Jacob Rechner

Jacob "Jake" Rechner 76, Wausau, died Friday, December 18, 2009 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at his home. He was born November 14, 1933 in Germany, son of the late Leopold and Katherina (Strobel) Rechner. On May 22, 1981 he married Audrey Ellis at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. She survives. Jake worked as a maintenance supervisor at JC Penney for many years and was a handyman that could fix anything, except plumbing. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and often referred lovingly to him as "Opa". Among his many interests were woodworking, cooking his German recipes, doing stone masonry work and spending time in his garage playing German music while watching the birds. He loved his country, completing basic training with an honorable discharge at Fort Carson, Colorado and proudly flying both the American and German flags in front of his home. Survivors include his wife, Audrey, Wausau; three daughters, Linda (fiance David Brandan) Ellis, U.K., Gail (Michael) Perkins, Athens and Barbara (Harry) Luxford, Maple Grove, Minn.; four grandchildren, Brandon and Ashley Perkins and Jacob and Matthew Luxford; two brothers, Sepp (Gudrun) Rechner and Fabian (Renate) Rechner, both of Germany; one sister, Leni (Albert) Weimann, Germany and many other cousins who thought of him as "Uncle Jacob", relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. The Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Inurnment will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon. Friends may call Monday from 4 - 8p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave, Wausau and again on Tuesday from 9a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a 7:30 prayer service Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in Jacob's name. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com