Gerald J. Witberler

Gerald J. Witberler, 73, Marathon, died Sunday, August 24, 2014 at his home. He was born June 3, 1941 in Wausau, son of the late Oscar and Florence (Krautkramer) Witberler. Gerald was a veteran of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, 32nd Division in Wausau and was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis. He was a member of the American Legion Alois Dreikosen Post No. 469, Marathon. In 1968, Gerald bought the family homestead from his father, Oscar. He loved to farm and was blessed to be able to live and work there his entire life as a dairy and ginseng farmer. Among his many interests, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, eating out and playing sheepshead with friends and family. Gerald's pride and joy was his green 2001 Chevrolet suburban in which he proudly put on 536, 000 miles. Overall, Gerald was a generous man, would help anyone in need and will be sadly missed by all who knew and cared for him. Survivors include, two brothers, James Witberler, Marathon and George (Jeanne) Witberler, Marathon; two sisters, Barbara Mootz, Merrill and Donna (Joseph) Kijak, Mosinee; 17 nieces and nephews; 13 great-nieces and great-nephews; and many aunts, uncles, relatives and friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Jerome; and one brother-in-law, Dennis Mootz. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Monsignor Rev. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery with full military honors conducted by the American Legion, Marathon. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon and again on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com