Anthony M. Nelson
In loving memory of Anthony Michael Nelson, who passed away peacefully on April 12, 2024, at his home in Wausau. Born on June 15, 1946, in Antigo, Anthony led a rich and fulfilling life, leaving behind cherished memories for those who knew him.
Anthony dedicated his career to public education, initially teaching at the middle school in Marion, Wisconsin, where he also coached basketball and cross country. Through his time coaching, he discovered a natural gift for imparting lessons of teamwork and perseverance to his student athletes. Through everything he did, his devotedness to his students shone through. Anthony earned his master’s degree in school psychology from UW Stout, and worked for more than 30 years for the Wausau School District as a school psychologist. He found joy in activities like tennis and karate, earning a brown belt. Anthony’s love for cats, interior design, and staying informed about current events were indicative of his diverse interests and gentle spirit.
Above all, Anthony valued connections, leaving a lasting impression with his kindness and sense of humor. He adored his family and is survived by his wife Joyce; daughters Michael-Leah (Ross) Reich and Johanna Nelson; grandchildren Emersyn, Carson, and Chase Reich; Johanna’s parrots and Anthony’s “grand-birds” Novak, Victoria, Willa, and Skye; siblings Mary Keen, Lorraine Callahan, and Kenneth (Sue) Nelson Jr.; in-laws Barbara (George) Cedarburg, Beverly (Ted) Kotulski, Joseph (Harriet) Losser; Sandra (Bengt) Larsson; Tony Malina; and Dawn (Jack) Biggio. He is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Bertha Nelson; brother-in-law Gary Keen, and sister-in-law Dianne Malina.
A celebration of Anthony’s life will take place on April 18 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Wausau, 611 Stark Street. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until time of service at 10:30 a.m. followed by interment at Maple Grove Cemetery. A luncheon will be served at St. Michael Catholic Church after burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Marathon County Literacy Council or Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice are appreciated. The family wishes to thank the staff at Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice, especially Carla, RN; and Danielle, CNA; as well as Pastor Yauo Yang and Missy Whalen of The Cross Church.
Anthony’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, and we find solace in the fond memories he leaves behind. May his journey onward be as peaceful and profound as the impact he left on our lives.
Sylvia N. Erickson
Sylvia Nedra Erickson passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Rennes Hospice in Weston. Sylvia was born May 19, 1941, the daughter of Floyd Stevens and Marion (Messner) Jordan and grew up in Tomahawk.
She married Joseph E. Erickson on December 18, 1958, in Tomahawk and they began their married life in Norfolk, VA, as Joe was serving in the US Navy. The Navy life led them to various cities in California. When Joe retired from the Navy in 1975, they returned to their hometown in Tomahawk before eventually moving to the Wausau area. Sylvia worked for 20 years at Kolbe & Kolbe before retiring in 2007.
A talented seamstress, Sylvia made many treasured items for family and friends. Her expertise extended to alterations and clothing repairs for the public. Sylvia gave back to her community in so many ways. She volunteered at nursing homes where she called bingo, and her beloved dogs would visit the elderly. Her and her dogs also visited area elementary schools where they read to the children. Sylvia sewed thousands of little sleeping bags with stuffed animals in them to comfort the children at Aspirus Hospital. Sylvia logged hundreds of volunteer hours visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, with her therapy dogs, Sadie, Smokey and Charlie.
Sylvia enjoyed her weekly gathering of card playing with friends, crocheting and any chance she had to visit her family in Missouri. Sylvia made friends and fun everywhere she went, and she will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph Erickson; daughter, Cindy (Randy Furger) Steinke; sons, Nick (Kelly) Erickson Sr., and Joseph J. Erickson; grandchildren, Nick Erickson Jr (fiancee NicholeSullivan), Sara Erickson, Jen (Matt) Folz, Samantha (Rick) Dedeyne, and Gary Steinke; great grandchildren, Brynn Krueger, and Emma Folz; sister, Vanessa (Teddy) Ruble; and brother, Walter (Crystal) Kutsche.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Audrey Charboneau; brothers, Jim Stevens, Eugene Lundgren, Edward Lundgren; and her beloved dogs.
