Wausau area obituaries September 18, 2024

Ervin H. Birr

Ervin Birr, age 86, passed away on September 14, 2024.

Ervin was born in Wausau, WI to Julius Birr and Elizabeth Birr. Ervin married JoAnn Birr of Wausau, Wisconsin on June 6, 1959 at Trinity Lutheran Churchin Wausau, WI.

He was preceded in death by Julius Birr (Father), Elizabeth Birr (Mother).Laurie (Daughter), Gordon and Melvin (Brothers).

He is survived by his wife of 65 years JoAnn Birr, Jeff (Wendy) Birr (Son) of Wausau, Donald (Gwen) Birr (Brother) in California.and nieces and nephew.

Ervin worked at A&P Tea Co. and Drott Mfg. (later known as JI Case and now Case IH). Ervin enjoyed fishing, Bocci ball and Shuffleboard. He made crafts; belt buckles, jewelry and centerpieces for special occasions.Ervin and JoAnn spent time in Florida as Snowbirds for many years. They also enjoyed camping up North in their 5TH wheel camper.

Public Viewing will be held Monday, 23rd of September, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Services for Ervin Birr will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor James Mayland officiating. Entombment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park at 2:30 PM in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Please direct memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church or School on Stewart Ave. in Wausau, WI.

Gary L. Maas

Gary L. Maas, age 81, of Wausau died on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Copperleaf Assisted Living.

Gary was born on June 21, 1943 in Wausau to the late Arnold and Irene (Borth) Maas. Gary discovered his love for music when he learned how to play the accordion at the young age of 6 years old. That love of music carried him to UW Madison, where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degree in music and then onto UNC Chapel Hill where he obtained his doctorate. He went on to become a professor of music at the University of California Fullerton and was able to touch many lives through the gift of music.

Private family services will be held.

Ruth E. Bartelt

Ruth Ellen Bartelt, passed away on September 1, 2024, at Copperleaf Memory Care of Schofield, Wisconsin, at the age of 91. She was born on May 27, 1933, in New Jersey.

Ruth was deeply devoted to her spiritual family in the Congregation and lived a life full of love and compassion side by side with her husband, Lester.

In the early 1960s, Lester and Ruth made the significant move from Milwaukee to Wausau, where Lester made himself available to serve as the Presiding Overseer for the Wausau Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Ruth was a full-time minister, known as a Pioneer, in the 1960’s with many Bible Studies. She shared the Good News in the door-to-door ministry with many in the community of Wausau, including being one of the first in giving witness to the Hmong community. She saw many of her students get baptized. Both her and Lester chose a simple life, devoting much of their time to serving God.

Ruth worked as a secretary but primarily her true love was being a student of the Bible.

She was married for 69 years to her beloved husband, Lester Allen Bartelt, who preceded her in death on April 12, 2024. Their enduring love and commitment were a testament to their remarkable bond. They were always by each other’s side, jokingly introducing themselves as “Ruth and Les-together we are Ruthless!” Rarely would you see them separated from each other.

Ruth is survived by her brother, Dan Wiebe, who will greatly miss his sister’s warmth and kindness. She also leaves behind a host of friends whose lives were touched by her generous spirit and vibrant personality.

Ruth’s presence will be profoundly missed, but her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her. We look forward to seeing her again when she is resurrected John 5:28-29.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 226350 Hummingbird Road, Rib Mountain, Wisconsin. Visitation will be at 2:00 pm and a Memorial Talk at 3:00 pm.

We would like to thank Shannon and the entire staff at Copperleaf Memory Care; Jenny at Lakeland Care; and Interim Health Care for all the support and compassion they have provided.

Brainard Funeral Home’s Wausau Chapel is assisting our family.

Reginald G. Konkol

Reginald G. “Reg” Konkol, 80 died on Sunday, September 15, 2024 after medical complications due to his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s two years earlier.

He was born on November 5, 1943 in Milwaukee to Clarence and Lorraine (Langteau) Konkol. He attended DC Everest High School in the late 1950’s. He gained experience in the tile trade which led to starting his own company, Konkol Tile, Inc., in the early 1980’s. He then retired and closed his business after about 20 years. Reg also served on St. Florian’s Church Council when Fr. Abraham was the priest.

He married Lois (Boehm) on September 25, 1993. They have two daughters: Jordan (Tom) Schumacher, Wausau and Shannon Konkol (Grant Friedman) Lincoln, Nebraska.

