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.
Karen Helen (Schlaefer) Mielke
Jun 17, 2024
Karen H. Mielke, 81, Wausau, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends on Monday, June 17, 2024.
She was born February 27, 1943 in Wausau, daughter of the late John B. and Helen (Ziebell) Schlaefer. On April 20, 1968, she married Jack J. Mielke in Wausau. He preceded her in death on September 25, 2013....
Jerome "Jerry" K. Sjostrom
Jun 17, 2024
Jerome K. Sjostrom passed away on 17 June 2024 at his home in Athens, WI. He was born 29 August 1936 in Ashland, WI to Elof and Odeal (Jerome) Sjostrom. He grew up on a small farm in Seeley, WI.
In his early years, he attended a one room school in Seeley before graduating from Hayward High...
Joanne M. (Fuller) Viegut
Jun 11, 2024
In 1935, Mae (née Maguire) Fuller and Robert Frank Fuller welcomed their first child, Joanne Mae Fuller, in Marshfield, Wisconsin. With large green eyes, light brown hair, and fair skin, Joanne continued a lineage of Fuller and Maguire beauties. Joanne had four siblings: Robert, Thomas (Mary Ellen), Helen (Kenneth Breit), and Kenneth. The family resided in the countryside in...
Enola M. Willhite
Jun 11, 2024
Enola M. Willhite, 87, of Edgar, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Enola was born on April 30, 1937, to Arthur and Minnie (Woller) Mueller. She graduated from Edgar High School with the class of 1955. She married Harvey Willhite on October 24, 1959, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Edgar.
...
Myron L. Karlen
Jun 6, 2024
Myron L. Karlen, 83, Marathon, passed away peacefully with all his family at his side on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Aspirus Hospital Medical ICU Unit, Wausau.
He was born February 1, 1941, in Marshfield, son of the late Alexius “Alex” and Lorraine (Boser) Karlen. On June 10, 1961, he married the love of his life and...
Stanley "Stash" Budleski
Jun 6, 2024
Stanley J. “Stash” Budleski, 78, Weston, died peacefully at home on June 6, 2024 surrounded by his loving “angels.”
Stanley was born August 25, 1945, in Wausau to the late Joseph A. and Irene (Wendler-Letarski) Budleski. On July 12, 1969, he married his sweetie, Connie Omernik at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild.
Stan was an...
Joanne Esther (Markus) Goelden
Jun 4, 2024
JoAnne Esther (Markus) Goelden, age 89, of Wausau, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, under the care of Interim Home HealthCare (Hospice).
She was born June 23, 1934, to Rudolph and Malinda Markus of Colby, WI. JoAnne graduated from Colby High School in 1952. After high school, she worked for her father’s business,...
Gerald "Jerry" L. Gage
Jun 2, 2024
Gerald “Jerry” L. Gage, 95, of Marathon, passed away at home on Sunday, June 2, 2024, surrounded by family and under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born in Marathon to the late Vincent and Alvera (Schmidlkofer) Gage on January 14, 1929. Jerry attended Marathon High School and the Vocational Tech School...
Gayle Nancy Emmes
Jun 1, 2024
Gayle Nancy Emmes, 78, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2024 under the care of Compassus Hospice at Rennes Health and Rehab Center, Weston.
She was born September 20, 1945.
Gayle cherished all her loved ones. She will be deeply missed.
Survived by her two daughters, Connie Gleason and Dawn Steiner; brothers, Jimmy,...
Ronald "Ron" Alex Karlen
May 31, 2024
Ronald “Ron” A. Karlen, 74, Marathon, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 31, 2024 at Mount View Care Center, Wausau, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
He was born November 29, 1949 in Marshfield, son of the late Alexius “Alex” and Lorraine (Boser) Karlen. On June 6, 1981, he married the love of...
Karen L. Buttke
May 30, 2024
Karen L. Buttke, 85, died May 30, 2024 under the care of Compassus Hospice at Pride TLC Therapy & Living Campus, Weston.
She was born April 3, 1939, in Wausau, daughter of the late Gilbert and Edna (Kummerow) Schroeder. On December 3, 1960, she married Allen Buttke at Westley United Methodist Church, Wausau.
Survivors include...
Kenneth "Ken" H. Kraimer
May 30, 2024
Kenneth Henry Kraimer, 89, Wausau, died peacefully at home Thursday, May 30, 2024.
He was born April 2, 1935 in Wausau, son of the late Henry and Agnes (Imhoff) Kraimer. On October 18, 1958 he married Patricia Bollech at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Last Fall they celebrated 65 years of marriage.
Ken served his...
Dawn L. (Boerner) Hanke
May 29, 2024
For 56 out of 87 years, mom and dad danced. They are dancing once again, only this time the music and the dance will never stop. God took you to be together once again and live for eternity in his glorious heavenly home.
Dawn L. Hanke 8/1/36 - 5/29/24 passed away at her residence at Wellington Place...
Irene G. (Zijlstra) Faber
May 27, 2024
Irene (Ieke) Gretsche Faber, 90, Ringle, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born March 9, 1934 in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, daughter of the late Anne and Pietje (Wouda) Zijlstra. In 1955, she married Bill (Wilt) Faber in Holland. He preceded her in death on October 25, 2009.
Irene and...
Anne F. (Hablewitz) Berg
May 26, 2024
I am Anne Berg, and this is my obit. I was born in Wausau on August 25, 1935, to Marie and George Hablewitz. I died on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at my home surrounded by my family. I went to St. Mary’s Grade School in Wausau, Our Lady of the Holy Cross High School in Merrill, and Cardinal Stritch...
Delores "Dee Dee" ("Wilde") Rhyner
May 26, 2024
Delores A. “Dee Dee” Rhyner, 88, Wausau, died Sunday May 26, 2024 at Sylvan Crossing, Wausau.
She was born March 1, 1936, in Wausau, daughter of the late Wilbert and Anna (Hussong) Wilde. On January 30, 1954, she married Roger D. Rhyner at Grace United Church of Christ, Wausau. He preceded her in death April 11, 2023....
Sylvia H. Kopytkiewicz
May 22, 2024
Sylvia H. Kopytkiewicz, 85, Wausau, died Wednesday May 22, 2024, at Wausau Manor Nursing Home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
She was born October 6, 1938, in Wausau, only child of the late Edwin and Cecelia (Rucinski) Kopytkiewicz. Through her life, Sylvia was a very prayerful woman, and volunteered at Holy Name...
Kathleen "Kathy" M. Skrzypcak
May 21, 2024
Kathleen “Kathy” Marie (Horacek) Skrzypcak of Edgar, WI, was unexpectedly called home to the Lord on May 21, 2024, surrounded by family at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Kathy was born on April 3, 1942, to Albert and Bernice (Zahorka) Horacek in the town of Rietbrock. She grew up on the family dairy farm near Milan and graduated from...
Bernard "Bernie" Anthony Riehle
May 21, 2024
Bernard “Bernie” A. Riehle, 86, Wausau, passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born May 15, 1938 in Athens, son of the late Wisconsin Assemblyman Bernard “Ben” and Mildred (Jacobitz) Riehle. He was a 1956 graduate of Athens High School. On July 18, 1964,...
Mary L. (Guilday) Behr
May 20, 2024
Mary L. Behr, 77, Wausau, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Benedictine Living Community in Wausau, under the care of Compassus Hospice and the staff at Benedictine.
She was born March 8, 1947 in Rhinelander, WI, daughter of the late Lester and Elsie (Duginski) Guilday. On March 5, 1971, she married Donald Behr in Iowa. ...
