Denny Bartosch

Dennis “Denny” Wayne Bartosch, 78, Rothschild passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at his home under the care of Aspirus Hospice.

He was born on April 21, 1947 to Lawrence and Mary (Arnold) Bartosch in Madison, Wisconsin. 

After growing up in Madison, Denny served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Vietnam War in the Naval Weather Service. He thereafter moved to Wausau in 1972 and entered a 40-year sales career in the grocery industry for Carnation Co., Procter & Gamble and Kraft Foods. He used to say that “if you bought it in a grocery store, I probably sold it at one time.” 

On April 4, 1986, Denny married the love of his life, Nancy (Wilson) Schulz. Together they raised five children, laughing and loving all the way over the bumps and joys of life. 

During those years Denny enjoyed most types of music, dancing with Nancy, camping, fishing and especially enjoyed teaching the grandkids to fish. An annual trip to Mission Lake for fishing, swimming and a picnic were always a topic of discussion and will always be fondly remembered. Denny could also be frequently heard pounding and sawing in the basement workshop, fixing or refinishing some items of furniture or creating oak toy chests for the grandkids. 

Denny was also active in his parish of St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Rothschild and over the years served as president of the Home and School Association, Parish council member, a lector, an usher, a Eucharistic Minister and 27 years in the Parish choir as bass.

After retiring in 2011, Denny worked for 6 years as a Funeral Home Assistant for Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Homes in Wausau. Denny finally retired again in 2017.

Denny was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents and step-son Brett Schulz. 

He is survived by his wife Nancy, a daughter, Cheryl (Jerry) Melvin of Rothschild, son Michael (Misti) Bartosch of Gresham, Step-daughter Becky Brown of Schofield, Step-son Brent (Kristen) Schulz of Neenah, WI and Step-daughter-in-law Shelly Schulz. He had nine grandchildren, Zachary Melvin, Connor (Abbey) Riese, Brooke Brown, Brittany (Cody) Hallas, Katie and Piper Schulz, Caelyn, Malina and Camdyn Schulz. He is also survived by one great grandchild, Lainey Riese, his siblings, John (Sharon) Bartosch, Madison, Paul (Patti) Bartosch, McFarland, Jean Bartosch, Monona and Mary Madison, Necedah and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild. The Rev. Balraj Thotta Saminathan will preside.  A private family burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church.  There will be a luncheon immediately after the mass in the school lunch hall.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Brett Schulz Memorial Scholarship, c/o Wood Trust Bank, 210 E. Bridge Street, Wausau, WI, 54403. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com