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.
Davey L. Matis
May 21, 2025
Davey Lee Matis, 53, of Marathon, was called by the Lord doing what he loved, being a logger, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
He was born February 13, 1972 to the late Dale L. Matis, and Nancy A. (Schuster) Matis in Wausau. He later married the former Krista M. Grosskurth on July 15, 1995 at St. Mary’s...
Ronald William Dirks
May 20, 2025
Ronald W. Dirks, 79
Our beloved husband and father, Ronald W. Dirks, 79, of Wausau, passed peacefully into his heavenly home while at North Central Health Care on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Ron was born on August 31, 1945, to Oscar and Leila (Richter) Dirks in Shawano, WI, Ron was the third of seven children. His family...
Peter M. Gutowski
May 18, 2025
Peter M. Gutowski, 80, passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born May 25, 1944, in Wausau, son of the late Michael and Gladys (Lesperance) Gutowski. On November 12, 1966, he married Jeanne Raduechel at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau.
Peter served his country from 1962 - 1965 in the...
James "J. T." Jerome Taylor
May 15, 2025
James “J. T.” Taylor, 76, Marathon, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at his home.
He was born August 13, 1948 in Wausau, son of the late James and Velda (Hotchkiss) Taylor. On November 10, 1990, he married Karen Baumann at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Halder. She survives.
Jim served in the United...
Carol Lynn Smith
May 14, 2025
Carol Lynn Smith, born on November 4, 1943, in Waupaca, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, whose gentle spirit and kind heart left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Carol was preceded in death by her beloved...
Carol A. Slaminski
May 13, 2025
Carol A. Slaminski, 82, of Wausau, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born on January 11, 1943, in Laona, Wisconsin to the late Garnet and Harriet (Samz) Tinsman. Carol grew up in Newald and later married Robert Slaminski in Wausau at St. Michael Catholic Church. She worked as a clerk...
Richard "Dick" Kenneth Walker
May 11, 2025
Richard Kenneth Walker (Grandpa One Eye) 1935-2025
At the ripe ole age of 90 and living a full colorful and beautiful life he decided on stealing the show on Mother’s Day and passed away peacefully Sunday morning May 11, 2025 at Pinecrest Nursing Home Merrill, WI under the loving care of Compassus Hospice Services. Richard, known mostly...
Selma E. (Hintze) Miessner
May 9, 2025
Selma Esther (Hintze) Miessner was called to her Heavenly Home on May 9, 2025. She was born February 2, 1930, in Heaton, North Dakota to Irvin and Helena (Schmidt) Clapp. On August 28, 1948 she married Kenneth Hintze. They farmed in the Town of Easton and later moved to Wausau, WI. On January 18, 1962, Kenneth died of a...
Kerry M. Lang
May 8, 2025
Kerry M. Lang, 74, Wausau died Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Wausau Manor.
He was born April 1, 1951 in Menomonee Falls, son of the late Merrill and Janet (Gross) Lang. On April 12, 2012 he married Lynette (Butalla) Schulz in Wausau. She survives.
A “Renaissance Man” … might just be the best way to...
Joyce Olivia (Nelson) Simonson
May 5, 2025
Our mother, Joyce Olivia Simonson, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, May 5, 2025.
She was born to Hans and Eliza Nelson of Aniwa, WI on June 23, 1926. On March 20, 1948, she married Myron Simonson Jr., and was blessed with a daughter, Linda Simonson-Husbyn, Wausau, son, Douglas Simonson, Wausau and twins,...
Alice Tucker
May 5, 2025
Alice Mary (Holzem) Tucker
Age: 88
Alice passed away in the early morning of May 5 at Pride TLC under the care of Hospice, surrounded by her many guardian angels.
Alice was born in Wausau on September 23, 1936, to Francis and Anna (Lenard) Holzem. In her teenage years, she entered the convent...
Gregory S. Norris
May 4, 2025
Gregory Steven Norris, 37, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away on May 4, 2025. Born in Wausau on May 26, 1987, he was a devoted father, son, and a man of many talents and passions.
A 2005 graduate of Wausau East High School and North Central Technical Collage, Greg went on to build a career in welding, becoming...
Christopher R. McCanna
May 3, 2025
Christopher R. McCanna, 48, Colby passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield.
He was born March 23, 1977 in Kittanning, PA, son of Larrie McCanna and Michelle McCanna.
Chris graduated from Stevens Point Area High School (SPASH) in 1996. He enjoyed shop classes and athletics through the Wisconsin Special Olympics....
Darlene R. (Nowack) Hurtis
May 2, 2025
Darlene Ruth Hurtis, age 93, of Marathon, Wisconsin, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 2, 2025, after a life richly lived in service, faith, and kindness.
Darlene was born on December 3, 1931, in her grandparents’ farmhouse in Granton, Wisconsin, to Elsie (Dorst) and Clarence Nowack. Her life was marked by...
Donald "Don" J. Blarek
May 1, 2025
Donald “Don” James Blarek entered heaven on Thursday May 1st 2025. He passed peacefully with his family at his side. Don was born on September 24th 1938 to parents Stanley and Otilia (Check) Blarek.
Don graduated from Wausau high school in 1956, then joined the Army for 3yrs, spending part of it in Germany.
After...
Rose Mary (Breitenstein) Clark
May 1, 2025
Rose Mary Clark, 89, Wausau passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025 while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Wausau Manor.
She was born April 10, 1936 in Dancy, daughter of the late Harlow and Florence (Carl) Breitenstein. On November 17, 1956 she married Marvin Clark at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Birnamwood. ...
Andrew "Andy" C. Harris
Apr 26, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Andrew “Andy” Clark Harris, age 35, on April 26, 2025.
A beloved son, friend, and free spirit, Andy brought joy and laughter into every room he entered. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Andy later moved to Boulder, Colorado, where he embraced his love for the...
John J. Wianecki
Apr 26, 2025
John J. Wianecki, 64, Merrill, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2025, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at his home after a 13 month battle with cancer.
He was born July 29, 1960, in Wausau, son of Rosemary (Raymond) Wianecki and the late Joseph Wianecki.
For over 25 years John worked...
David "Dave" A. Schoepke
Apr 25, 2025
David “Dave” A. Schoepke, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and dedication. He was a proud Army veteran and a man who lived life fully, cherishing the outdoors and the people around him.
Dave was born on...
Robert "Bob" D. Muetzel
Apr 23, 2025
Robert “Bob” Muetzel, 57, of Wausau, WI, passed away on April 23, 2025, under the care of Hospice services after a long and courageous battle with complex health issues and addiction. Though he faced many challenges in his life, he was deeply loved and will be remembered for his free spirit, sharp wit, and the moments of warmth he...