A celebration of Sylvia’s life will take place on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm, at Helke Funeral Home in Wausau. Memorials will be directed to Joseph E. Erickson.
Patricia J. Schoonover
Patricia “Pat” Joan Schoonover, 86, left this earth for her heavenly home on Friday, January 19, 2024. She passed away peacefully at her home in Weston.
She was born on October 2nd, 1937, to the late Walter and Margaret (Dault) Schoonover, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At age 5, her family moved to Schofield.
Pat attended St. Mary’s School; Wausau followed by Lower Kelly School. She attended Wausau High School for two years until D.C. Everest opened. In 1955, she was part of the second graduating class of D.C. Everest High School.
Upon graduating from high school, Pat started working at the Wausau Public Library. After six years at the library, she accepted the librarian position at Newman Catholic High School where she worked for three years. She then decided to return to the merged Wausau Public Library and Marathon County Public Library. She retired from there after 44 years of service.
Family was incredibly important to Pat and she was very special to them. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Laverne Schoonover, Menominee Falls, WI, and brother-in-law Darrell Will Sr. of Ringle, WI. Anyone who knew Pat knew she was very proud of her wonderful and talented nieces and nephews. She was honored to be called Aunt Pat. It did not matter if you married into the family; they were ALL hers and she was their special, loving, giving aunt. They are Cindy (Bill) Goldman, Alan (Linda) Schoonover, Laurie (Pat) Pomeroy, Kathy Augustine, Mary Jo (Joe) Dejanovich, and Diana (Greg) Stroik. She has many great-nieces and nephews and great-grandnieces and nephews who also loved her dearly and will miss her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and hero Walter (Wally) Schoonover, sister and best friend Rae Ann Will, and nephews Darrell Jr. and Douglas Will.
Pat was an active member of St. Agnes Catholic Church where she worked luncheons, was a greeter, a CCD teacher, and started their church library.
One of Pat’s proudest accomplishments was starting a library for the Menominee tribe in 1965. She was also a member of St. James Fraternity – Secular Franciscans Order holding many positions. Pat enjoyed reading and watching old movies.
The family is forever grateful to Jerry O’Keefe for being a large part of Pat’s support system as her live in caregiver and friend for many years.
The Secular Franciscans have arranged a mass for Pat on January 31st at the Church of the Resurrection in Wausau at 12:10 pm.
A memorial mass will be held on April 26th at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Weston.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon County Public Library.
Elmer J. Dehnel
Elmer J. Dehnel, 84, Wausau, died Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born June 16, 1939 in Wausau, son of the late Arthur and Elizabeth (Buhr) Dehnel.
For 30 years, Elmer worked as a machinist at JARP industries. He was an avid Brewers fan, enjoyed fishing and trips to the casino. He was an active member of St. Therese Catholic Church, for many years he unlocked and locked the church daily and volunteered his time for many events and anything else they needed help with.
Survivors include his brothers, Ray (Judy) Dehnel, Wausau and Larry Dehnel, Morristown, Tennessee; nephews, Jeff Dehnel, Elcho, Charlie (Linn) Dehnel, and Mark (Lynn) Dehnel, Suamico; nieces, Brenda (Darryld) Borchardt, Tomahawk and Lisa Goldade, Morristown, Tennessee.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Fred Dehnel.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild. Rev. Joseph Albert will preside. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Visitation will be Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service all at St. Therese Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Adeline E. Lang
Adeline E. (Wieloch) Lang, 91, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Copperleaf of Marathon, under the care of Heartland Hospice.
She was born on May 13, 1932 in the town of Cassel to Joseph and Marie (Szymanski) Wieloch. She married Henry Lang Jr at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in the town of Cassel on June 24, 1953. They were married for 63 years before Henry’s death on February 24, 2017.
