Clement John Olbrantz

Clement John Olbrantz 84, Wausau, died Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born July 10, 1923 in Wausau, son of the late Bernard P. and Rose Tillie (Kardack) Olbrantz. Clement married his "Lovey", Lorraine, a/k/a Lorene Foster, on October 11, 1944. She survives. Clement was born in Wausau Junction and lived his lifetime three blocks from the house he was born in. He entered the United States Navy on February 8, 1943, serving in World War II, "the big one". His basic training was at the Great Lakes Naval Base. He completed his gunnery training at Norfolk, Virg. and at the armed guard school in New York City. He served as a gunner aboard a Liberty ship. While aboard ship he was injured, breaking his back when a torpedo net fell on him. He recovered for a year at the New York Naval Hospital. He served a short time on the naval ship, the James Parker. The James Parker brought wounded American servicemen home and transported German prisoners of war. Besides participating in the second invasion of France, seaman Olbrantz completed trips to Persia, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Africa, England, Scotland, the Persian Gulf, Holland and France. He was discharged in October of 1945. Clement was a member of the DAV and the Knights of Columbus. He worked at American Can Company, Wausau, for 37 years. Clement was a self-taught musician, singer and songwriter. He was a skilled craftsman designing unique tables, cannons and coin jewelry. He treasured his deep Christian faith and passed this gift onto his children and grandchildren. His dedicated work ethics and loving loyalty to his parents, wife, children and extended family members will have a lifetime affect on his family and their descendants. When thanked for his hard work and dedication he responded, "I'm a man, that's what I do." The world and we, have truly lost a man of heart, spirit, integrity and compassion. May God's light shine graciously upon you, dear Clement. Until we meet again, "Take 'er light." Clement and Lorraine had 8 daughters, Suzanne (Raymond) Chrisler, Janis Cleveland, Roseanne (Allen) Koshere-Olsen, Louise Olbrantz, Clara (Charles) Rainville, Catherine (Mike) Baumgartner, Jill (Larry) Muelver and Geri Anne Olbrantz, infant daughter who preceded Clement in death; they were blessed with 13 grandchildren, Lawrence Allen Cleveland, Anissa E. Cleveland, Jacqueline T. Cleveland, Paul Clement Cleveland, Kathryn (Mike) Zielski, Frank Koshere, Lauren Koshere, Brock (Jessica) Rainville, Grant (Carrie) Rainville, Molly (Shawn) Ziebell, Brian Baumgartner, Stephanie Muelver and Vincent Muelver; 10 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; 7 siblings, Leonard (Ruth) Olbrantz, Leo Olbrantz, John (Sally) Olbrantz, Sister Mary Eunice (Celia), Mary (Donald) Schultz, Bernard (Marie) Olbrantz and Alan (Diane) Olbrantz; sisters-in-law, Margaret Olbrantz and Marlene (Terry) Fleming; brother-in-law, "brother Keane" Foster. Clement was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Edward and Daniel Olbrantz, sister and brother-in-law, Violet and Kenneth Pitek, sister-in-law, Marion Olbrantz, father-in-law, Archie P. Foster and mother-in-law, Martha Nahring Maas, sister-in-law, Ruth Lewis, brothers-in-law, Walter (Jack) Lewis and James Fugerer and many aunts and uncles. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Noon on Friday, March 28, 2008 at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau. Rev. William Grevatch will preside. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Friends may call Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. A special thank you to Father Janusz Kowalski and Father Grevatch for their prayers and kind support. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 6th Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com