Catherine G. Vander Leest

Catherine G. Vander Leest, 98, Wausau, died Monday, September 19, 2016 at Mount View Care Center, Wausau. She was born May 27, 1918 in Wausau, daughter of the late Martin and Mabel (Wiren) Reuter. On June 14, 1937 she married William "Bill" J. Vander Leest in Wausau. He preceded her in death on August 17, 1993. Catherine worked at Wilson-Hurd as a press operator for many years and also at home for her family business as a press operator. She owned and operated the Mug and Jug Bar in Wausau with her husband, Bill. Catherine enjoyed traveling and visited all continental states. She also was an excellent baker, loved camping, playing cards and was a member of the American Legion Auxillary Montgomery Plant Dudley Unit No. 10, Wausau. Above all she loved spending time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren. Survivors include her four children, Barbara Vander Leest, Wausau; Kay (James) Richards, Kronenwetter, Pat (Mary) Vander Leest, Sturgeon Bay and Michael Vander Leest, Wausau; 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, four great great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, and husband, Bill, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Paul Richards, great-grandson, Joshua Richards, two sisters, Genevieve Radtke and Marcella Kort and a daughter-in-law, Susan Vander Leest. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 23, 2016 at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau. Rev. Robert Schaller will preside. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a rosary service 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Sixth Street funeral home. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Mount View Care Center, Wausau for the kind, compassionate care given to Catherine during her stay. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com