Mary Louise Witzeling

Mary Louise (DeWitt) Witzeling, age 93, passed away on September 7, 2026, at Stone Crest Residence in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Louise was born in 1933 in Kieferville, Ohio, to Frank and Jeanetta (Havland) DeWitt, and grew up there with her sister, Dolores.

On January 17, 1953, Louise married Eugene “Jim” Witzeling. While Jim served in the U.S. Navy, the young couple lived in several places along the East Coast before eventually settling in Wausau, Wisconsin, where they raised their five children and built their life together. Louise and Jim were married for nearly 64 years, until his death in December 2016.

Louise was a homemaker who devoted much of her life to her family. She especially loved having her grandchildren around and took great joy in watching her family grow to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Quiet in public but outgoing with family and friends, Louise had strong opinions and an independent spirit. She traveled extensively throughout her life, both with Jim and with friends, visiting destinations that included China, Russia and Europe.

Louise enjoyed quilting, sewing, ceramics, reading and thrifting. She was known for making mittens for family and friends — over the years, just about everyone received a pair. She loved decorating for the seasons and approached it wholeheartedly, transforming her home as each new season and holiday arrived.

She also loved flowers and filled her outdoor spaces with color, especially geraniums and begonias. Louise enjoyed going to the casino with friends and was always happy to go out for pizza and beer or a Friday fish fry.

For many years, Louise and Jim had a home on Lake Nokomis in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, where Louise loved the relaxed atmosphere of lake life and simply spending time at the house with family and friends. They later retired to Tomahawk and also spent many winters in Weslaco, Texas.

Louise was a longtime member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Wausau and later St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tomahawk.

Louise is survived by her five children: Cindy (Steve) Manecke of Wausau; Jodi (Perry) Kleinschmidt of Wausau; Tim (Sandy) Witzeling of Wausau; Michael Witzeling (Sue Petters) of Wausau; and Patrick Witzeling (Stephanie Lichter) of Milwaukee.

She is further survived by her grandchildren: Alex Manecke; Frankie (Garrett) VanStiphout; Landon (Katie) Kleinschmidt; Reid Kleinschmidt; Tracey Anderson; Dustin (Natalie) Wenzel; Mitchel (Kathleen) Wenzel; Cody (Yvonne) Witzeling; Taylor Witzeling; Molly Witzeling; and Sean Witzeling.

Louise's great-grandchildren are Arya Armstrong, Kalesi Armstrong, Olivia Kleinschmidt, Oliver Kleinschmidt, Opal Kleinschmidt, Easton Schultz, Vanessa Wenzel, Charlotte Wenzel, Ryan Wenzel, Hailey Wenzel, Barrett Witzeling and Aurora Witzeling.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene “Jim” Witzeling; her parents, Frank and Jeanetta DeWitt; her sister, Dolores Bauer; and many beloved relatives and friends who were part of her long and full life.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Stone Crest Residence and St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided.

A small family service will be held Sunday, September 13, at 5:30 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 North 6th Street in Wausau. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. until the time of service, all at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Humane Society of Marathon County or Newman Catholic Schools in Louise's memory.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com