Gwen Albrecht

Gwen Albrecht, 62, Wausau, passed away on February 14, 2021 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by her family after a two year battle with cancer.

Gwen was born on January 21, 1959 in southeastern Wisconsin to Donald and Adeline (Vesely) Marthaler.  The Marthaler family moved to Saukville, WI and then to Tennessee during her childhood, before landing in Brokaw, WI when Gwen was in middle school. She was an exceptional student who was a member of the National Honors Society when she graduated from Wausau East High School in 1977. She went to the UW Extension for two years and then to UW-Madison to complete her Bachelors of Science degree in Plant Pathology, graduating in 1981. 

In 1983 Gwen landed a retail sales position at JCPenney in downtown Wausau then helped open the JCPenney store in the Wausau Center Mall later that year.  Gwen continued to work at JCPenney for the next 31 years until the store closed in 2014. During that time, Gwen held many positions including catalog manager and customer service supervisor.  At JCPenney, she made many friends and through one friend met her husband, Dale Albrecht.  After a brief engagement, Dale and Gwen married in 1991 and would have celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this May. Upon the closing of the JCPenney store in Wausau, Gwen found her niche working for West Corporation where she used her people skills to continue to meet customer needs. In the short time that she was there she was frequently praised for her excellent communication skills.  Upon learning of her passing, her supervisor stated that Gwen “made them all better people.”

Gwen set an example for all of us - to be better friends, colleagues, spouses, mothers, and family members. We were all truly blessed to have her in our lives - from the fresh homemade pies and cookies to having someone that listened no matter what the topic. Gwen always had something to say, but felt strongly that everyone was entitled to their own opinion, and did not think less of them if their opinion differed from hers.

She loved many things: road trips with Dale, her large extended family, hosting small events, reading, writing, and painting. Some of us were blessed with her original artwork and will treasure it always. Gwen was always the best at finding a bargain, quick with a pun for any occasion, and truly wanted everyone to reach their full potential. But the thing she valued the most was time spent with family and friends.

Survivors include: husband, Dale Albrecht, Wausau, sister, Christine (Steve Schreiber)  Marthaler, Wausau, brother, Robert Marthaler, Madison, sister-in-laws Barbara Marthaler, Gleason, and Karen Richards, Milwaukee, and nieces Aja Chirpke, Stephanie (Travis) Augustine, Amie Lee, and Chelsea Richards.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Adeline (Vesely) Marthaler, and two brothers, Russell and Scott Marthaler.

A celebration of life will be held in Gwen’s honor in the summer of 2021.