Leona Emilie Ottilie Gresens

Leona Gresens, 90, Wausau, died Wednesday, December 11, 2002 under the care of Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Colonial Manor Medical & Rehabilitation Center, Wausau. Leona was born October 9, 1912 in the town of Texas, daughter of the late Carl and Ottelia (Behnke) Ulrich. She married Herbert A. Gresens on August 26, 1933 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Pine River, Lincoln County. He preceded her in death June 2, 1999. 'Onie' and her husband farmed for two years in the town of Marathon after they were married. Then, in 1935 they farmed in the town of Texas for 25 years. She was a member of the St. Paul Pine River Ladies Aid, and the Trappe River Homemakers Club. In 1960, Onie and her husband moved to Wausau where she was a housekeeper and caregiver for Dorothy Prahl for 35 years. She was a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church and proudly served in their Friendship Club for many years. Leona will always be admired for wonderful baked chicken and her delicious donuts. She was a hard worker for many years and always found time to help others. As a grandmother, she gave much love and devotion to her grandchildren, never was a time that she would ever refuse helping her family. Most importantly, her memory will be cherished by those whose lives she touched with her loving kindness. Grandma, we know that you are watching us from above. You will always live in our hearts and continue to be an example to us all. We are so thankful for our precious time with you. She is survived by one son, Monte (Sandra) Gresens, Madison; five grandchildren, Janean (John) Andrus, Wausau, Julie (Joseph) Deverell, Viroqua, Hugh (Pamela) Gresens, West Salem, Faye (Paul) Zernicke, Wausau, Karla (John) Kroll, Wausau; 10 great grandchildren, Ashley, Emily, Joey, David, Kyle, Melissa, Meredith, Melanie, Marcus and Karissa; many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, Herbert, and her parents, she was preceded in death by one infant daughter, Hazel; four stepbrothers and 1 stepsister. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 16, 2002 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. The Rev. Gary Schulz will officiate. Burial will be in St. Matthew Lutheran Cemetery, Marathon. Friends may call Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, and again on Monday from 9:30 a.m.until the time of services at the Church. There will be Devotion for Leona at 2:30 p.m., Sunday at the Stewart Avenue Funeral Home. Leona's family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the devoted staff members at Colonial Manor Medical & Rehabilitation where Leona was a resident for the past four years. Special thanks to Elaine Stotmeister for being such a wonderful friend and filling her long days with enlightenment. The friendship and loving care extended to Leona and her family was special and meant so much during her time with them. Pallbearers for the service will be John Andrus, Joseph Deverell, Hugh Gresens, Paul Zernicke, John Kroll and Kyle Gresens.