George M. Garske

George M. Garske 84, Marathon, died Sunday, April 9, 2006 at his home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. He was born May 26, 1921 in Wausau, son of the late George and Anna (Karlen) Garske. On October 16, 1943, he married Marian Rebernick at St. Mary Catholic Church, Wausau. She survives. During World War II, George served in the United States Navy in the South Pacific.. He was employed at Erickson Oil Company and was proud of being a mink rancher, receiving many awards for the mink he raised. Prior to his retirement, he drove truck for H. Phillips Company. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, George Schreier Council #1069, Wausau Veterans of Foreign Wars Burns Post #388 and American Legion, Montgomery Plant Post #10, Wausau. Among his many interests, he enjoyed bowling, but golf was his true passion and he was an excellent card player. George dearly loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Survivors include, his wife, Marian, Marathon; two children, Susan (Lynn) Nowak, Mequon and Thomas (Virginia) Garske, Walpole, Mass.; four grandchildren, Brian (Margaret) Nowak, Rockford, Ill., Bonnie (Eric) Bachenheimer, Chicago, Ill., Jason (Amy) Nowak, New Berlin and Stefanie Garske, Walpole, Mass.; six great grandchildren, Lauren, David, Sara, Benjamin, Riley and Maxwell "George"; and one sister, Anna Marie Kleinheinz, Santa Anna, Cal. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, James Garske; and three sisters, Mildred Gahnz, Elizabeth Senoraske and Joyce Garske. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Noon Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Entombment will be in Holy Angels Mausoleum in St. Michael Cemetery, Wausau. Friends may call Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue is in charge of arrangements. Special thanks to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their compassionate care and support. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com