Lee P. Zarling

Lee P. Zarling (aka Bumpa, Uncle Laurie, Bing, Tuck), 56, Wausau died unexpectedly Monday, May 4, 2015 at his home. He was born August 16, 1958 in Wausau, son of the late Lawrence and Leona (Murkowski) Zarling. On August 7, 1982 he married Laurie Gajewski at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Milan. Survivors include his wife, Laurie Zarling, Wausau, his two children, Amber (Chris) McLoughlin, Madison and Autumn (Jarret) Nickel, Madison, one grandson, Declan McLoughlin, Madison, one brother, Ken (Linda Menke) Zarling, Minnesota and one sister, Linda (Mike) Zarling, Chippewa Falls. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, Loren Zarling and an infant sister, Judith Zarling. Lee has been employed at Domtar (Weyerhaeuser) in Rothschild, WI for the past 26 years. He was a hardworking, dedicated man who truly loved what he did. He never missed a day of work and loved playing sheep head during his lunch with his work buddies. He took pride in providing for his family and picking up hours at work whenever he could. When he wasn't at work he enjoyed life by going to below zero Packer games, tailgating at Brewer games, and enjoying anything outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, and all wildlife in his backyard. He loved tinkering around the yard and building new things and also collecting new treasures for his garage. He had a special place in his heart for his two dogs Mac and Ruger. He loved going to concerts with his family and looked forward to his Sunday ritual of reading the paper and getting coffee with his wife. Lee was a devoted and loving husband; father, brother, brother in-law, uncle, friend and grandpa. Lee lived every second of his life with optimism and never gave up during his battle against cancer for the last 12 years. He never let his diagnosis define him or hold him back from seeing his daughters get married in Mexico and the birth of his first grandson. He led by example and pushed others to be a better person. He had a thirst for life, knowledge and learning new things. His infectious grin and pranking others lit up any room and made him so easily lovable. He will be missed by so many and will leave a tremendous hole in so many lives. Although he is gone he will never be forgotten. Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2015 at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. The Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Friends may call on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of services all at the Stewart Avenue funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Lee's name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com