Kerry M. Lang

Kerry M. Lang, 74, Wausau died Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Wausau Manor.

He was born April 1, 1951 in Menomonee Falls, son of the late Merrill and Janet (Gross) Lang.  On April 12, 2012 he married Lynette (Butalla) Schulz in Wausau.  She survives.

A “Renaissance Man” … might just be the best way to describe Kerry.  Service, artistic expression and comprehensive skills, ever expanding skills, were his life. And Kerry loved life! Kerry created ad layouts for the Wausau Daily Herald and could draw beautifully.  He managed a bar and developed great people skills.  After that Kerry learned carpentry from local masters of the trade.  And later went on to worked as a sous chef.  He used factory work to fill in the gaps in his never-ending quest to learn!  Most recently, before his stroke some eight years ago, he worked for Jane’s Estate Sales.

As a student in younger days, at Northcentral Technical College, he jumped at the chance to write a regular humor column for the school paper. Kerry enlisted in the Army in 1971. He loved his country and wanted to serve. Kerry’s set of multiple skills left beautiful and effective ‘fingerprints’ throughout the home and property he and Lynn shared. Kerry was a kind man who, even after his stroke, could be found by Lynn out mowing or moving snow for his neighbors. Kerry had a great sense of humor! He could crack open even the most serious conversation with a simple look. Kerry was always ‘working the room’ for laughter and levity.

Kerry loved creating yard games. After his stroke he continued making games out of repurposed materials. He started painting faces on rocks for gifts. He painted a beautiful winter landscape on canvas! Kerry enjoyed a plethora of music, from classical to R&B. Kerry and Lynn found joy dancing to many R&B songs. They followed each other’s moves seamlessly. Someone once asked who they had for a choreographer. Pre-stroke, Lynn and Kerry had great conversations, and life was filled with an abundance of laughter. After his stroke they could still find ways to make each other laugh and were able to keep that foundation of humor in their life together. Kerry loved Halloween. He created many original costumes for both Lynn and himself over the years. Kerry was a big fan of the Packers, the Brewers and the Badgers! Most of all, Kerry was the Good Samaritan. He lived it at every opportunity. From moving the neighbor’s snow to pulling over to help a motorist in trouble. Kerry will be right there in spirit with Lynn as she tends their beautiful gardens. We will all miss you Kerry … you were a Good Man!

Survivors include his wife Lynette Lang, Wausau, his children, Erin (Spencer) Oestreich, Wausau and Jill (Brent) Zylka, Waukesha, five grandchildren, Bailey, Peyton, Addi and Oliver Oestreich and Marshal Zylka, two great grandsons, Cohen Zylka and Koda Oestreich, his stepchildren, Clay (Heather) Schulz, Ringle, Jesse (Pamela) Schulz, Marathon and Brad (Ashley) Schulz, Marathon, his step grandchildren, Brianna, Leah, Taylor and Alyssa Schulz, his siblings, Sherry Mannikko, AZ and Lori (Bob) Duey, AZ and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Elle, his sister, Lisa Lang, his brother, Terry Lang, stepbrother Daniel Gross and a step granddaughter, Kylah Schulz.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.  The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all the staff at Wausau Manor for the outstanding care and devotion they all shared with Kerry during his stay with them.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com