Dennis J. Gertschen

Dennis "Abie" J. Gertschen, 84, Marathon, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 12, 1931 in Wausau, son of the late Frank J. and Molly (Seubert) Gertschen of Marathon. On October 14, 1954, he married Jacqueline Mullen at Holy Name Catholic Church in Wausau. She survives. In his younger years, many will remember his love of riding his 1951 Indian Chief motorcycle, playing baseball, pool, dartball and horseshoes. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, road trips, long walks and visited 48 states, except for Hawaii and Alaska which were both on his bucket list. Dennis was co-owner of Gertschen Implement for 50 years with his brothers, Francis and Norman. He was the head mechanic and serviced many a tractor, machinery and installed pumps for customers near and far. His family is very proud of his service in the United States Army. He served in the 6th Armored Division in Fort Lenardwood, Missouri, with the 309 Engineer Battalion Unit and worked as a rail splitter. He served 10 years with the Army Reserves. Dennis was a humble, kind hearted, very loving and generous husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa. He was very strong in his faith and love of God. He will be missed dearly by family and friends and all who knew him. Survivors include, his wife of 60 years, Jacky Gertschen; four children, Tony (Deb) Gertschen and their children, Jeremy (Tracy) and Jessie (Nick) Marcell; William (Deb) Gertschen and their children, Mike (Krystle), Mikayla, Nicole (Rob) Kukuczka, Sirena (Jess) Rindt and Miranda Rindt, SuzAnne (David) Werner and their children, Brian (Lisa) and Nikki (Cody) Hardinger, and Kory Gertschen and his children, Devan and Dana; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Norman (Colleen) Gertschen; one sister, Barb (Tom) Klumpyan; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Ricky; and one brother, Francis. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2015 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until time of services at the church. Full military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Alois Dreikosen Post No. 469, Marathon. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Wausau Manor for the care given to Dennis during his brief stay and also would like to thank the staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, and the physical therapists and occupational therapists who came to the home. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com