He was a very social person and enjoyed being around close friends and family. Playing sheepshead was something he enjoyed at family gatherings, holidays and at the family card club with his wife’s family. Years of pool parties were shared by many; he was the host of hosts preparing the hamburgers and brats at the grill! His quick comebacks will be missed by anyone who knew him. He loved going salmon fishing when he lived in California. His love of fishing led to several trips to Canada and Minnesota with his daughter, Shannon, and his sister’s family. He also was involved with his daughter, Jordan, by helping with building of sets for plays she was in. Many family vacations took place while his children were growing up. He and his wife also went on several trips including an Alaskan and Mediterranean cruises and going to the country of Panama.

Another true pleasure was his involvement with Helping Hands which consisted of several humanitarian trips to Jamaica and Africa. He loved the tiling projects and saw the reward in helping. This was something he really missed doing when he knew he no longer was able to participate on the trips or help.

In addition to his wife and two daughters, he is survived by his siblings Roger (Gloria) Konkol, Lumberton, North Carolina, Ed (Sharon) Wilke, Wausau, sister-in-law Sharon Konkol, Weston, Deanna (Jim) Godin, Eland, and Mel (Gail) Konkol, Kronenwetter. He is also survived by his in laws; Glen (Kathy) Boehm, Mosinee, Jean (Gregg) Laffin, Ixonia, and Mark Boehm, Wausau. A special place in his heart is held by Tammy (Jim) Hemmen and their children, Aly (Jack) Norris and Cassy Hemmen (Jessie Thomas) all in Georgia.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife’s parents, Mark and Joan (Hornung) Boehm, his two brothers, Rich and Dennis, two sisters-in law, Diane Konkol, Kathy Martin and a brother-in-law, David Martin.

Reg was a very loving husband, father, brother, and friend. This disease took away the chance for him to become the amazing grandpa we know he would have been.

Thank you to his dear friends and family who were extra supportive during times when needed most: Henry Blarek, Jim and Luanne Konkol, and Jim Platta.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024 at St. Florian Catholic Church, Hatley. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service which will also be at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be directed to Helping Hands in his name.

A sincere thank you to the physicians and associates at Marshfield Clinic, Compassus in Home Health Care and Hospice. A special thank you is extended to the nursing staff at Marshfield Clinic Hospital who were compassionate and supportive.

David F. Kleman

David F. Kleman, 87, of Ringle died Sunday, September 8, 2024, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Pride TLC, Weston.

He was born February 23, 1937, in the Town of Reid, son of the late Frank and Helen (Rutkowski) Kleman. On October 26, 1962, he married Merna Sickler at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, and she preceded him in death on April 19, 2017.

Dave grew up on the family farm in the Town of Reid. On the farm and through several early jobs, he learned a variety of skills that made him a jack of all trades including logging, woodworking, roofing, and even rebuilding a 1948 Ford tractor. He used these skills in building two of his own homes. His expertise and problem-solving abilities also served him well in his long career in the window manufacturing industry which he retired from in 1999 after working 42 years. Dave loved the outdoors and spent as much time as possible there. He loved fishing and hunting which also led him to travel out West and to Canada with family and friends. Although he loved nature, his true love was Merna, his wife of over 54 years. His reunion with her will be a joyous one. Dave always put family first, so “Papa Dave” will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his children, Randy (Holly) Kleman, Seymour, Indiana and Rick (JoAnn) Kleman, Kronenwetter; grandchildren, Austin Kleman SJ, Nicole (Daniel Ennis) Kleman, Ian Kleman, Noah Kleman, Emily (Connor) Walts and Ryan Kleman; and great-grandson, Elijah Walts.

Besides his parents and wife, Merna, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Michael.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024, at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, Schofield. Rev. Jeffrey Mahnke will officiate. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service all at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, Schofield.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

Stephen J. Paul III

Stephen J. Paul III, 44, died Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born March 9, 1980, in Wausau, son of Sheree (Norton) Schaefer and the late Stephen J. Paul II.

Stephen had a passion for restoring classic cars and mechanical things. He enjoyed snowboarding and snowmobiling when he was young, very loud speakers in his vehicles, and playing drums in the band The Will. Above all he loved spending time with his three children at the cabin on Lake Tippiecanoe.

Survivors include his children, Nora, Abraham and Ivy Paul; his mother and stepfather, Sheree (Mark) Schaefer.

He was preceded in death by his father, Stephen and grandparents, Harold and Rita Norton.

Memorial service will be 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service all at the Stewart Avenue funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

Donald W. Linder

Donald W. Linder, 86, Marathon, died Tuesday, September 17, 2024, under hospice care at Pride TLC, Weston, with his four children at his side.

