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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,...
Robert Thomas Koltz
Aug 6, 2025
Robert “Bob” Thomas Koltz, age 68, of Wausau, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
Bob was born April 29, 1957 in Wausau. He was the eldest son of Robert J. and Phyllis Koltz. In Bob’s early years, there were many happy memories made camping with the family and neighbors up north. As Bob got older, he was able to join...
Marie R. Kania
Aug 3, 2025
Marie Rose (Glatzak) Kania “Recca,” 76, of Wausau, passed away at home peacefully, Saturday night, August 2, 2025, surrounded by family.
Marie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She worked as a crossing guard for about seven years before becoming manager at McDonald’s, where she worked for 16 years. Marie loved spending time with her grandchildren, who always made her...
Helen Jean Thomae
Aug 1, 2025
Helen Jean Thomae, 92, Rib Mountain, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 1, 2025, under Interim Hospice Care surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on December 24, 1932, in Neva, Wisconsin and graduated from Antigo High School. Daughter of Lillian (Pacer) and Frank Schwartz. Helen married the love of her life, Thomas G. Thomae, on February 19, 1955.
Survivors include...
James Dean Ninnemann
Aug 1, 2025
James Dean Ninnemann, Wausau 71 passed away unexpectedly August 1, 2025. Jim was born May 2, 1954 to the late Lawrence and Delores (Zahrt) Ninnemann.
Jim married the love of his life, Kelly on June 27, 2009. They were married 16 years and blended two wonderful families and created beautiful memories together.
Jim was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather who...
Lynda Rae Bergo
Jul 30, 2025
Lynda Rae Bergo, 73, Wausau, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Copperleaf Memory Care in Schofield.
She was born January 24, 1952 in Shenandoah, Iowa, daughter of the late Lohman and Cleaice (Dwelle) Bailey.
Survivors include two children, Chad (Elizabeth) Bergo, Rib Mountain, WI and Wendy (Chad) College, Minneapolis, MN; six grandchildren, Rachael (Charles), Nolan, Lydia, Carolina, Natalie and Anders;...
Ramona D. Kaminski
Jul 30, 2025
Ramona D. Kaminski, 79, passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2025, under the care of Compassus Hospice at her home.
She was born December 30, 1945, in Wausau, daughter of the late Howard and Dorothy (Geier) Bloom. On October 31, 1964, she married Donald Kaminski in Wausau.
Ramona enjoyed playing cribbage, computer games, and occasionally visiting the casino. She had a passion for...
William "Bill" P. Blake
Jul 30, 2025
William “Bill” P. Blake, 67, of Athens, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Stoney River Memory Care in Marshfield, under the care of Interim Hospice. He was born on October 3, 1957, in Bemidji, Minnesota, to the late Clarence and Patricia (Muenzehuber) Blake. William married Lori Ellenbecker at the Wuertzburg Church on August 12, 1977.
Bill was a hard...
Joan Catherine Maria Putzer
Jul 29, 2025
Joan Catherine Maria Putzer, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on December 7, 1942, Joan was the second of eleven children born to James and Dorothy Gavin. Growing up in a lively Irish household forged her generous and creative...
Maisy Ellen Livingston
Jul 27, 2025
Maisy Ellen Livingston, age 11, of Merrill, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, this past Sunday following a tragic boating accident.
Maisy’s life was a reflection of her deep love for Jesus. Her faith shaped who she was—kind, compassionate, thoughtful, and full of quiet joy. Even at a young age, Maisy had a heart that was...
Jeremy J. Kratwell
Jul 27, 2025
Jeremy J. Kratwell, 46, of Wausau, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at home, under the care of Compassus Hospice.
He was born on June 15, 1979 in Wausau to Thomas and Jody (Thorson) Kratwell. Jeremy graduated from Wausau West High School with the class of 1997 and was a member of the ski team. They were the first to...
Gerald E. Heindl
Jul 27, 2025
Gerald E. Heindl, 91, of Madison, formerly of Wausau, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at All Saints Neighborhood Assisted Living, under the care of Agrace Hospice Care.
He was born on March 30, 1934 in Marathon to the late Joseph and Florence (Milbeck) Heindl. Gerald was united in marriage to Rita Vogedes on June 8, 1953 at St. Mary...
Joseph "Joe" Arthur Breaman
Jul 26, 2025
Joseph Arthur “Joe” Breaman, age 87, of Merrill, WI passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living and Memory Care while under the care of their wonderful staff, his family, and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born on St. Joseph’s Day, Monday, March 19, 1938, in Sioux City, IA, son of the late...
Frieda "Lucy" Essex
Jul 26, 2025
Frieda “Lucy” Essex, 88, Rib Mountain, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau.
She was born August 7, 1936 in Fond du Lac, WI, daughter of the late Alphonse and Frieda Greenwald. On August 14, 1954, she was united in marriage to James Russell Essex in Milwaukee. He preceded her in death on October 27,...
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