Together they bought the Lang and Wieloch family farms. Working side by side farming and growing Ginseng until their retirement. They enjoyed traveling, with trips to Laughlin, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. Adeline’s most memorable trip was to Hawaii. They had a cottage on Ballard Lake where many family memories were made. In 2015 they were honored to have their grandson’s wedding held on their farm.
Adeline loved gardening, flowers, baking, watching birds, and Christmas. She would spend countless hours in her vegetable and flower gardens. Her gardens were always bigger than needed. Flower pots were anywhere she could put them. She would always find a spot if family or a friend gave her a flower that she didn’t have. She enjoyed feeding and watching birds (and chasing away the squirrels from her feeders). Her great-grandchildren now enjoy her old bird books as they watch the birds. They all know Nana’s favorite bird is the Cardinal. Christmas was her favorite holiday. She would spend weeks decorating, making candy, and baking all sorts of cookies. She made cutout cookies by the dozens for her grandchildren to decorate.
She so enjoyed her job at Memories Ballroom where many laughs were had, more fun than a job. Also her card group that played on Tuesdays. They would meet for lunch and then go to one of their houses for an afternoon of cards. But most of all Adeline loved her family. She loved being grandma and great-grandma, and the precious time she got to spend with them.
Survivors include her children, Cary Lang of Hortonville, Debra (Matt) Schleinz of Wausau, and Judy (Brian) Carr of Marathon; grandchildren, Kyle (Trisha) Carr, Kody Carr (special friend, Whitney), Garrett (Kellie) Carr, and Michaela Schleinz; great-grandchildren, Caison, Asher and Evaliese Carr, Quinlyn Carr, and Adalyn, Mark, and Madison Carr; one sister, Mary Ann (Walter) Toboyek; three brothers, Marcell (Janice) Wieloch, Martin (LaVonne) Wieloch, and Dennis (Karen) Wieloch; brother-in-law, Earl Hoffman; sister-in-law, Mary Wieloch; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry; sisters, Sylvia (Joe) Krautkramer, Eleanor (Joel) Tucek, Ethel Hoffman, and Alexia (Ronald) Osterbrink; and brother, Dallis Wieloch.
A funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon, with Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier presiding. Visitation will begin on Wednesday, April 17 at 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, and continue on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Rosary prayers will be at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
The family would like to thank the staff at Copperleaf for their love, support, and exceptional care of mom. You were more than her caregivers, you were family. Thank you to Heartland Hospice for their care and concern during her final months. Also thank you to Debbie Marzynski for the care of dad, and then mom before she moved to Copperleaf and her continued love and support.
Mom, Nana, we will miss you forever, but we know you are now with Dad, Papa. We love you.
Vernell M. Calmes
Vernell M. Calmes, 83, Edgar passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Marshfield Medical Center, Weston.
She was born on June 12, 1940 in Athens, daughter of the late Theodore and Ester (Hanke) Mader. On January 24, 1959 she married Robert G. Calmes at St. John Catholic Church, Wuertzburg. Vernell and Robert celebrated 60 years of marriage prior to his passing on May 18, 2019.
Vernell was an extremely spunky, loving, hard-working woman all of her life. She owned multiple businesses with her husband Bob while living in Marathon. She loved listening to our dad’s beautiful voice as he sang to her every day. Vernell was the ultimate hostess. Always hosting something. Holidays, birthdays, showers, weddings or just the daily meals for her large family and about 5-10 neighborhood kids at least.
After her own children had grown, her passion was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. If there was a baby to hold she had them!!
Vernell and her husband Bob enjoyed a nice retirement being able to travel all over exploring, visiting family and friends. And of course, hosting their big holiday events for their ever-growing family.
