Lydia I. (Werner) Rachu

Lydia Rachu

Lydia Rachu, 107, of Wausau, went peacefully to her Lord and Savior in heaven Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Mountain Terrace Senior Living, Wausau.

Lydia was born on November 20, 1916, in the town of Wien, Marathon County, to the late Henry and Amanda (Paul) Werner.  On January 9, 1937, in Edgar, she married Edwin Rachu. They were married for 64 years.  Lydia farmed with her husband in the town of Wien and Athens. She owned and operated a restaurant, the Ye Eat Shop in Edgar for 5 1/2 years. She was a housekeeper at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Wausau for 10 years.  Lydia and Ed traveled a lot in retirement having many memorable excursions.  When Lydia was 85 years young, she and 7 of her girlfriends went on an adventure to Hawaii.

At 91 years old she wrote a book of "Memories" chronicling her life and numerous things she found interesting. She dedicated the book to her family.  Lydia enjoyed the great outdoors and camping. She loved gardening. She was a superb cook and baker. She could sew anything.  Her strength was amazing, especially to go through all the experiences in life she did.Lydia had a witty sense of humor. She had a loving connection with people. She touched so many and was loved by so many.

She was active in her church with the fair stand cutting vegetables at the Wisconsin Valley Fair, being a part of the quilters, Friendly Neighbors, and Grace Circle.  Lydia had a deep faith. She memorized hymns, Bible verses, and rhymes as a child and could still recall them in her last days.

Survivors include her children; June Champagne of Rothschild, Robert Rachu of Waupaca, Carol Rachu of Wausau, and Larry (Cindy) Rachu of Amarillo, Texas, 9 grandchildren; Steve (Nancy) Champagne of Howe, Indiana, Coby (Traci) Champagne of Rothschild, Kevin Lipinski of Athens, Kelly (Corey) Westfall of Athens, Kory (Ron) Nowacki of Athens, Kasy (Cori) Lipinski of Edgar, Carrie (Dean) Kolbeck of Wausau, Brandy (Mathew) Johnston of Austin, Texas, Eric Rachu of Amarillo, Texas, 6 step-grandchildren; Floyd Roberts of Mequon, Marie Pellerino of Waupaca, Dennis (Teresa) Roberts of Menomonee Falls, Gene (Deborah) Roberts of Waupaca, Debra (Jerry) Borst of Waupaca, Cindy Anderson-Haydu of Waupaca, 14 great grandchildren, 16 step-great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, 26 step-great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, 3 sisters, a daughter Janice (Larry) Lipinski, a daughter-in-law Beverly (Robert) Rachu, and a grandson Sheldon Champagne.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at First English Lutheran Church, 402 N. 3rd Ave Wausau.  The Rev. Barry Levine will officiate. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Lunch will follow at the church. Entombment in the Garden of Eternal Rest Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park will be after lunch.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Mountain Terrace Senior Living and the Interim Healthcare Hospice Team for their kind, compassionate care given to Lydia and her family.   A special thank you to Deb Kluetz of First English Lutheran Church.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Homes, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.