Wilbert Leonard Bantes

Wilbert Leonard Bantes, 98, Wausau, died November 27, 2025 under the care of the attentive staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born September 10, 1927 in the town of Cassel, son of the late Joseph and Mary Bantes. On June 28, 1958, he married Rose Ann Joswiak at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar.

Wilbert attended school in Edgar, worked on the family farm, and served four years in the Army during the Korean War, earning the rank of Sergeant First Class. In 2012, he was privileged to experience an Honor Flight to Washington, DC.

Employed at Hoffer Glass for over 40 years, he worked as a glazier and eventually, manager. He enjoyed watching the Packers, relaxing at his cottage on Lake Nokomis, and hunting with the brothers-in-law and nephews where chili was his specialty. Later in life, he added pie-baking to his repertoire and listening to Mollie B on RFD-TV.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Ann, and sisters Lydia Beilke-Szymanski and Florence Berens. Survivors include daughters, Julie (Paul) Berg, St. Paul, MN, Karen (Erik) DeBaker, Portland, OR, and Jennifer (Chris) Rovn, Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Ana DeBaker and Davis & Madeline Rovn; and his many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Wilbert’s life will be held on Friday. December 5, 2025, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Wausau. Visitation at 10am; Mass at 11:00 with lunch to follow.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com