OBITUARIES
Recent obituaries in Wausau, Athens, Marathon, and Edgar
The obituaries in the Wausau, Athens, Marathon, and Edgar Areas reflect the region's diverse population, featuring individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Some were pioneers in their fields, while others dedicated their lives to community service or philanthropy. Their stories serve as a reminder of the richness and complexity of Wausau, Athens, Marathon, and Edgar's history and identity.
Maryann Nowicki
Jan 15, 2026
Maryann Nowicki, 92, Athens, died peacefully with family at her side on January 15, 2026.
She was born August 8, 1933, in the town of Rietbrock, daughter of the late Joe and Stella (Handlosky) Nowicki. She loved her dogs and growing up on a farm there were many escapades with her cousins Johnny and Bobby and sister, Helen that raised the...
Jeanne L. Baranowski
Jan 14, 2026
Jeanne L. Baranowski, 67, of Wausau, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born on July 27, 1958, in Milwaukee, to William and Darlene (Magrecke) Raebel. Jeanne was united in marriage to Danny Baranowski on June 9, 1979, in Wausau. Together they started a family and Jeanne loved and provided for them at home while...
Julie A. Kroeger
Jan 12, 2026
Julie Ann (Pfaff) Kroeger, 78, of Wausau passed away Monday January 12th, 2026 at Wood Aven Health and Rehabilitation. She was under the care of Aspirus Hospice Services.
Julie was born October 6th, 1947, in La Crosse, WI to the late Kermit and Sylvia (Harper) Pfaff. She grew up on the family farm, and then moved into the city of Sparta,...
Rev. James F. Schaefer
Jan 11, 2026
Rev. James F. Schaefer, 90, Wausau, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born February 27, 1935, in the family farmhouse in the township of Lincoln, Buffalo County, Wisconsin, the son of Elmer J. and Evangeline M. (Schmidtknecht) Schaefer. His grandparents were Frank and Anna (Rotering) Schaefer, and Frank and Kate (Theisen) Schmidtknecht. He attended St....
Ardus Jane Schoepke
Jan 11, 2026
Ardus Jane Beckman (Stone) Schoepke, age 92, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, surrounded by love. She lived a long, full life marked by devotion to her family, kindness to others and a quiet strength.
Born on July 30, 1933 in Wausau, WI, she was the daughter of Henry and Mary Beckman. Throughout her life, she was known for her...
Charles Schmollinger
Jan 11, 2026
Charles “Chuck” Schmollinger, age 72, passed away January 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, in Marshfield, Wisconsin. He was born in Hillsboro, IL on September 9, 1953.
Chuck lived much of his life in Athens, Wisconsin, where he began his working years as a farmer. Following an illness, he answered a new calling by obtaining his teaching license, a path...
Kenneth A. Hammes
Jan 9, 2026
Kenneth August Hammes passed away at the age of 90, on Friday, January 9, 2026 after a short but brave battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a kind man who loved a good joke, his Manhattans, a competitive game of cribbage, the Green Bay Packers, Brewers, Badgers and the Yankees. He would, however, bravely attend games with his children and...
Patrick E. Karlen
Jan 1, 2026
Patrick “Pat” Karlen, 65, Marathon passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 1, 2026 at his home.
He was born on March 17, 1960 in Medford, son of Gertrude (Dahlke) Karlen, Edgar and the late Ervin Karlen. On April 24, 1982 he married Rebecca Blair at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. She preceded him in death on October 10, 2012.
He devoted much...
Patricia A. Nowack
Dec 31, 2025
Patricia Alice Nowack, of Marathon City, passed away on December 31, 2025.
She was born the daughter of her beloved parents William and Dorothy Lang. Pat graduated from Marathon High School in 1960. In 1961, she married Richard E. Nowack, and they raised 4 children: Sandy, of Madison; Ricky (Janis), of Stevens Point; Cheryl, of Eagan, MN; and Jody (Kelly Thomsen),...
