Donald B. Brzezinski

Donald B. Brzezinski 72, Wausau, passed away on Wednesday, October 31, 2012, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, at his home from complications due to heart failure, diabetes and kidney failure. He was born on December 5, 1939 in Wausau, the son of Frank and Esther (Stankowski) Brzezinski. On November 10, 1962, he married Julianne C. Arndt at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Rothschild. She survives. Don was a gifted athlete, excelling in all sports. He holds the record for the most rebounds in the state private high school basketball tournament in 1958. For several years, Don coached basketball for Cabrini Middle School in Wausau. He also served on the Board of Directors for Wausau Little League. In 1991, Don received the "Athletic Hall of Fame" award from Newman High School. Don was an avid bowler and on September 3, 1992 he bowled a "300" game at Mountain Lanes in the Knights of Columbus Men's Bowling League. He was an honorary life member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 1069 in Wausau. He was a long-time member of The Church of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ in Wausau and served on the parish council for several years. He also was a Eucharist Minister for 24 years. Prior to his retirement, Don worked in sales for several food and paper companies. Since 2002, he worked part time for Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Homes in Wausau. Don was a loving husband and father. He had a special bond with his dog, Bree and enjoyed traveling, especially his trips to Arizona with his brother, Jim and his wife, Mary Jo. Don was a devoted fan of the Packers, Badgers, Brewers and Bucks. Survivors include his wife, Julianne "Julie", Wausau, a son, Dean Brzezinski, Rothschild, four brothers, James (Mary Jo) Brzezinski, West Bend, Ernest Brzezinski, Columbus, Ohio, Thomas (Joan) Brzezinski, Weston, Michael (Lori) Brzezinski, Rothschild, two sisters, Donna (Roger)Carr, Weston, and Linda Brzezinski, Portage, brothers- and sisters-in-law: John (Carol) Arndt, Schofield, Jaci (Paul) Kell, Wausau, Joy (Robert) Smith, Hilton Head Island, SC. Other survivors include, Aunt Irene Landowski, Schofield and Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Hank Brzezinski, Wausau; nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; cousins, godchildren, co-workers; and many friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Grace Brzezinski, a sister-in-law, Marcia Brzezinski, mother- and father-in-law, Marvin and Clara Arndt. The funeral mass will be celebrated on his 50th wedding anniversay at Noon on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at The Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau. Rev. William Grevatch, Rev. James Schaefer, Rev. Larry Brzezinski O.F.M Cap. and Deacon Peter Burek will preside. Friends may call on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Special thanks to: Dr. Thomas Schneider, Dr. William Johnston, Dr. Jamie Costa, Dr. Paul Luetmer, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, and the Aspirus Dialysis staff and his second family of friends on his dialysis shift. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com Walk With Me My Jesus, my Friend, walk with me today. Hand in hand, guide me to learn and to know what is good. Arm in arm, help me to grow in my faith and in love for others. Side by side, stay by me to protect me and show me Your ways. Heart to heart, help me to pray and to be all that You want me to be. Thank You, Jesus, for the special love you have for me. Amen.