Ervin Braski

Ervin W. Braski, 97, of Wausau, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at home, with his life partner of 40 years by his side and under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

He was born on June 12, 1926 in Brantwood, Wisconsin, to the late John and Selma (Wertanen) Braski.  Ervin graduated from Tripoli High School in 1943 and attended U.W. – Superior where he received a Master of Science in Education in 1977.  He served in the U.S. Navy as a Radioman in the Pacific Theatre during World War II from 1943-1946.  Throughout his lifetime he had a variety of careers: logger, over-the-road truck driver, school bus driver, sheep rancher, psychologist, researcher, and private investigator/paralegal.

Survivors include his life partner, Margaret Jansen; her daughters, Laura Lynn (Shannon Phares) Jansen and Kirstin (Joe) Johnson; Ervin’s children, Karla (Ken Swetkovich) Braski, Stephanie Braski, and John Braski; grandchildren, Sasha (David Brown) Swetkovich, Mischa Swetkovich, Nathan Braski, Maya (Onyx) Hill Bell, Neil Braski, Nicholas Braski, and Naomi Braski; great-grandchildren, Addyson Swetkovich and Vincent Braski; niece, Kathy Snyder Farrar; nephew, Craig (Kristy) Braski; and sister-in-law, Michelle Braski.

He was preceded in death by sister, Virginia (Paul) Braski Snyder; brother, John Braski; and son, Michael Braski.

Private family services were held.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Margaret and the family want to extend thanks to the super great people at St. Croix Hospice, Village Caregiving and numerous VA personnel for their assistance through the last six plus years.

Margaret wishes to extend a very special thank you to Ervin's good friend Dennis Marks and to CNA and respite provider Tamara Al-Khateb who have given her such great support and help over the past six-plus years.