Aug 21, 2025
Delores A. Osterbrink, 91, Wausau, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Copperleaf Assisted Living, Schofield, under the care of Interim Hospice.
She was born July 6, 1934 in Athens, daughter of the late John and Ceilia (Nowicki) Albrecht Sr. On June 14, 1969, she married Marvin Osterbrink in Wausau. He preceded her in death on February 15, 2025.
Delores graduated...
Gerald L. Gorecki
Aug 20, 2025
Gerald Lee “Jerry” Gorecki, 84, of Ringle, has passed away into eternal life on August 20, 2025. He was born at home in Wausau, Wisconsin, on May 11, 1941 (Mother’s Day), to the late Frank and Jeanette (Pittsley) Gorecki. He was very proud to say he was born on Mother’s Day, telling anyone who would ask him about his date...
Rodger F. Josiger
Aug 20, 2025
Rodger F. Josiger, 91, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on August 22, 1933, in Wausau, WI, son of the late William and Irene (Powers) Josiger. On February 6, 1960, he married Ruth Thomas at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Wausau, WI. Rodger graduated from Wausau High School in 1951....
Gail E. Betts
Aug 19, 2025
Gail E. Betts, 62, Wausau passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Marshfield Medical Center, Weston.
She was born on January 3, 1963 in Eau Claire to Allen and Ellen (Skattebo) Dole.
For many years Gail did data entry for U.M.R. in Wausau. She was a loving mother and friend who’s gentle nature and candid humor will be deeply missed.
Survivors include...
Sarah C. Smith
Aug 19, 2025
Sarah Smith, age 47, passed away peacefully at her home on August 19th, surrounded by her devoted family and friends. A radiant soul and fierce fighter, Sarah lived with metastatic breast cancer for over eight years, facing each day with courage, grace, and an unwavering zest for life.
Sarah was the kind of person who left a lasting impression on everyone...
David H. Howard
Aug 19, 2025
David H. Howard, 89, went to his Heavenly Home on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
He was born August 27, 1935, son of the late Harold and Adela (Marquardt) Howard. He was baptized on September 15, 1935, and confirmed on April 10, 1949. He married Erlyne Schmidt on June 5, 1958. She preceded him in death on October 2, 2005.
Survivors include his...
Jon B. Kent
Aug 17, 2025
Jon Bradley Kent, 63, passed away suddenly on August 17, 2025.
He was born on February 28, 1962, in Racine, WI, to Edward “Ed” and Norma (Graefe) Kent.
Growing up in Wausau, WI, Jon attended Grant Elementary School and John Muir Middle School. He would go on to graduate from Wausau West High School in 1980.
In 1982, Jon graduated from North Central...
Gregory "Greg" A. Otto
Aug 16, 2025
Gregory Allen Otto, 65, of Schofield, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 16, 2025. “Greg” was a beloved father, known for humor and storytelling and, above all, his kindness.
Greg was born February 2, 1960, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Kenny and Shirley Otto. He was the fifth of six children. He grew up in Kanawha, Iowa, where he attended...
Pauline F. Blaschka
Aug 16, 2025
Pauline F. Blaschka, 88, Wausau passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 16, 2025 while under the care of Aspirus Hospice at Wood Aven.
She was born on January 9, 1937 in Wausau, daughter of the late Paul and Josephine (Mendrzcki) Pasholk. On April 18, 1953 she married Eugene “Gene” Blaschka in Wausau. He preceded her in death on September 26, 2015.
Pauline...
Gerald J. Cline
Aug 15, 2025
Gerald J. “Squeak” Cline, 74, Wausau passed away Friday, August 15, 2025 while under the care of Aspirus Hospice at home.
He was born June 21, 1951 in Milwaukee, son of the late John and Naomi (Hakemeier) Cline. He graduated from Wausau High in 1969.
He married Carol Ellei in Wausau, and they had 3 children. They later divorced.
On February 29, 1996...
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