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.
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...
Thomas E. DeLisle
Dec 27, 2025
Thomas “Tom” E. DeLisle, 84, Mosinee, passed away on December, 27, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on January 3, 1941, in Wausau, he was the son of the late Glenn and Ann (Bandoch) DeLisle.
Tom attended Newman High School and went on to study to become a Certified Kitchen Designer, buying his father’s business, the DeLisle...
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...
Allan "Al" J. Babl
Dec 22, 2025
Allan “Al” J. Babl, 81, passed away Monday, December 22, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born April 11, 1944, in Wausau, son of the late George and Rose (Corazalla) Babl. In 1980, he married Celeste Szymanski at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau.
Al graduated from D.C. Everest High School in 1962, earning multiple football scholarships. He chose to attend the...
Patsy M. Resch
Dec 22, 2025
Patsy M. Resch, 92, Wausau died Monday, December 22, 2025 while under the care of Aspirus Hospice at Wausau Manor.
She was born November 24, 1933 in Wausau, daughter of the late Leonard and Ethel (Schmitz) Resch.
Patsy loved to watch wildlife and enjoyed being outdoors. She also had a passion for working with the Women’s Community and even traveled to Nicaragua...
Allen "Al" D. Burmeister
Dec 20, 2025
Allen “Al” Burmeister, age 71, of Little Chicago, Wisconsin, passed away on December 20, 2025, at the Aspirus Hospice House in Wausau.
He was born on March 11, 1954, in Wausau, to Barbara (Williamson) and Henry Burmeister. Allen farmed alongside his parents in his early years, and his entrepreneurial nature later led him to start several businesses including ginseng farming.
Allen enjoyed...
James M. McHale
Dec 20, 2025
James “Jim” McHale, age 88, of Wausau, passed away on December 20, 2025.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret “Maggie” McHale; his children, Daniel McHale and Caitlin Mack (Andrew); his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Benjamin Mack; as well as other loving relatives and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Freda and Vern McHale, and his brother,...
Daniel M. Krautkramer
Dec 20, 2025
Daniel “Krauty” M. Krautkramer, 60, Marathon, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and friends on Saturday, December 20, 2025, under the care of Aspirus at Home Hospice.
He was born May 20, 1965 in Marathon, son of the late Arnold and Lorraine (Hornung) Krautkramer. Dan’s first marriage was to Kristi Jean Kitsembel on July 14, 1990 at...
Thad J. Kinney
Dec 18, 2025
Thad J. Kinney, 55, Weston, passed away, December 18, 2025, in Wausau.
He was born July 31, 1970, in Wausau, son of Patrick Sr. and Autumn (Kaufman) Kinney.
Thad had a love if not an obsession, with fishing. He shared this passion with his kids, friends, and sometimes newly made friends at any given fishing location. He was also an avid motorcyclist,...
James "Jim" S. Albrecht
Dec 15, 2025
James “Jim” S. Albrecht, 80, passed away surrounded by loving family on Monday, December 15, 2025, from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) “Lou Gehrig's disease”. His final days were under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services of Wausau and Pine Crest Nursing Home of Merrill, and the family is grateful to both for the tender care provided to...
James "Jimmy" D. Arndt Jr.
Dec 15, 2025
James “Jimmy” D. Arndt Jr., 70, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 15, 2025 in the Palliative Care Unit at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by his family.
He was born December 2, 1955 in Wausau, son of the late James Sr. and Emily (Ortlieb) Arndt.
Jimmy worked as a crane operator for Wausau Steel in Wausau for many years. He was...
Romayne M. Breaman
Dec 14, 2025
Romayne Margaret Breaman, age 88, of Merrill, WI passed away due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living in Merrill, WI while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
She was born March 31, 1937, in Milwaukee, the first born to the late Jerome and Pearl (Church) Brickner. The...
Mary A. Hall
Dec 14, 2025
Mary A. Hall, 60, of Edgar, passed away unexpectedly, at home, on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
She was born in Wausau on January 26, 1965, to Lawrence Gassner and the late Catherine (Altenhofen) Gassner. Mary was united in marriage to Jeffrey Hall in 1990 at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Wausau. They have three children and raised their family in the...
Lynn Ann Hilts
Dec 11, 2025
Lynn Ann Hilts, 80, Edgar, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau.
She was born June 5, 1945 to Simon and Leone (LaFave) Ellos in Ironwood, MI and was raised in Hurley, WI. On June 5, 1965 she married Clayton Hilts at St. Mary of the Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Hurley. He preceded her...