He was born December 11, 1937, in Marathon to Irvin and Ruth (Kutchenreuter) Linder. On October 7, 1961, he married Janice Mary Lemanski at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cassel. She preceded him in death on December 18, 2020.

Donald worked many jobs early in his life – farming, hauling gravel, before beginning his career at Marathon Cheese. He worked several different jobs there before landing his dream job as an over-the-road truck driver, delivering bulk packaged cheese to several states including Minnesota and Mississippi. After more than a decade driving with a spotless record, he switched careers and opened Linder Vending, having machines in factories and businesses in Marathon, Lincoln and Taylor counties for more than 10 years. Not to be coasting later in life, Don again switched careers and worked until retirement for Menzner Lumber.

Don loved to fish! From early on in life, he spent many summers days fishing with family and friends on Post Lake, Spirit Flowage, the Rib, Hultman, Eau Pleine and many others. He was an amazing storyteller, endearing the hearts of everyone who had the chance to get to know him.

Survivors include his three daughters, Julie (David) Sittler, Gwendolyn (Kevin) Zuleger, and Debra (Robert) Linder-Mohr; son, Nathan (Sarah) Linder; grandchildren, Nicholas Baumann, Theodore (Jessica Storzbach) Baumann, Maris (Cody) Pernsteiner, and Rhianna (Braden) Schmidt; great-granddaughter, Zaelyn; and great-grandson, Riggin. He is further survived by two sisters, Virginia Springer and Ruth (Jerome) Warner; brother, Robert Linder; bothers-in-law, sisters in-law, many nieces and nephews, and good friends, Marilyn Hack, Ronnie Berres and Gertie Guralski.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Casimir and Eulalia Lemanski; brother, Frederick Linder; brother-in-law, Paul Springer; sister-in-law, Paulette Linder; granddaughter, Hailey Zuleger; and many other family members.

Visitation will take place Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 12:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon, with a funeral Mass to follow at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his direct caregivers at Pride TLC whom he loved dearly and Aspirus Hospice Nurse Carla M. for her guidance and care during dad’s final days. A special thank you to Debbie Marzynski for taking excellent care of dad, taking him on little outings and adventures, it was the highlight of his week.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church and School, Marathon.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

Elizabeth A. Ramsay

Elizabeth Anne Horvath Ramsay, 73, died Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at the Portage County Health Care Center in Whiting, Wis. She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Parish of Stevens Point, Wis.

She was born July 13, 1951, at Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., to Calvin Horvath Jr. and Mary Stephenson Horvath of Hyattsville, Md. She attended Catholic grade school and graduated from Northwestern High School, both in suburban Maryland. She graduated from Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire in theater arts in 1973 and earned a teaching certificate from the Montessori Institute of Washington, D.C., also taking several post-graduate courses. Elizabeth taught at the Penfield School in Milwaukee, Wis., and was active in children’s theater in Milwaukee.

Elizabeth married Charles Ramsay of Wisconsin in 1984. They had two children, Tim, in 1986 and Josie, in 1987.They lived in several parts of the country, including Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Iowa, before settling in northeastern Minnesota for 19 years. She worked in various part-time jobs to help support her family, including serving as a guardian ad litem for Minnesota courts for four years. Other jobs she held in her formative years included working as an intern in a Pennsylvania congressman’s office, as an assistant stage manager at Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C., and as a dormitory manager at the Florida School for the Blind.

She dealt with adversity all her life, being hearing-impaired and partially blind in one eye. She rose to the challenges she faced, learning lip-reading and sign language, excelling in theater as a way of communicating to others. She put her heart and soul into helping her autistic son, Tim, to speak and to function successfully in the everyday world. Elizabeth loved all sorts of animals, especially her Senegal parrot, Khumba, and felt a special vocation to go out of her way to speak with disabled children and adults, and their caregivers, wherever she went. She also enjoyed reading mysteries in her spare time and doing painting, singing, and spending time on the phone with loved ones. Elizabeth cherished her role as a mother and friend to many. She was beloved and will be greatly missed by both family and friends.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Gee Murray, of West Virginia; her husband, Charles, of Stevens Point, Wis.; daughter, Josie, of Seattle, Wash.; brother- and sister-in-law, Bill and Kathy Ramsay, of Oshkosh, Wis.; a sister-in-law, Diane Ramsay, of Maryland; special cousins, Edward and Charles Horvath, and Veronica Epley, of Pennsylvania and the Washington, D.C., area; and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Tim; and a number of cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m., with funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 800 Fourth Ave., in Stevens Point, Wis. Inurnment will be in Guardian Angel Cemetery in Stevens Point.

Arrangements are by the John J. Buettgen Funeral Home of Schofield, Wis. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com

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