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.
Gail E. Betts
Aug 19, 2025
Gail E. Betts, 62, Wausau passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Marshfield Medical Center, Weston.
She was born on January 3, 1963 in Eau Claire to Allen and Ellen (Skattebo) Dole.
For many years Gail did data entry for U.M.R. in Wausau. She was a loving mother and friend who’s gentle nature and candid humor will be deeply missed.
Survivors include...
Sarah C. Smith
Aug 19, 2025
Sarah Smith, age 47, passed away peacefully at her home on August 19th, surrounded by her devoted family and friends. A radiant soul and fierce fighter, Sarah lived with metastatic breast cancer for over eight years, facing each day with courage, grace, and an unwavering zest for life.
Sarah was the kind of person who left a lasting impression on everyone...
David H. Howard
Aug 19, 2025
David H. Howard, 89, went to his Heavenly Home on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
He was born August 27, 1935, son of the late Harold and Adela (Marquardt) Howard. He was baptized on September 15, 1935, and confirmed on April 10, 1949. He married Erlyne Schmidt on June 5, 1958. She preceded him in death on October 2, 2005.
Survivors include his...
Jon B. Kent
Aug 17, 2025
Jon Bradley Kent, 63, passed away suddenly on August 17, 2025.
He was born on February 28, 1962, in Racine, WI, to Edward “Ed” and Norma (Graefe) Kent.
Growing up in Wausau, WI, Jon attended Grant Elementary School and John Muir Middle School. He would go on to graduate from Wausau West High School in 1980.
In 1982, Jon graduated from North Central...
Gregory "Greg" A. Otto
Aug 16, 2025
Gregory Allen Otto, 65, of Schofield, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 16, 2025. “Greg” was a beloved father, known for humor and storytelling and, above all, his kindness.
Greg was born February 2, 1960, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Kenny and Shirley Otto. He was the fifth of six children. He grew up in Kanawha, Iowa, where he attended...
Pauline F. Blaschka
Aug 16, 2025
Pauline F. Blaschka, 88, Wausau passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 16, 2025 while under the care of Aspirus Hospice at Wood Aven.
She was born on January 9, 1937 in Wausau, daughter of the late Paul and Josephine (Mendrzcki) Pasholk. On April 18, 1953 she married Eugene “Gene” Blaschka in Wausau. He preceded her in death on September 26, 2015.
Pauline...
Gerald J. Cline
Aug 15, 2025
Gerald J. “Squeak” Cline, 74, Wausau passed away Friday, August 15, 2025 while under the care of Aspirus Hospice at home.
He was born June 21, 1951 in Milwaukee, son of the late John and Naomi (Hakemeier) Cline. He graduated from Wausau High in 1969.
He married Carol Ellei in Wausau, and they had 3 children. They later divorced.
On February 29, 1996...
Rita A. Hayes
Aug 15, 2025
Rita A. Hayes, 77, of Weston, Wisconsin, entered her heavenly home on August 15, 2025, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Rita was born on January 25, 1948, in Youngstown, Ohio to the late John and Mary Frances Qualey. It is there where Rita gave birth to the light of her life, Christine. Rita and Christine would...
Cheryl L. Wenzel
Aug 14, 2025
Cheryl L. Wenzel, 68, Merrill, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at her home.
She was born on October 12, 1956, in Wausau, daughter of the late Orin and Lois (Justmann) Wenzel.
For many years Cheryl was an interpreter for Merrill Public Schools. Some of her favorite pastimes included crocheting and going on walks with her friends.
Survivors include her brother, Greg...
Larry W. Rader
Aug 12, 2025
Larry William Rader, 89, died peacefully at home on August 12, 2025.
He was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1936, in Wausau, the son of Felix and Violet (Zahn) Rader. Larry married Diane Mary LaMere on September 16, 1961, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, St. Paul, Minn.; she predeceased him.
Larry received his Juris Doctorate degree from Marquette University Law School...
