Emil "Bud" C. Machel Jr.

Emil Charles Machel, Jr., 96, passed away Monday, May 1, 2023 at Mountain Terrace Senior Living Facility in Wausau.  Emil was born May 10, 1926 and lived in the Wausau area his entire life.  He was the son of Martha (Kurth) and Emil R. Machel, Sr. who preceded him in death.

Emil grew up and worked on the 120-acre family farm in the Town of Stettin with the rest of his siblings. He received his education at the Spooner School in the Town of Stettin, which is now the Little Red School House in Marathon Park.  At the age of 18, Emil enlisted and served in the Army during World War II.  He was stationed in the Philippines and served as a medic and chaplain at the 20th Station Hospital, Manila, Philippines.  Emil was a proud veteran who loved his country and had deep faith in God.

After coming home from the war, Emil met and married Avila M. Hollinger.  They were married for 23 years before she passed away in October 1993 after a short battle with cancer.  They had one son, Charles Machel, who survives.

During his lifetime, Emil worked at American Can, Wausau Homes, and Georgia Pacific where he enjoyed woodworking, making cabinets, and carpentry work.  After his retirement, he worked part-time at Wick Builders in Wausau.  It was during his retirement that Emil met Betty Jane Plaza and married her in June 1994.  Emil and Betty enjoyed 24 years of marriage during their retirement.  They enjoyed time with family and friends, polka dancing, traveling, and enjoying each other’s companionship.  Emil had a special talent for playing the harmonica, mouth organ as he called it.  He enjoyed and entertained many throughout the years by playing tunes on his many harmonicas.  Betty passed away in November 2018, after several years of loving care provided by Emil.

Emil is survived by son, Charles (Darlene) Machel; three granddaughters; and four great-grandchildren.  They include: Robin (Jason) Cordovez and children Addison and Leo; Heather Street and children, Autumn and Richie; and Michele (Michael) Rocke; and youngest sister, Delores Bliese.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen (LeRoy) Graveen and Erna (Sheldon) Frey; brother, Herbert (Lucille) Zastrow; and brother-in-law, Raymond Bliese.

Funeral services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 709 6th Street, Wausau, on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Steven Gjerde officiating.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.  Interment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park.  Full military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Montgomery-Plant-Dudley Post #10.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

The family would like to extend a very special thanks to the staff at Mountain Terrace Senior Living, the Veteran’s Home Based Primary Care Team of Wausau, the Inclusa Team of Marathon County, and Aspirus Comfort and Care Hospice Services for the wonderful care, kindness, and compassion provided to Emil and his family.  He enjoyed you all.

All memorial donations will be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau.