Richard Breese

Richard Breese, 74, Wausau, died Friday, April 23, 2004 at his home. He was born January 30, 1930 in Gary, Indiana, son of the late William and Anna (Olsheske) Breese. On August 29, 1953 he married Stephanie Kukanich at St. Peter the Fisherman Church, Eagle River. She survives. Richard was employed at Swift and Co., Gary, Indiana and moved to Land O' Lakes in 1954 to work at Phelps Bank. In Land O' Lakes he was active in the Lion's Club, School Board, Volunteer Fire Department and Knights of Columbus. In 1965 he was elected to the office of County Clerk in Vilas County and remained in office until November 1976. He moved his family to Wausau when he purchased a distributorship at Morning Glory Dairy, then he spent the next 12 years until retirement with WH Transportation as a night dispatcher and over the road driver. During his early years in Wausau, he was active on the Church Council at St. Anne Parish and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Elks Club. Survivors include his wife Stephanie Breese, Wausau, a daughter, Barbara Breese, Wausau, three sons, Michael (Susan) Breese, Marc Breese and Mathew (Krista) Breese, all of Wausau, two grandsons, Benjamin and Samuel Breese, three step grandchildren, Miranda Beck, Sarah Matejka and Jennifer (Jim) Joannon, two step great-grandchildren Jacob and Jared Joannon, brother, Alan (Phyllis) Breese, Streamwood, Ill., and special friends, Princess and Buddy. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. The funeral mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Monday April 26, 2004 at the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. Rev. Joseph Gyim-Austin will preside. Friends may call on Sunday from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau and again on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish rosary service at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Stewart Avenue funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com