David Springer
Dec 31, 2025
David Springer, 73, town of Easton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of hard work, deep love for the outdoors and devotion to his family. He was greeted by an angel that he longed to hug, his Dad.
He was born December 28, 1952 in Wausau, the son of Paul and Virginia (Linder) Springer. On...
Marlin A. Novitzke
Dec 29, 2025
Marlin A. Novitzke, 85, of Edgar, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital under hospice care.
Marlin was born on January 3, 1940, to Joseph and Lucy (Boehm) Novitzke. On May 26, 1962, he married the love of his life, Mary Imhoff, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Edgar. After their wedding, the couple lived in Kenosha...
Janice L. Straub
Dec 29, 2025
Janice L. Straub, age 66, of Wausau, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025, under the compassionate care of Compassus Hospice at Sylvan Crossings on Evergreen.
Janice was born on July 23, 1959, in Wausau, the daughter of the late Gerald and Luella (Thurs) Straub.
She found her greatest joy in spending time with her twelve nieces and nephews, faithfully attending their...
Gerald "Jerry" L. Kostka
Dec 29, 2025
Gerald “Jerry” Lee Kostka, 82, of Wausau passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on December 29, 2025, after a courageous battle with ALS.
He was born on March 25, 1943, in Wausau to Edna and Albert Kostka. He graduated from Wausau High in 1961 and spent his career at People’s State Bank.
In his younger years Jerry competed in...
Mary L. Woller
Dec 27, 2025
Mary L. Woller, 73, beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Wausau Manor leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. She was born on October 9, 1952 in Wausau, daughter of the late Edmund and Lucille (Lodholz) Budleski and touched countless lives throughout her journey.
Mary’s professional life was...
Gary L. Torzewski
2025
Gary L. Torzewski, 72, Wausau, died unexpectedly at home of natural causes.
He was born May 29, 1953, in Wausau, son of the late Eugene and Margaret (Shulta) Torzewski.
Gary graduated from Wausau East High School in 1971, where he played baseball. He also played high school football under coach Win Brockmeyer. A lifelong sports fan, Gary especially loved cheering for the...
Dennis A. Schreiber
Dec 23, 2025
Dennis Schreiber, age 77, passed away on December 23, 2025.
He was born on December 3, 1948 in Wausau, Wisconsin. Denny lived a life marked by warmth, humor, and a deep love for those around him. He was known for his inviting smile and love of life. Even at 77, he remained full of happiness and joy, continuing to share stories...
Alice A. Andreas
Dec 23, 2025
Alice A. Andreas, 78, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025, under the care of Interim Hospice at her home.
She was born January 15, 1947, in Wausau, daughter of the late William and Lillian (Nowitzke) Kortbein. On July 8, 1967, she married Jerald “Jerry” Andreas at St. Mary Catholic Church, Wausau, and he preceded her in death on September 3, 2000.
Alice...
John G. Palutke
Dec 23, 2025
John Gottlieb Palutke of Wausau, WI, passed away and went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital at the age of 90.
He was born on January 11, 1935 in Watertown, WI to immigrant German parents, Albert and Christine Palutke. He attended rural country schools near Wilton, WI and high school in Wilton, then graduated...
Su Ying Thao
Dec 22, 2025
Su Ying Thao, age 73, of Wausau, passed away on December 22, 2025.
Su Ying was born on April 5, 1952 to Ka Pao Thao and Phoua Her. He was the fourth oldest child and the first son.
Su Ying lived in Pennsylvania and North Carolina before settling in Wausau in 1981. During his time in Wausau, he held various jobs as...
Rita V. Heindl
Dec 22, 2025
Rita V. Heindl, 92, Madison, formerly of Marathon, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025 at Agrace Hospice Care in Madison.
She was born March 28, 1933 in Marathon, daughter of the late John and Eleanor (Yonker) Vogedes. On June 8, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Gerald Heindl at St. Marathon Catholic Church in Marathon. He preceded her in...
