Roger M. Breske

Roger M. Breske 73, Eland, died Tuesday April 3, 2012 at St. Clare's Hospital, Weston. He was born November 8, 1938, in Eland, son of the late John and Marie (Verkuilen) Breske. On April 25, 1959, he married Karen Woznicki at St. Florian Catholic Church, Hatley. She survives. He was a veteran of the US Army Reserves and was a member of AMVETS, Jerome Sudut Post No. 3929, Wausau. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and had been an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, working many church dinners and breakfasts. Roger Breske served the people of Wisconsin for over 20 years. He was first elected to represent Wisconsin 's 12th Senate District in a special election in 1990. Roger won re-elections in 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004. He was known for his strong commitment and dedication with his independent spirit in representing the voice and way of life of the residents of Northern Wisconsin so well. Roger always valued and emphasized constituent services. In 2008, he was appointed Wisconsin 's Railroad Commissioner where he served until his retirement in 2011. Prior to entering public service, Roger owned and operated his family tavern for over 20 years in the Town of Elderon , was President of the Marathon County Tavern League and also served as Wisconsin Tavern League President. Among his favorite things to do, Roger enjoyed watching all sports, especially the Packers, Badgers, Brewers and NASCAR events. Special to him was the time spent with his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Karen Breske, four children, John (Heather) Breske, Antigo, Jim (Beth) Breske, Hatley, Jodi (Mike O'Neil), Eland, Jill (Todd) Bricco, Hatley, 13 grandchildren, Lindsey, Tiffany, Stephanie, Dana (Chad), Shannon, Erin, Cassi, Timothy, Carli, Taylor, Halle, John & Makailah; one great granddaughter, Skylar; five step-grandchildren, Derek (Jennifer), Naomi, Seth, Chloe & Zechariah; two step-great grandchildren; four siblings, Delores Hubert, Wausau, John (Peggy) Breske, Elderon, Doris Schoepke, Wausau and Dan (Elayne) Breske, Eau Claire. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday April 9, 2012 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 202 N. Ellms St., Wittenberg. Rev. Patrick Lloyd SCJ will preside. Burial will be in St. Philomena Cemetery, Birnamwood. Friends may call on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at Holy Family Catholic Church, Wittenberg. There will be a parish rosary at 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening the conclude the visitation. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Roger's pallbearers will be his grandchildren and a special niece, Laurie. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com