Romayne M. Breaman

Romayne Margaret Breaman, age 88, of Merrill, WI passed away due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living in Merrill, WI while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

She was born March 31, 1937, in Milwaukee, the first born to the late Jerome and Pearl (Church) Brickner. The family later settled in Little Chicago where her father founded Brickner Motors. Romayne graduated from Marathon High School-class of 1956. On May 11, 1957 she married Joseph A. (“Joe”) Breaman at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon after meeting the young Air Force aircraft mechanic and falling in love while visiting relatives in Anchorage, Alaska. They were married for more than 68 years. Joseph preceded her in death on July 26, 2025.

Romayne quickly became a devoted Air Force wife making numerous military base relocations seamless for her family. The family viewed these relocations as adventures and shared experiences with family and friends whenever possible. After Joe’s retirement from military service in 1975, they moved to Marathon, WI and bought their first home together. She enjoyed working in the Children’s Department at JC Penney’s in Wausau and sharing the company of many Hamburg area women during Homemaker’s Club gatherings. After her retirement in 1999, Romayne and Joe moved to their new home in Irma and spent the next 20 years avoiding the cold weather of WI by becoming snowbirds traveling to Mesa, AZ each winter. They enjoyed Community Park living and socializing with many family and friends. Romayne had used her past retail experience and volunteered for St. Vincent De Paul in Merrill. She loved babies and animals, and dearly loved her children, and three generations of grandchildren.

Romayne is survived by her children: Lorrie (Andrew) Berens of Marathon- their children Matthew (Chelsey) Berens of Marathon, Joshua Berens of Byron, MN, and Jacob (Ashley) Berens of Stettin; Joseph (Lisa) Breaman of Irma-their children Joseph II (Elizabeth) Breaman, David (Dani) Breaman, John (Brooke) Breaman, Nicholas (Jami) Breaman all of Merrill, and Alyssa (Jacob) Anderson of Irma; Michael (Sue) Breaman of Smyrna, GA- their children Tyler (Georgili) Breaman, Adam Breaman and Travis (Shelby) Breaman all of Smyrna, GA; grandchildren: Sheila (Jenni) Hurtis of Dubuque, IA and Patrick Hurtis of Wausau; Kevin (Lynne) Seubert of Stoughton, Sarah (Craig) Erdman, Brian (Kelly) Seubert all of Marathon; 22 great grandchildren: Madison and Maddox Hurtis; Loralei Hurtis and Phoenix Hurtis; Lauren Seubert; Abby and Kylie Seubert; Megan (fiancé, Alex Volm) Erdman, McKenzie (Arik) Wienke and Dakota Erdman; Lane and Corbin Breaman; Annabelle, Everett and Roman Anderson; Emersyn, Cole and Owen Breaman; Ledger, Lawson and Laker Breaman; Alexandra Breaman; five great-great grandchildren: Chloe and Chase Volm; Lyric and Quantez, Jr. Brown; Taytum Wienke.

Romayne is further survived by sisters Lorraine Wilichowski, Maple Grove,MN; Carol (Jim) Studzinski, Wisconsin Rapids; Ginger Weiks, Gail (Steve) Studinski and Vicky Ramsey all of Marathon; her sisters-in-law Grace Brickner, Marathon, Leona Breaman, IA; one brother in-law James Breaman, NE; her son-in-law Francis “Frank” Seubert, Marathon, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, Romayne was preceded in death by daughters Deborah Seubert and Cynthia Hurtis; her brothers Jerome, Raymond and Wayne Brickner; brothers-in-law Robert Weiks, Gerald Wilichowski, Jerry, John and Jeff Breaman, Arthur “Dan” Detches and Roy Johnson; and sisters-in-law Linda Brickner-Lueschow; Sandra Detches, Sally Johnson, Donna and Connie Breaman.

A joint Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Joseph Arthur and Romayne Margaret Breaman at The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (St. Mary’s) Marathon at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

The family of Romayne is grateful for the wonderful care and friendship she received at Bell Tower over the past three years, and for the kindness and professional care provided by Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Christian Lee and his staff at the Aspirus Merrill Clinic.

Memorials may directed to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1004 E Main St., Merrill WI 54452, The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin (St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon) or a charity of your choice.