Maryann Gajewski

MaryAnn Gajewski, 83, Wausau, died Friday, January 16, 2015 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Wellington Place, Wausau. She was born April 9, 1931 in Wausau, daughter of the late Lester and Margaret (Wilde) Faulks. On October 23, 1948 she married Alois Gajewski at St. James Catholic Church, Wausau. He preceded her in death. Our mother taught us life's most valuable lessons by example. Following a debilitating stroke twenty years ago which left her totally disabled, she did not become bitter--she became brave. Life became a challenge which was met head-on with ultimate kindness and compassion. Despite the devastating loss of four of her eight children, she continued to live her life with a positive attitude and gratitude for the time she had been given and for what she still had. Humble as she was, she won everyone's love with a generous smile that lit up her whole face and laughter that was infectious. Being a devoted mother/grandmother/great grandmother, she especially loved her family time playing sheepshead and Yahtzee. She also enjoyed watching her Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. Despite the emptiness we now feel, we are eternally grateful for the time we had be given with our lovely mother. She is our Hero and will remain in our hearts forever. You have more than earned your Angel wings. You are loved. Rest in peace, mom. Survivors include her children, Joyce (Robert) Ostrowski, Mosinee, Carol Gast, Weston, JoAnn (John) Fink, Wausau and Laurie (Lee) Zarling, Wausau, 26 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren and one sister, Doris Carolfi, Marshfield and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her children, Jan Gajewski, Gene Gajewski, Judy Pempek and Rick Gajewski, one brother, Eugene Faulks, one sister, Evelyn Schultz, two granddaughters, Terri Gajewski and Tammy Lynn Ostrowski, three great grandchildren, Sydney Larson, Lucas Gast and Aydn Peel and a son-in-law, Scott Gast. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Milan. The Rev. Paul Hoffman will preside. Assisting Father Hoffman as servers are great grandson, Kyle Peel and great granddaughter, Meghan Gast. Burial will be in the Milan Cemetery. Pallbearers honoring MaryAnn are grandsons; Scott Larson, Brad and Lance Gast and Jeremy and Jesse Feltz along with granddaughter, Tina Gajewski. Friends may call on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar and again on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Monday evening at the Edgar funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com