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.
Eric Jesse Jr.
Jun 10, 2020
Eric Jesse Jr of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening June 10, 2020 at North Central Health Care at the age of 92. Eric was born on November 19, 1927 in Wausau to parents Eric Sr and Elizabeth “Liz” Jesse. Eric graduated from Wausau East High School in 1945. Following high school, he dedicated himself to his...
Deanna Karen Zernicke
Jun 9, 2020
DeAnna Karen Zernicke, 79, of Wausau, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home Tuesday, June 9, 2020 after a short battle with pancreas cancer.
She was born May 11, 1941 in Wausau, daughter of the late Elroy and Mildred (Hardell) Pagel. DeAnna married LeRoy Zernicke on December 3, 1960 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Town of...
James "Jim" Albright
Jun 8, 2020
James “Jim” Albright, 73, Weston, died Monday, June 8, 2020 at his home.
He was born July 24, 1946 in Wausau, son of the late Leo and Helen (Plautz) Albright. On July 23, 1988, he married Geraldine “Geri” (Stemm) Hobbs in Merrill. She preceded him in death on February 8, 2020.
Jim was a veteran...
Ika J. Volm
Jun 8, 2020
Ika Jean Volm, 48, of Weston passed away peacefully Monday June 8, 2020 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Born June 21, 1971 in Wausau, to the late Robert and Mary (Meyers) Volm. She graduated from Marathon High School in 1989. Ika worked at the Marshfield Clinic, Kmart and tended bar throughout her lifetime.
Ika was born...
Kenneth E. Ahrens
Jun 3, 2020
Kenneth E. Ahrens, 73, Marathon, was called to eternal rest Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at Aspirus Hospice House surrounded by his loving family.
Ken was born June 21, 1946 in Wausau, to Virginia (Assells) Ahrens, Wausau, and the late Edwin Ahrens. On June 3, 1978, he married Betty Knauf at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon.
...
George Michael Drefcinski
Jun 2, 2020
George M. Drefcinski, 80, Rib Mountain, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at home, after a long battle with cancer.
He was born October 10, 1939 in Stevens Point, son of the late Joseph and Florence (Goetz) Drefcinski. After graduating from NCTC with an Associate Degree in Business Management, he moved to Milwaukee. George worked...
Loraine (Schmitt) Groshek
Jun 2, 2020
We lost a remarkable woman on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 when Loraine Groshek, 96, of Wausau passed away. Loraine was born in Wausau, on March 8, 1924 to Ernest and Susie Schmitt. She married Adolph Groshek on March 27, 1941 in Waucon, Iowa.
While her husband Adolph proudly served his country from 1943 until 1946, during World...
Jean Trudell
May 29, 2020
Jean (Jansen) Trudell, 62, Athens, died Friday May 29, 2020 at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston.
She was born May 16, 1958, in Wausau, daughter of the late Alvin and Grace (Osterbrink) Jansen. On April 15, 1989, she married Andrew Trudell at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon.
Jean was employed at Wausau Paper Mill, Brokaw...
Rev. Robert A. Streveler
May 29, 2020
Father Robert (Bob) Alois Streveler
1943 – 2020
Father Robert (Bob) Alois Streveler, 77, Marathon passed away unexpectedly Friday May 29, 2020. He was born March 20, 1943 in Wausau, son of the late Michael and Anna (Osterbrink) Streveler.
Father Bob attended grade school at St. Robert’s School in Halder and later attended...
Florence E. (Woellner) Punke
May 27, 2020
Florence E. Punke, 82, died Wednesday, May 27, 2020 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Mountain Terrace, Wausau.
She was born August 18, 1937 in Wausau, daughter of the late William and Catherine (Riehle) Woellner. On June 16, 1956 she married Donald Punke at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. He preceded her in...
Gerald E. Madden
May 27, 2020
Gerald E. Madden, 87, died Wednesday, May 27, 2020 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at his home.
He was born November 2, 1932 in Wausau, son of the late John and Sophie (Londo) Madden. On April 11, 1959 he married Joan Taylor in Wausau.
Gerald served his country in the...
Sherry L. (Thurs) Gayken
May 26, 2020
Sherry L. Gayken, 70, Weston, formerly of Edgar, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born April 25, 1950 in the town of Hamburg, daughter of the late Walter and Hilma (Hardt) Thurs. On May 22, 1971, she married Keith Gayken in Athens. He survives.
For more than 41 years,...
Patrick D. Plant
May 24, 2020
Patrick “Pat” D. Plant, 70, Wausau, died Sunday, May 24, 2020 at his home.
He was born February 26, 1950 in Wausau, the son of Donald and Genevieve (Hughes) Plant. Pat married Jan (Busko) Peck and later, they divorced.
Pat was a graduate of Marathon High School. He furthered his education at the Brown Institute...
Adella M. Schmitz
May 24, 2020
Adella M. Schmitz, 91, died Sunday, May 24, 2020 at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau.
She was born January 3, 1929 in Unity, daughter of the late Leonard and Hazel (Tibbits) Hebert. On May 21, 1955 she married Edward Schmitz in Wausau. He preceded her in death on September 4, 1994.
Adella was the 3rd of...
Russell C. Lakey
May 23, 2020
Russell C. Lakey, 92, Weston, passed away on Saturday, May 23rd. 2020 at Rennes Nursing Home in Weston. He was born on March 14. 1928 in Smithfield, R.I., son of the late Lucy (Gardner) and Charles I Lakey.
Russell spent a year in the Navy following WW II, after which he attended Rhode Island School of Design...
Dorothy D. (Weiler) Schug
May 19, 2020
Dorothy Dora Schug, 105, formerly of Athens, put on her angel wings and returned to her heavenly Father in the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at Abbotsford Healthcare Center, Abbotsford, WI.
Dorothy was born July 19, 1914, in Bern Township, 9th child of the late Sebastian Sr. and Margaret (Gilles) Weiler. On September 6,...
Ernest F. Kuhary
May 19, 2020
Ernest F. Kuhary Jr., 83, Waukesha, formerly of Wausau, died Tuesday May 19, 2020 peacefully at his home after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. His loving wife of 62 years, Maryann (Yastic), was by his side.
Ernest was born August 4, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, son of the late Ernest Sr. and Theresa (Pomay) Kuhary. His...
Michael Matsick
May 19, 2020
Michael Matsick, 70, Wausau died Tuesday, May 19, 2020 after a short but courageous battle with his recent diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
He was born January 15, 1950 in Phillips, WI, son of the late Thomas and Ann (Machak) Matsick. On October 21, 1972 he married Kathleen Sullivan of Wausau. She survives.
Michael moved to...
Leonard "Len" Johnson
May 15, 2020
Leonard “Len” Johnson, 81, Wausau, died Friday May 15, 2020 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, after a brief illness.
He was born January 21, 1939 in St. Charles, Minn., son of the late Arthur and Elizabeth (Braun) Johnson. On August 24, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart Janet Kumerow at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. They were...
Loretta M. (Punke) Emmerich
May 14, 2020
Loretta M. Emmerich
Trusting in her Savior Jesus Christ for her salvation and eagerly anticipating the joy of heaven that awaited her, Loretta M. Emmerich, 138095 CTH L, Athens, Wisconsin, left this world with her family at her side on May 14th.
Loretta was born on November 24th, 1935, daughter of the late Rudolph and...
