Jerome H. Stieber

Jerome H. (Jerry) Stieber, age 80, of Marathon died on August 28, 2012 at Aspirus Hospice House after a battle with Alzheimer's disease and its complications. Most people knew Jerry as the Pharmacist and owner of Stieber Drug Store located in downtown Marathon.. Jerry was born September 30, 1931 in Marathon to Anton and Augusta (Blume) Stieber. He met Mary Ann Brunner of Shawano, a newly graduated nurse from St. Mary's Hospital. On July 2, 1955, they were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Shawano. Jerome graduated from Marathon High School in 1949 and the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Pharmacy in 1954. His first job with Hertz Southside Drug on Grand Avenue, Wausau, only increased his desire to own a pharmacy. Before he could act, Jerome was called to serve his country as a chief pharmacist in the U.S.Army for 2 years while stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas and in peacetime Stuttgart, Germany. In 1960 he purchased Jeske Drug Store in Marathon and became owner of Stieber Drug Store which he operated until the time of his retirement in 1990. He was known for his unmatched attention to detail and the assistance he provided all customers no matter what their concern. Jerry would give expert advice on medications, veterinary supplies, the latest stock prices and expertly wrap the finest Russell Stover box of candy during the holidays. He was always very proud of his five children: Scott a Director of Quality at Marathon Cheese Corporation; Brian a pharmacist at Shopko Pharmacy, Wausau; Lori a Nurse Practitioner at Aspirus Marathon Clinic; Lisa a nurse at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Beth a professor at the UW School of Pharmacy, Madison. Jerome served as a charter school board member for St. Mary's Catholic School. He was well known for his 18 years on the school board for the Marathon School District, serving 2 full terms as president during the tenures of J.C. Gillmann and Douglas Chickering. He was very proud to see the completion of the new Marathon Area Elementary School building. Survivors include Mary his wife of 57 years, who resides in Marathon. Five children: Scott (Beth) Stieber of Wausau, Brian Stieber of Marathon, Lori (Scott) Schutte of Rib Mountain, Lisa (Joseph) Breaman of Merrill, and Beth (Mike) Martin of Madison. Thirteen grandchildren: Erik Moore and Sarah (Brien) Neudeck; Marissa and Bradley Stieber, Adam McKaig; Kate and William Schutte; Joseph, Alyssa, David, John and Nick Breaman and Benjamin Martin. Two great-grandchildren: Aiden and Ava Neudeck. A brother Charles (Rita) Stieber of Marathon survives. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother James (Henrietta) Stieber of Mosinee. The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM at the church on Friday, August 31, 2012 with a rosary at 7 PM. There will also be visitation from 9 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial begins at the church at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Mary's Catholic Grade School Marathon, the Marathon School District Endowment Fund, the UW Madison School of Pharmacy Stieber Family Scholarship or the charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Father Joe and the staffs of Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Wausau Manor and Aspirus Hospice House for their compassionate care to Jerome during his final few months of life. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com