Beatrice A. Wirkus

On Monday, December 8, 2003, Beatrice Wirkus went home to be with the Lord under the care of Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Community Health Care Wausau Hospital at the age of 75. She was living at home, W349 Elderberry Street Edgar with her husband Philip at the time of her passing. Beatrice was most happy when she was doing something for others. She always welcomed people into her home with open arms making them feel as family. Bea was a real go getter, never letting grass grow under her feet. Mom was a wonderful cook and was constantly busy providing for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Among her favorite things to do were bird watching, quilt making, gardening, playing bingo, cards and visiting the casino. Beatrice was born May 27, 1928, in the town of Cassel. She was the daughter of the late Anton and Lokadia (Marzynski) Lepak. Bea met Philip at a dance; they were married on October 20, 1952 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, town of Cassel. Beatrice and Philip spent most of their 51 years of marriage raising their 11 children, working on the family farm in the town of Wien, and working in the ginseng fields. Besides her husband, Philip, Edgar, she is survived by their children, Donna (Bob ) Skubal, Tomahawk, Carol (Lorton) Stieber, Marathon, Diane (Dennis) Bergs, Edgar, Allen (Barb) Wirkus, Athens, James (Wanda) Wirkus, Linda (Gary) Burish, Laura (Daniel) Switlick, all of Edgar, Steve (Jill) Wirkus, Wausau, Kevin (Lisa) Wirkus, Karen (Ryan) Ellenbecker, and Scott (Jennifer) Wirkus, all of Edgar. Mom is further survived by her beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Joseph (Juanita) Skubal their children Philip, Logan, Justin, & Julianna , Andy (Erin) Skubal, Chad (Jenny) Stieber their children Andrea Wirkus, Alison & Alysha Stieber, Krista (Ryan) Aversman, Danielle & Ashley Bergs and Josh Kralcik and his children Jordyn & Haley, Katie & Kelly Wirkus, Heather and Brandon Wirkus, Jason, Darin, & Stephanie Seubert, Brianna Burish, Sara Bastholm, Tiffany and Melanie Switlick, Collin & Morgan Wirkus, Sharalyn, Kraig, & Kody Wirkus, Kristin and Brittany Kocik, Hunter and Marissa Ellenbecker, Andrea Wirkus, Tiana and Jayden Weatherby; one brother, Clarence Lepak, Calif.; two sisters, Joyce Mueller, Calif. and Nancy Gorman, Halder; many Sister-In-Laws and Brothers-In-Laws. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one half sister, Terasa Joswick; two half brothers, Jim & Dave Murkowski; one sister, Genevieve Wolfe and one brother, Clemens Lepak. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, December 11, 2003 at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. Rev. Norman Boneck will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call from 8:30 a.m. Thursday until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in her name. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar is in charge of arrangements. The family of Bea would like to extend a special thank you to the University of Wisconsin Cancer Center, Dr. Razazedah and his staff, Dr. Tom Stoffel, Tina for all her loving care and all that helped us in our time of need, including the clergy that comforted us. All the love, cards, prayers and thoughts were greatly appreciated.