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.

Carol J. Feldbruegge

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...

Gerald L. Gorecki

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...

Jeffrey "Jeff" P. Rekowski

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

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...

Rodger F. Josiger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

Rita A. Hayes

Rita A. Hayes

Aug 15, 2025

Rita A. Hayes, 77, of Weston, Wisconsin, entered her heavenly home on August 15, 2025, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Rita was born on January 25, 1948, in Youngstown, Ohio to the late John and Mary Frances Qualey. It is there where Rita gave birth to the light of her life, Christine. Rita and Christine would...

Larry W. Rader

Larry W. Rader

Aug 12, 2025

Larry William Rader, 89, died peacefully at home on August 12, 2025.

He was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1936, in Wausau, the son of Felix and Violet (Zahn) Rader. Larry married Diane Mary LaMere on September 16, 1961, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, St. Paul, Minn.; she predeceased him.

Larry received his Juris Doctorate degree from Marquette University Law School...

George C. Polley

George C. Polley

Aug 12, 2025

George C. Polley, 89, Wausau passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

He was born June 2, 1936, in Ringle, son of the late Otto and Mary (Wilk) Polley. On June 2, 1962, he married Beverly Steppert at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. She preceded him in death on November 13, 2022.

George was the dedicated owner of Wisconsin Crane Service in Wausau....

Jody A. Soper

Jody A. Soper

Aug 10, 2025

Jody Ann Soper (Bowman), 63, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away on August 10, 2025 surrounded by love.

Born on February 21, 1962, in Portland, Oregon, to Joan and John Bowman, Jody grew up in Northern California and carried a bold, loving spirit wherever life took her. She was a devoted mother, proud grandmother, and loyal friend.

Jody is survived by her daughter...

Norbert M. Belter

Norbert M. Belter

Aug 9, 2025

Norbert M. “Norb” Belter, 84, Athens passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 9, 2025 while under the compassionate care of St. Croix Hospice at Athenian Living, Athens.

He was born August 25, 1940, in Poniatowski, son of the late John and Mary (Schaetzl) Belter.

For many years Norb was a dairy farmer in the town of Rietbrock. Some of his favorite pastimes...

Gerald "Gary" E. Wagner

Gerald "Gary" E. Wagner

Aug 7, 2025

Gerald “Gary” Wagner, 84, of Rib Mountain, passed away peacefully at his apartment early in the morning on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Gary is survived by his fiancée, Pat Rusch; children: Randy & Mary Lou Wagner, Rich & Sharon Wagner, and Renee & Todd Every; grandchildren: JamieLee Wagner-Suh, Cole Wagner, and Valerie and Gabrielle Every; step-grandkids: Jordan and Kalyana Boyea; great-grandchildren:...

Timothy J. Lownik

Timothy J. Lownik

Aug 7, 2025

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Timothy James Lownik on August 7, 2025, surrounded by family and his best friend.

He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Tim was born December 15, 1985, in Milwaukee and spent his childhood in New Berlin, graduating from New Berlin West High School. Along with other honors he...

Donald "Don" D. Kempf

Donald "Don" D. Kempf

Aug 6, 2025

Donald “Don” D. Kempf, 88, passed peacefully in his sleep at home on August 6, 2025.

He was born in Wausau on August 30, 1936, to the late Walter and Clara (Wadzinski) Kempf. On October 10, 1958, he married Joan M. Schopper; she preceded him in death on April 26, 2022.

Don was a determined, quick-witted, self-made man who throughout his life,...

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