Donald J. Holzem

Donald J. Holzem 83, Wausau, died Friday June 11, 2010 at his home under the care of his family and with the support of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. He was born October 7, 1926 in Wausau, son of the late Christian and Amelia (Schneck) Holzem. On July 27, 1947 he married Phyllis Glasel at the former St. Mary Catholic Church, Wausau. She survives. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the US Navy and later with the Army National Guard. For 47 years, Donald had been employed at Wausau Papers in Brokaw as a boiler fireman. Among his many interests, Donald enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, ballroom dancing and spending time up at his cabin. Donald was a jack of all trades, from home building and repair to anything in need of fixing. Above all he treasured the time spent with his family. Donald will be remembered as an advocate for the handicapped. For over 46 years he was a member and past president of the ARC Wisconsin Disability Association-promoting quality of life for people with developmental and related disabilities and their families. Donald received many awards for his hard work and dedication. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Holzem, Wausau, nine children, Dennis (Sally) Holzem, Schofield, Theresa (David Milbrandt) Holzem, Madison, John Holzem, Eau Claire, William (Lisa) Holzem, Wausau, Donna Holzem, Madison, Annie Krupnow, Coloma, Polly Holzem, Wausau, Jacqueline (John) Wantlin, Withee, Eddie (Jennifer) Holzem, Greenville; 16 grandchildren, Heather, Nicholas, Erin, Beckie, Tim, Emily, Ariel, Isaac, Sasha, Raven, Kendris, James, Matthew, Donovan, Dakota, Arianna; 13 great grandchildren, Mara, Shaelyn, Kyle, Corey, Chance, Devon, Cole, Gavin, Alexis, Austin, Grayson, Johnathon and Ethan. Donald is further survived by his 10 siblings, Katherine VanVreede, Mosinee, Marcella Berndt, Wausau, Alex (Barbara) Holzem, Wausau, Arlene Loss, Wausau, Marvin (Marge) Holzem, Wisconsin Dells, Anna Mae (Jim) Babicky, Weston, Chris (Roger) Sefton, Minocqua, Cecilia (Bob) Gwidt, Schofield, Chuck (Gert) Holzem, Schofield, Sandy Dorshak, Middleton, two sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Holzem, Texas and Violet Westfall, Wausau, one brother-in-law, David Glasel, Wausau and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Claire, a brother, Gregory Holzem, his brothers-in-law, Art Berndt, Wib Pierce, Gene VanVreede, Jerome Loss, his father-in-law, George Glasel, mother-in-law, Clara (Prahl) Glasel, Phyllis' siblings and their spouses, Leona & Walter Treffort, Verna & Harry Kalbes, Josephine & Lawrence Marquis, Myrtle & George Richards, Elmira & Oswald Heinrich, Arline & Earl Schultz, Della & Toppee Curlee, Clarabelle & Edward Dietsch and brothers-in-law, Gerald & Meta Glasel, Melvin & Beatrice Glasel and Earl Westfall. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday June 22, 2010 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Gregory Michaud will preside. Entombment will be in Holy Angels Mausoleum, St. Michael Cemetery, Wausau. Friends may call on Monday from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.