George C. Polley
Aug 12, 2025
George C. Polley, 89, Wausau passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
He was born June 2, 1936, in Ringle, son of the late Otto and Mary (Wilk) Polley. On June 2, 1962, he married Beverly Steppert at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. She preceded him in death on November 13, 2022.
George was the dedicated owner of Wisconsin Crane Service in Wausau....
Jody A. Soper
Aug 10, 2025
Jody Ann Soper (Bowman), 63, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away on August 10, 2025 surrounded by love.
Born on February 21, 1962, in Portland, Oregon, to Joan and John Bowman, Jody grew up in Northern California and carried a bold, loving spirit wherever life took her. She was a devoted mother, proud grandmother, and loyal friend.
Jody is survived by her daughter...
Norbert M. Belter
Aug 9, 2025
Norbert M. “Norb” Belter, 84, Athens passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 9, 2025 while under the compassionate care of St. Croix Hospice at Athenian Living, Athens.
He was born August 25, 1940, in Poniatowski, son of the late John and Mary (Schaetzl) Belter.
For many years Norb was a dairy farmer in the town of Rietbrock. Some of his favorite pastimes...
Gerald "Gary" E. Wagner
Aug 7, 2025
Gerald “Gary” Wagner, 84, of Rib Mountain, passed away peacefully at his apartment early in the morning on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
Gary is survived by his fiancée, Pat Rusch; children: Randy & Mary Lou Wagner, Rich & Sharon Wagner, and Renee & Todd Every; grandchildren: JamieLee Wagner-Suh, Cole Wagner, and Valerie and Gabrielle Every; step-grandkids: Jordan and Kalyana Boyea; great-grandchildren:...
Timothy J. Lownik
Aug 7, 2025
It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Timothy James Lownik on August 7, 2025, surrounded by family and his best friend.
He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
Tim was born December 15, 1985, in Milwaukee and spent his childhood in New Berlin, graduating from New Berlin West High School. Along with other honors he...
Donald "Don" D. Kempf
Aug 6, 2025
Donald “Don” D. Kempf, 88, passed peacefully in his sleep at home on August 6, 2025.
He was born in Wausau on August 30, 1936, to the late Walter and Clara (Wadzinski) Kempf. On October 10, 1958, he married Joan M. Schopper; she preceded him in death on April 26, 2022.
Don was a determined, quick-witted, self-made man who throughout his life,...
Robert Thomas Koltz
Aug 6, 2025
Robert “Bob” Thomas Koltz, age 68, of Wausau, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
Bob was born April 29, 1957 in Wausau. He was the eldest son of Robert J. and Phyllis Koltz. In Bob’s early years, there were many happy memories made camping with the family and neighbors up north. As Bob got older, he was able to join...
Marie R. Kania
Aug 3, 2025
Marie Rose (Glatzak) Kania “Recca,” 76, of Wausau, passed away at home peacefully, Saturday night, August 2, 2025, surrounded by family.
Marie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She worked as a crossing guard for about seven years before becoming manager at McDonald’s, where she worked for 16 years. Marie loved spending time with her grandchildren, who always made her...
Helen Jean Thomae
Aug 1, 2025
Helen Jean Thomae, 92, Rib Mountain, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 1, 2025, under Interim Hospice Care surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on December 24, 1932, in Neva, Wisconsin and graduated from Antigo High School. Daughter of Lillian (Pacer) and Frank Schwartz. Helen married the love of her life, Thomas G. Thomae, on February 19, 1955.
Survivors include...
James Dean Ninnemann
Aug 1, 2025
James Dean Ninnemann, Wausau 71 passed away unexpectedly August 1, 2025. Jim was born May 2, 1954 to the late Lawrence and Delores (Zahrt) Ninnemann.
Jim married the love of his life, Kelly on June 27, 2009. They were married 16 years and blended two wonderful families and created beautiful memories together.
Jim was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather who...
