Leona Mullen

Leona Mullen, 97, Marathon died Saturday, April 25, 2015 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Copperleaf Assisted Living, Marathon. She was born April 3, 1918 in the town of Marathon, daughter of the late John and Josephine (Starzinski) Piekarski. On May 9, 1936 she married Joseph Mullen at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. He preceded her in death on August 20, 1953. Leona worked at Winkelman's Department Store, Marathon Battery and helped cook for "Catering with Hildegard Schessow", all of Wausau. Leona also cooked at St. Anthony's Retreat Center for many years and quit working there to be a full time caregiver to both her parents in Marathon. Some of her favorite pastimes included cooking, baking, tending to her flower beds, camping and going for an occasional drive. Survivors include her daughter, Jacky (Dennis) Gertschen, Marathon, one daughter-in-law, Grace Mullen, Stratford, 12 grandchildren, Tony (Deb) Gertschen, William (Deb) Gertschen, SuzAnne (David) Werner, Kory Gertschen, John (Judy) Mullen, Christine Mullen, Lucy (Kelly) Burke, Joseph (Dawn) Mullen, James (Diane) Mullen, Tamera (Charlie) Winters and Cindy (Ken) Newmier, 41 great grandchildren, 11 great great grandchildren, two soon to be born great great grandchildren and one sister, Delphine Bothner, Eagle River. Besides her parents and husband she was preceded in death by one son, Delmar Mullen in 1989 and one grandson, Rick in 1979. A Memorial Mass will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2015 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. The Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to all the staff at Copperleaf Assisted Living, especially Ann and Heather for their outstanding care and devotion they shared with Leona during her stay with them.