After Bob’s passing, Vernell moved to Edgar to be closer to family and friends. She enjoyed spending time with her all of her friends, old and new. Sharing and going out for meals, attending mass at St John’s Edgar, having coffee and pastries at Starks and welcoming new great and great great grandchildren.
Survivors include her loving children, Mari (Bruce) Hostrawser, Renae (David) Burk, Shari (John Gasperetti Jr.) Calmes Rolain, Rhonda (James) Hanneman, Robert (Randy Greene) Calmes Jr., Bryant (Kathy) Calmes, Audra (fiancé Mike Pliskie) Calmes and Gina (fiancé Brad Nagel) McKeough. Vernell has 20 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren 1 great great grandchild as well as many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Jerome, Jim, Teddy, Vernon, Melvin and Eugene Mader.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2024 at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. The Rev. Alan Wierzba will preside. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Our hearts are broken, Till we met again our Beautiful Mother……
Piper D. Dillon
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, Piper Dayshia Dillon.
Piper Dayshia Dillon, 21, of Marathon City, Wisconsin passed away on Sunday, April 7th2024 with her mother by her side.
She was born on April 29th, 2002 in Eugene, Oregon the beloved daughter of Kelly Dillon, of Placida, Florida and Tisha Sleiter of Marathon City, Wisconsin.
Piper was known to be a little gal of few words, but spoke loudly with her tenacious personality, her contagious giggles, her larger-than-life smile, and her ability to cast a glare that shot laser beams at people when she did not get what she wanted.
She was a lover of Disney and shared her passion for watching “Finding Nemo” often several times a day with her family and caregivers. We had always found it ironic that her favorite movie was about a fish with a disability, a parent who was overprotective and a friend who has issues with her short-term memory (way too many correlations there).
Piper loved to go on car rides into town to “BIGGBY” for her daily coffee fix, well it was actually Chai-Tea (but let’s just keep that between us). She had a deep love for her family, snuggling, and snacks.. yes any kind of snacks!
To know her was but to love her…She touched the lives of so many; our beloved shining smiley happy girl, your giggles and thunderous clapping leave us smiling through our tears with heavy hearts.
Piper leaves behind her mother Tisha and Step-Dad Nate, father Kelly, siblings: Odessa, Eowyn, Markus, Enoch, Lukus, Viola, and Syver.
Also surviving are her Great-Grandparents: James, Waunita, and Roberta. Grandparents: Belinda, James, Del, Michelle, Dale and Patricia. Aunties and Uncles: Mathew, Kendra, Mathew, Tanya, Nicole, Mike, Janet, John, Dawn Marie, Chad, Selina, Heide, and Camilie. Also including numerous cousins and second cousins.
She is predeceased in death by her brother Chandler, Great-Aunt Chris, Grandfather Ned, and Great-Grandfather Wayne.
A private funeral service will be held in Oregon at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the (EPILEPSY FOUNDATION)www.give.epilepsy.comor to (Autism Speaks)www.autismspeaks.org
“Have the courage to touch the butt” – Finding Nemo
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
David J. Bucknell
David J. Bucknell, 48, of Mosinee, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
David was born in Wausau on February 2, 1976. Shortly after his birth, he was adopted by his loving mother, Barbara Bucknell.
After completing high school, David joined the Wisconsin National Guard, where he became an instructor.
He was also employed for several years as a licensed cheesemaker at Mullens Cheese.
When David wasn’t spending time with his daughter, mother, and brother, he was doing his next favorite thing, riding a motorcycle, cooking and watching and attending Brewers baseball games. Also attending short track and NASCAR races.
David will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
David is survived by his daughter, Audrey; mother Barbara; and brother Bradley.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lloyd and Lorraine Bucknell.
Per David’s wishes, there will be no services. Family and friends may go to MWCS.WS to leave words of remembrance.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time.
Elizabeth Felden
Elizabeth Felden went home to be with our Lord on April 10, 2024, at the age of 99.
