Myrna L. (Jagodzinski) Gassner

Myrna L. Gassner, 85, Marathon passed away peacefully on Friday, March 15, 2024 while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at the Hospice House, Wausau.

Myrna Louise Gassner was born December 1, 1938 to Stanley and Melonia (Sonnentag) Jagodzinski in Wausau, WI.  She married Frank R. Gassner September 15, 1962, son of Richard L. and Marie (Sauter) Gassner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marathon, WI.

She served a life of kindness, patience, selflessness, and concern for others, utilizing her gifts to take care of the sick and in raising her family.  In taking care of her grandmother, she knew her calling was to become a nurse.  She graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Wausau in 1959.  She became the head nurse of the surgical patient floor at a time when the hospital did not have an emergency care unit nor a resident doctor. Myrna met Frank after being his nurse, caring for him as a patient at her hospital. Mryna loved her chosen career but left the field to raise her family which included three children under the age of four.

The education of her children was important to her, and she taught all of her children to read before they were enrolled in kindergarten.  She was a strong supporter of the activities of her children and grandchildren to include musical performances and athletic activities.  Myrna also enjoyed the company of her friends attending Packer parties and playing bridge. Sunday mornings were typically spent listening to polkas.   In her retirement years with Frank, the couple enjoyed many trips to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Survivors include her husband Frank, son Gregg (Linda Ann) Gassner Wausau WI, two daughters Cheryl (Thomas) Waller Verona WI, Linda Marie (Daniel) Gassner Turek Fitchburg WI.  Grandchildren:  Ryan R. Gassner, Abigail E. Waller, Matthew T. Waller, and Nathan F. Waller.  Additional survivors include her siblings Marlene (Leroy) Socha, Stanley (Ann) Jagodzinski and Mary (Gary) Jeub.  Sisters-in-law Rita Gassner and Joan Seubert.

Myrna was preceded in death by her brothers-in-law James Gassner and John Seubert.

The Gassner family expresses gratitude for Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier and David Martin for their pastoral care providing both prayers, support, and comfort during Myrna’s brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  The family would also like to thank the Aspirus Clinic, Hospice Care, Hospice House for their excellent care.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Noon on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon.  The Rev. Msgr. Jospeh Diermeier will preside.  Burial will be in the parish cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10:00 a.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.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated to St. Mary’s School in Myrna’s name.