Sylvester R. Deininger

Sylvester R. "Champ" Deininger 80, Wausau, died Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at home, surrounded by his wife and children, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. He was born December 30, 1928 in Stratford, son of the late John E. and Theresa (Schuster) Deininger. On July 6, 1957, he married Marlene Skrzypchak at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cassel. She survives. Sy served his country in the United States Air Force as a staff sergeant during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion Alois Dreikosen Post #469, Marathon. Years ago he was employed with the original Brickner Motors of Little Chicago and was the last surviving member of that original crew. Prior to his retirement, Sy had been employed for 22 years at Digman Insulation and Supply, Wausau. He will be remembered for his practical knowledge of the building trade and was often sought out for advice. He enjoyed going up north, tinkering, and fixing anything in need of repair. Above all, he loved the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. Sy was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 1069, Wausau, serving as Financial Secretary and Past Grand Knight as well as participating in their bowling league and organizing the Softball Tournaments. He was also a member of the Pere Rene Menard General Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Wausau, where he served in several capacities including that of Faithful Navigator. Survivors include his wife, Marlene, Wausau; seven children, Anne (Tom) Rusch, West St. Paul, Minn., Tracy (Greg) Zoromski, Wausau, Maria (Dean) Graveen, Edgar, Sara (Steve) Wadzinski, Marathon, Tony (Greta Zeimetz) Deininger, Appleton, John (Kelly Morgan) Deininger, South Minneapolis, Minn. and Paul (Michelle) Deininger, Mosinee; 14 grandchildren, Lauren and Bennett Rusch, Anna (Erik) Linde-Zoromski, Katherine Zoromski, Marissa and Bradley Graveen, Kenneth, Julie and Jonathon Wadzinski, Alex, Alan and Grace Deininger and Zachary and Zander Deininger ; two step-great-grandchildren, Carson and Skylar Linde; siblings, Rita (James) Madden, Denver, Colo., Charles (Anita) Deininger, Marathon, Alwin (Dona) Deininger, Dellwood, Minn. and Thomas (Janice) Deininger, Marathon. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 3, 2009 at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau. Rev. Daniel Hackel will preside. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon, where full military honors will be conducted by members of the Marathon American Legion. Friends may call on Friday from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish and Knights of Columbus Rosary service at 7:45 p.m. Friday evening at the Sixth Street funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com