Leroy Robert Zernicke

LeRoy Robert Zernicke, 89 of Wausau, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, at Aspirus Hospital on Sunday, December 29, 2024.

He was born October 31, 1935 in Shawano, son of Maynard and Ruth (Haut) Zernicke. LeRoy married DeAnna Pagel on December 3, 1960 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Town of Stettin. She preceded him in death June 9, 2020.

LeRoy attended Graf School and graduated from Bonduel High School in 1953.

LeRoy was raised on a farm in Bonduel. He worked weekends for farmers during high school. After he graduated LeRoy worked at a Cheese Factory and hauled milk, in milk cans to Seymour, Wisconsin. When he moved to Wausau he worked for a Feed Mill, Cereal Factory, Northern Milling Feed and Jelco as a bus driver. He did all of these jobs while dairy farming.

LeRoy served his country from 1958-1964 in the Army. He trained in Virginia and served 1 ½ years in Germany with the Truck Division. He had the privilege of going on the Honor Flight on September 25, 2023.

He loved talking to people. No one was a stranger. He could find any farm implement and loved to wheel and deal on equipment. LeRoy could tell you who lived where and who farmed the land from Marathon to Shawano County.

LeRoy enjoyed farming, even the ups and downs. He was proud to have lived on his farm for over 60 years.

He had a sharp memory and never missed calling his family on their birthdays. His own birthday was never missed without a celebration. Family gatherings were always important to him. He would have the biggest smile whenever the grandchildren and great-grandchildren would come to visit.

LeRoy is survived by his eight children, Connie Fuss, Wausau; Paul (Faye) Zernicke, Wausau; Christine (Donald) Imhoff, Edgar; Sharon (Cory) White, Marathon; Shelby (Steven) Olm, Wausau; Sandra (Frank) Wirkus, Wausau; Michael (Kathryn) Zernicke, Wausau; David (Traci) Zernicke, Wausau; 20 grandchildren, Melissa (Daniel), Joshua (Ashley), Mallory (Leo), Courtney (Adam), Meredith (Steven), Hannah (Colt), Melanie (Derek), Justin (Katlyn), Luke (fiancé Brooke), Kyle (fiancé Chelsey), Cassandra (Grant), Benjamin, Morgan (Brendan), Nicolette, Trevor, Christopher, Marcus, Troy, Megan (Jared), Travis (Kassidy); 26 great-grandchildren, Samara, Edison, Lincoln, Colette, Layla, Andrew, Allison, Logan, Lydia, Connor, Isabella, Cora, Brynleigh, Maxton, Madilynn, Reed, Ryker, Emma, Ada, Jackson, Jillianna, Carter, Calli, Charli, Croix, Finley; 8 step-grandchildren, Alisha (Matthew), Amanda (fiancé Brandon), Melanie (Kory), Nickolas, Kyle (Megan), Baylee, Brenna, Tessa; 12 step great-grandchildren, Emma, Nick, Brexton, Leon, Evelyn, Scarlett, Anabella, Caroline, Emberlee, Mila, Kaisley, Iverson; brothers, Martin (Joyce) Zernicke, Wausau; Wallace (Carolyn) Zernicke, Wisconsin Rapids; Lyle (Linda) Zernicke, Athens; sister, Betty (Dennis) Metz, Plover; in-laws, Phil Olson, Wausau; Lori Zernicke, Merrill; Gene (Karen) Pagel, Wausau; Barbara (David) Czech, Athens; Marilyn (Robert) Seefeld, Athens; LaVonne (Alan) Jordan, Wausau; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife DeAnna; son-in-law Aaron Fuss; parents Maynard and Ruth Zernicke; siblings Mary Barttelt, Carol Olson, Gary Zernicke; in-laws Elroy and Mildred Pagel; Steven Pagel; nephews Scott Zernicke and Timothy Pagel.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, Stettin.  Rev. William Ostrem will officiate.  Burial will be in the Ribview Cemetery, with full military honors conducted by the American Legion Post No. 469 Marathon.  Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau and again on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.

His family would like to thank all the amazing Emergency Responders, Aspirus Hospital ER and ICU staff for their support and care for LeRoy and his family.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com