She was born to the late, Stephen and Elizabeth (Lehr) Muth, January 25th, 1925 in Milwaukee, WI. She died peacefully at her home, The Lodge at Whispering Pines, Plover, Wi. with family at her side.
Betty always had a smile, loved meeting people and had a witty personality.
She will be deeply missed by her 5 children. Phyllis (George) Van
Beynen, Barbara Stahl, Cindy (Paul) Lorenz, Sandy Felden and Michael Felden. Her 7 grandchildren, Amy and (Kristopher)Scott, John and (Liisi)Van Beynen, Kendra and (Jeremy) Hannert, Courtney and (Bob)Thorson, Nicholas and (Nicole) Lorenz, Ryan Felden, Robbie (Jessica)Felden. Her 7 great grandchildren, Haakon, Anja, and Berit Van Beynen, Jacob, Danna and Noelle Thorson, Anika Hannert and Sahylynn Felden.
She was preceded in death by her late husband Philip, son in law Kenneth Stahl, her parents Stevens and Elizabeth Muth, sister Margie Gordon and brother Stephen Muth.
Betty graduated from Beauty School in 1945 and opened a Beauty Salon from 1946/1954, In 1955, Betty and Phill operated a bar in Elm Grove, Wi. In 1958, they moved to Steven’s Point, Wi and purchased the Northern Air beer bar on Patch Street, later remodeling it and renamed it Fill’s Bar. In 1983, Phil and Betty moved to Sun City, Az. She enjoyed Bingo, Ceramic Club, and Crafting Club and her Church. In 2011 she moved back to the Stevens Point area, to be with family.
A private Spiritual service will held April 17, 2024.
A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held, Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 2pm to 4pm, at Fill’s Bar, Patch Street, Steven’s Point, Wi.
If you knew Betty, please join the family for a toast to a beautiful mom, and friend.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Betty’s honor to; Activity Funds at the Lodge at Whispering pines, 3450 Bridlewood Dr, Plover, Wi. 54467. attention Amanda Christ.
A special thank you to the staff a The Lodge at Whispering Pines, because you cared mom had a place she called home.
Thank you to Saint Croix Hospice for your care and guidance.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS
Duane R. Goetsch
Duane R. Goetsch, 87, of Wausau, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. He was born on July 14, 1936, to the late Martin and Adeline Goetsch.
Duane was employed at Kolbe and Kolbe prior to joining Featherstone where he worked for over 15 years. His cabinet making skills were held in high regard.
He was an avid collector and had a particular passion for the Ford Model T and Jeffries trucks. At one time, he had a fully assembled Model T in his basem*nt.
Duane collected stamps and Wisconsin postal history. His stamp collection included examples from every country on this planet. His collection of cancelations had at least one from every Post Office in Wisconsin, even some no longer in existence.
His house was reminiscent of a well curated museum. Between the old tools and treadle sewing machines one would come across the Edison phonographs and records, many in original Edison Cylinder format. He had ample Depression Glass in all colors of the rainbow. He loved his old books; some dating back to the late 1700’s, old documents, sheet music, calendars, technical manuals and anything to do with old cars, coins and stamps.
He loved playing cards and metal detecting. Many cans hidden on already heavily laden shelves were filled with unearthed treasures. Duane was a collector of artifacts. One of his prize collections was a shadow box housing his display of copper spear and arrow tips from an ancient Indigenous culture in the Great Lakes region.
He was a quiet man that did not want to be a bother. When his knees became weak and unpredictable, he would still mow his lawn; one hand on the mower and the other on his walker. But he would always graciously accept a pan of homemade brownies.
Duane is survived by his son, Gregory Goetsch; close friends, Linda Parmely and Allie Schmutzer; and his family at Sylvan Crossing.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father; his wife, Myrna (Beilke) Goetsch; and three sill born children.
A burial will take place at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Merrill, with military honors to take place at the graveside. A reflection of Duan’s life will be held at Sylvan Crossing in Wausau, following the burial.
