William "Bill" J. Bretl

William “Bill” J. Bretl, 97, Wausau, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023 in Wausau, under the care of Interim Hospice.

He was born May 31, 1926 in Wausau, son of the late John and Frances (Kumbera) Bretl.  He married Lucille Tobalsky on May 20, 1950 at Holy Name Catholic Church, Wausau.  She preceded him in death.  On April 24, 1982, he married JoAnn Kramm at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau.  She preceded him in death on January 15, 2021.

Bill began working for Kraft in Wausau on June 1, 1944.  A few months later he was drafted in the United States Army and served in the Philippines as an Infantry Squad Leader during World War II.  Following his military service, he continued working for Kraft in maintenance until his retirement on April 1, 1989.  Bill had a very strong work ethic and worked two jobs for many years.

Bill enjoyed traveling with his wife, JoAnn, playing cards and cribbage.  He was an avid Green Bay Packer and Milwaukee Brewer fan.  In his younger years he enjoyed fishing and playing in pool and dartball leagues.

Bill resided at his home for 67 years and could often be found working on his lawn and taking care of his flowers.  He was known in his neighborhood for his meticulous lawn.

After decades of hard work, may he have eternal rest.

Survivors include five children, Lee (Pam) Bretl, Palatine, IL, Penny (Bruce) Oleszczuk, Beaverton, OR, Thomas (Cindy) Bretl, Wausau, Jane (Tim) Brzezinski, Kronenwetter and Mike (Bobbie) Bretl, Holly Springs, NC; two step-sons, Dennis (Barbara) Kramm, Mosinee and Randy (Mary) Kramm, Mosinee; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, and both spouses, he was preceded in death by his step-great grandson, Kolton Kramm and by seven siblings, Clara (Alex) Tarnowski, Joseph (Ramona) Bretl, Eleanor Bretl, Marie Steininger, Patricia (Lloyd) Sala, Donald Bretl and Elizabeth Bretl.  Bill was the last surviving of eight children.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau.  Rev. Sebastian J. Kolodziejczyk will preside.  Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park with full military honors conducted by the American Legion Post No. 10, Wausau.  Visitation will be on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Interim Heathcare for their wonderful care and support given to Bill and his family.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com