Erma Frances Marie Leist

Erma Frances Marie (nee Huebsch) Leist, 87 of Marathon passed away March 11, 2008 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, under the care of Comfort Care and Hospice Services. Erma was born November 19, 1920 in the Town of Ithaca, Richland County, WI, the oldest daughter of Alfred and Theresa (Mueller) Huebsch. She married Joseph John Leist on November 28, 1945 in Marathon, WI. He preceded her in death April 21, 1987. They farmed in the town of Marathon until retirement. Erma spent her adult life as a homemaker, a devoted wife, dedicated mother and adoring grandmother. Her family was the main focus of her life. She was a talented and creative woman, dedicated to hard work, and pursued many creative activities. Erma was a wonderful cook, gardener, talented seamstress, and especially enjoyed crocheting and embroidery. She tried her hand at just about every craft ever discovered. Erma spent much of her time enjoying her siblings, her children and her grandchildren and was always more than willing to help out when and wherever help was needed. Erma is survived by her son, Stephen J. Leist (Diane), Marathon, and grandchildren Linda McPhee (John), great-grandchildren Bobby (Roxanne), great-great-grandson Zachary, great-granddaughter Nichole, Eau Claire WI, Mary E. Leist, Marathon, S. Nicholas Leist (Melissa), Marathon; daughter Yvonne T. Leist-Creswell (Thomas Creswell) Bloomington, IL and grandchildren John Lawrence, great-grandson Cody Kalispell MT, Mara Creswell McGrann (B. John), great-grandchildren Madeleine, Ethan and Sophia, Lancaster, PA; Cassandre Y. Creswell (Matt Beal), Chicago, Ill. and great-grand-daughter, Georgia; Corinne J Creswell (Anthony Nicholson), great-grandson Andre, Ann Arbor, MI; and Anna C. L. Creswell, Suwon, S. Korea; daughter Rosalynn M. Jirgl (David) Marathon, grandchildren Elise R. Krohn (Chad), great-granddaughter Kylie, Wausau; Nathan D. Jirgl, Marathon; Darren L Jirgl (fianc'ee Heather Ingman); and Jennifer M. Jirgl, Marathon. She is also survived by her siblings, Irvin Huebsch, Marathon, Sr. Mary Ellen Huebsch, Ellsworth, WI, Irene Kershisnik (Don) Northridge, CA, Rose Marie Leszcyinski (Dick) Mosinee, Clara Mae Gorski (Arnie), Mosinee and John Huebsch, Mosinee. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Ivan Huebsch and sister Rosamond Huebsch. Friends may call Friday, March 14, 2008 from 4-9 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 2008 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. The Rev. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Erma's name to: Origins USA (http://www.origins-usa.org/) or New Life Pet Adoption https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=392011664 The family wishes to thank all the caring staff at Aspirus CCHS, who provided wonderful care for Erma in her last days. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com