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.
Kaye L. Schwalenberg
Sep 3, 2026
Kaye Lynn (Totzke) (Natzke) Schwalenberg was born August 30, 1957, to Albert and Agnes (Hartl) Totzke of Edgar, Wisconsin. I was baptized into God’s kingdom on September 15, 1957, and entered into His presence on September 3, 2026.
I am the fifth of six children, Carl, John, Aaron, Jane, myself, and Kristine. We lived on a farm in rural Edgar where...
Rosemary "Rosy" M. Schmitt
Sep 2, 2026
Rosemary “Rosy” M. Schmitt, 94, of Edgar, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Colonial Health Services in Colby, under the care of Northshore at Home Hospice.
She was born to the late Garnet and Grace (Haugen) Anderson on August 8, 1932, in Decorah, Iowa. While growing up Rosy lived on farms in Harmony, Minnesota and Cresco, Iowa. She graduated...
Allen "Al" Falkowski
Sep 1, 2026
Allen “Al” Lee Falkowski, 60, Town of Marathon passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026, as the result of a motorcycle accident.
Allen began his working career with Gavin in the Parts Department. It wasn't long before he discovered that he had a natural talent and genuine enjoyment for building and creating things with his hands. That passion led him to work...
Mary K. Best
Aug 29, 2026
Mary K. Best, 83, Mosinee passed away Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born November 19, 1942 in Beaconsfield, Iowa, daughter of the late Vernon and Vera (McConnell) Lantz. On November 16, 1963 she married James Best in Minneapolis, MN. He preceded her in death on January 7, 2022.
Mary was a proud homemaker and mother. Some of...
Robert "Bob" Edwin Peter
Aug 29, 2026
Robert "Bob" Edwin Peter, age 94, Athens, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Bob was born in Athens on February 16, 1932 to the late Michael and Mary (Schreiner) Peter. He attended St. Anthony’s Catholic grade school and Athens High school.
Bob married Marilyn Wanke on June 8, 1954. They were married for 70 years until...
Jennifer "Jenny" Lemmer
Aug 28, 2026
Jennifer C. Lemmer
Jenny, a beloved wife, friend, and cherished companion, passed away unexpectedly on August 28, 2026, leaving behind a hole in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She was born January 23, 1973 in Salina, Kansas, daughter of Michael and Judith (Schmidt) Brooks.
Jenny lived life with a love for adventure and the outdoors. She...
Barbara A. Pyan
Aug 28, 2026
Barbara A. Pyan, 88, passed away Friday, August 28, 2026 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born June 17, 1938, in Milwaukee, daughter of the late William and Regina (Kurszewski) Waraksa. On May 8, 1954, she married Duane Pyan at Holy Name Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on January 2, 2023.
Barbara enjoyed crafting and working on many creative projects,...
Theresa S. Berens
Aug 25, 2026
Theresa Susan (Murkowski) Berens, 97, Wausau, WI passed peacefully to her eternal home surrounded by her eight loving children on Tuesday August 25, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and unwavering love for her family.
Born on February 15,1929 in Poniatowski, WI, Theresa was the daughter of the late Peter and Anna (Nowicki) Murkowski and was the last...
Irma "Elaine" Drews
Aug 24, 2026
Irma “Elaine” Drews, 91, passed away Monday, August 24, 2026, under the care of Compassus Hospice at Care Partners, Weston.
She was born January 1, 1935, daughter of the late Adolph and Irma (Trittin) Beyer. On September 17, 1955, she married Arnold Drews at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Aniwa. He preceded her in death on March 24, 2013.
Elaine enjoyed sewing and...
Kenneth W. Artus
Aug 23, 2026
Kenneth "Kenny" Wallace Artus, 72, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Sunday August 23, 2026, with family by his side at Aspirus Hospice House.
He was born on November 5, 1953, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to the late Wallace and Elaine (Ziegel) Artus.
Kenny grew up on his family’s dairy farm in the Town of Stettin, where he learned the value of hard work...
Vung Meng Yang
Aug 22, 2026
Vung Meng Yang
August 22, 2026
Vung Meng Yang, known affectionately to family and friends as "Meng" or "Mraow," passed away on August 22, 2026, in Wausau, Wisconsin, at the age of 35.
Born in Wausau in 1991, Meng was the beloved youngest child of Abraham and La Yang. As the youngest of eight siblings, he brought endless warmth, quick wit, and an...
Mary C. Freese
Aug 22, 2026
It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Mary Freese on August 22, 2026. After being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in March, she fought with unwavering courage and grace, but ultimately lost her battle. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side.
Mom was born on April 7,...
Dorothy E. Radtke
Aug 20, 2026
Dorothy E. Radtke, 90, Town of Texas, passed away peacefully with her youngest son, Robert by her side on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Stone Crest in Wausau, under the care of St. Croix Hospice.
Dorothy was born on March 14, 1936, in Wausau, daughter of the late Martin and Emma (Weigant) Kapellen. She was married October 16, 1954 to Theodore...
Jeanne M. Karpinski
Aug 19, 2026
Jeanne Marie (Sherfinski) Karpinski, 86, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. She was born and raised in Wausau, WI and graduated from Wausau High School in 1958.
After graduation, Jeanne entered St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Wausau and was awarded her diploma in 1961 and became a registered nurse.
Jeanne and her husband, Eugene, grew up...
Carol J. Edelburg
Aug 18, 2026
Carol J. Edelburg, 91, Wausau, beloved wife and mother entered into the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at Mountain Terrace Senior Living with her husband Leonard by her side.
She was born July 8, 1935 in Wausau, daughter of the late George and Marie (Hafeman) Lewitzke. Carol was baptized, confirmed and married at Zion Lutheran Church in...
Larry Joe Cline
Aug 18, 2026
Larry J. Cline, 76, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at Rennes Health and Rehab in Weston, under the care of St. Croix Hospice.
He was born August 25, 1949 in Antigo, son of the late Vinard and Geraldine (Rickman) Cline. On October 26, 1974, he married Jeanne Rine at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church in Antigo. She survives.
Larry...
Brian G. Stieber
Aug 15, 2026
Brian Stieber, 67, of Marathon, passed away unexpectedly at his home on August 15, 2026, while battling bladder cancer.
He was born on August 20, 1958, to Jerome and Mary (Brunner) Stieber. He attended Marathon High School and was a proud UW-Madison alumnus, graduating with a degree in Pharmacy.
Brian was a dedicated community pharmacist for 43 years. He began his practice...
Jeanne M. Gutowski
Aug 13, 2026
Jeanne M. (Raduechel) Gutowski, 79, Wausau, passed away August 13, 2026, under the care of her sister, Elaine and Aspirus at Home Hospice at her home.
She was born October 3, 1946, in Wausau, daughter of the late Lawrence and Valeria (Zastrow) Raduechel. On November 12, 1966, she married Peter Gutowski at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. He preceded her in...
Dr. Alfred S. Beulig Jr
Aug 13, 2026
Dr. Alfred Beulig Junior, 85, passed away peacefully at Aspirus Hospice House in Wausau, Wisconsin. His battle with ALS ended on August 13, 2026. Alfred was born in Berlin, Germany, on August 1, 1941.
Alfred was a Renaissance man with many accomplishments and passions. He received his PhD from New York University and became a professor of biology at New College...
