Barney J. Flees

Barney J. Flees, 89, Hatley passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 while under the care of Interim Healthcare at his home.

He was born November 26, 1935 in Marathon County, son of the late Felix and Marcella (Bronk) Flees. On February 16, 1984 he married Karen Gorski in Wausau. She survives.

For many years Barney was a mason for Ritchie Budnik. He then went to work at Kolbe & Kolbe for 14 years and prior to his retirement he worked alongside his wife Karen at Lakeside Bar and Ballroom. Some of his favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing and working. Barney loved his family dearly and cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Karen Flees, Hatley, his stepchildren, Dwayne (Barb) Pierson and Randy Pierson, his grandchildren, Brad (Jennifer) Pierson and Kayla Pierson and his great grandchildren, Emma and Aiden Pierson. He is further survived by his siblings, Sr. Mary Xavier, Wally (Lynn) Flees and Daniel (Helena) Flees, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as Karen’s siblings, Lolly Brzezinski, Edwina Stoltz, Gail Buchkowski and Mike (Marlene) Gorski.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Felix (Mary Lou) Flees and Eddy (Lucy) Flees.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025 at St. Florian Catholic Church, Hatley. The Rev. Jerome Patric will preside. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the church.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

Barney’s family would like to express a sincere thank you to all the staff with Interim Healthcare, especially Jenny, Ashley, Megan and Jill for the outstanding care they gave Barney during his time with them.