Fern A. Banik

Fern Ann Banik entered eternal life on March 6, 2025.

She was born in Wausau on July 31, 1927 to Charles and Vionie (Kath) Traeger.  Fern was brought into the family of God through the waters of Holy Baptism and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church (LCMS), town of Easton. She was married to Herbert August Banik on August 2, 1947, in that same church.  God blessed their union with five daughters.

She was raised on a farm in the town of Easton, along with her two brothers.  She and Herb were members of St. Peter’s Lutheran church, Del Rio Rd., for many years.  She devoted her life to family and the caring and nurturing of others.  She volunteered at Bethesda Thrift Store for over 40 years, served as a general leader for the Texas Ramblers 4-H Club, and was a member of the Homemakers club. She was active in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Lutheran Laymen’s League and served in many other ways.

She is survived by her daughters; Jackie (Alvin) Strassburg, Wausau, Paulette (Jerome) Stecker, Sherwood, WI, Kathleen Sumrall, Sparta, WI and Kris (Jim) Koss, Huntley MT.  Her grandchildren; Robin (Bob) Holzhaeuser, and their children Josh, Paige, Jared, Justin, and Josh; Becky( Dan) Thomas, and their children Jacob and Elizabeth; Matt (Kim) Nelson, and their daughters Ashlee and Alexis; Mark (Heather) Strassburg, and their daughters Emma and Ava; Sarah (Lee) Copeland and their children Dominick and Aleena; Stephanie (Patrick) Brooks, and their daughter Ginny; Michael (Tammy) Stecker and their children Gabriel, Trinity, Josiah and Caleb; Daniel (Michelle) Casey;  MaryAnn (Jesse) Flores and their children Echo, Hunter and Gunnar; Alicia (Willis) McCall and their children Sam, Lydia, Elijah and Luke; Aaron (Ashley) Koss and their children Lily and Brett; Nathan (Rachel) Schlie and their children Miriam, Paul, Ruth, Esther and Hannah; Ben (Kadie) Schlie and their children Lucas and Evelyn; Jesse (Keegan) Schlie and their children Nora, Atticus, Judah and Henry; Joe (Kristen) Schlie and their children Fern, Peter, Eve, George.  One great great granddaughter, Aubree.  One sister-in-law, Wessie Traeger and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herb, her youngest daughter, Linda Sue Schlie, her son-in-law, Samuel Schlie, her two brothers, Eugene and Delbert, her granddaughter, Kristen Sumrall and many brothers and sisters-in-law.

Thank you to the staff at Stone Crest in Wausau. While she was only in Stone Crest for a brief period, she received excellent care.

Funeral services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 1300 Townline Rd., Wausau, WI on Friday, March 14, 2025. Visitation starts at 9:30 am until the time of service at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, Lutheran Hour Ministries or  Christ Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com