Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries for Weston, WI and surrounding areas

James H. Hamann

James H. Hamann

December 27, 2025

James (Jim) Herbert Hamann, 84, went home to heaven, passing away peacefully on December 27, 2025, at Rennes Health and Rehab, under the care of Aspirus Hospice.

Jim was born at home in the Town of Wein (Edgar, WI) to the late Carl and Selma (Pilgrim) Hamann, and was raised on his family's farm and homestead. Jim attended a one room...

Barbara Ann Barthels

Barbara Ann Barthels

December 27, 2025

Barbara A. Barthels, 87, of Wausau passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

She was born July 31, 1938, in Wausau, daughter of the late Ervin “Pete” and Grace (Hopperdietzel) Smith. She married Perry Barthels, her husband of 56 years, on April 24, 1965 in a private ceremony at Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau.

After graduating from Wausau High...

Blaine Scott Knowles

Blaine Scott Knowles

December 25, 2025

Blaine Knowles of Wausau passed away on December 25, 2025, at Mountain Terrace Assisted Living.

He was born on November 13, 1942, to the late Bill and Phyllis (Scott) Knowles in Lansing, MI. Blaine graduated from Oswego High School, Class of 1960.

Soon after high school, he joined the United States Air Force. Eventually, he ended his career at the air base...

Gene E. Sorenson

Gene E. Sorenson

December 22, 2025

Gene E. Sorenson, 78, of Rothschild, WI, passed away on December 22, 2025, at Weston Memory Care, surrounded by the love of his family and under the care of St. Croix Hospice. He was known for his legendary patience, sense of humor, quick wit, humility and leaves behind a legacy of teaching, hard work, love for family, and cherished memories. 

He...

Sue Welsh

Sue Welsh

December 19, 2025

Susan (Sue or Suzie) Rae Welsh passed away peacefully on Friday December 19th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Sue was born in Wausau, WI on December 7, 1938, to the late Ellis and Martha (Butenhoff) Allds.

Shortly after high school, Sue took a job at “Ma Bell” (Bell Systems), where her and a co-worker, Vicki, plotted to leave Wausau and...

Mark W. Thompson

Mark W. Thompson

December 15, 2025

On Monday, December 15, 2025, Mark W. Thompson, age 73, went home to be with his Lord surrounded by his wife, brother, son, and two beloved friends. Mark entered the world in Eau Claire, Wi, son of William and Alyce Thompson, on July 3, 1952. In his teen years, he moved to Neenah and later to Palatine, IL. Mark attended...

James "Jim" Clarence Schroeder

James "Jim" Clarence Schroeder

December 13, 2025

James Schroeder, 93, peacefully entered into the arms of his Savior on Saturday, December 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family while under the care of Aspirus Hospice at his home.

Jim was born June 20, 1932, in Milwaukee, to the late Clarence and Sylvia (Schmidt) Schroeder. He graduated from Racine Lutheran High School in 1950 and proudly served in the...

William "Bill" Mathies

William "Bill" Mathies

December 11, 2025

William Lee Mathies, 86, of Rothschild, passed away December 11, 2025, at Cedar Creek Manor, under the care of Compassus Hospice.

Bill was born January 28, 1939, to the late Leander and Verna (Butenhoff) Mathies in Indiana. He was a graduate of Wausau High School in 1957 and furthered his education by graduating from Carroll College in 1961. At Carroll, in...

John L. Kowalski

John L. Kowalski

December 9, 2025

John Louis Kowalski, 64, passed away on December 9, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on December 28, 1960, John lived a life marked by hardship, strength, and an extraordinary capacity for change.

John’s early years were shaped by challenges that left a lasting imprint. He left school young, became a father early, and spent many years navigating addiction,...

Judy Nielsen

Judy Nielsen

December 7, 2025

Judith "Judy" Kay Nielsen, age 83, passed away on Sunday, December 7th, 2025, at Aspirus Hospice House, surrounded by warmth and love.

Judy was the last daughter born to Paul and Esther Zastrow on July 19th, 1942. Through dear friends, Judy met the love of her life, Russell Nielsen. They were joined in marriage on February 11th, 1961, at Zion Lutheran...

Michael Thomas McCarthy

Michael Thomas McCarthy

December 2, 2025

Michael T. McCarthy, 69, passed peacefully on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Eight witnesses stood present at his bedside to verify this was not his final prank.

Born on July 17, 1956, Dad arrived prematurely and small, but soon became larger than life. He was funny, frustrating, creative, protective, unforgettable, and we will spend the rest of our lives being grateful to...

Blaine Evan Jacobson

Blaine Evan Jacobson

November 30, 2025

Blaine Evan Jacobson, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, has moved onto a better place waiting for the return of our Savior Jesus Christ on November 30, 2025, in Wausau, Wisconsin, surrounded by his wife and church family. He was born on August 8, 1961, in Provo, Utah, the son of Ryles and Flora (Christensen) Jacobson, where his loving...

Joyce L. (Kufahl) Utecht

Joyce L. (Kufahl) Utecht

November 29, 2025

Joyce Ludeen (Kufahl) Utecht (née Moericke) was born January 19, 1935, in the Town of Dupont, Waupaca County, to Harvey and Anna (Fritz) Moericke. Joyce was united in marriage on April 12, 1955, to Edward A. Kufahl in Chetek, Wisconsin. The couple moved to the Town of Maine, in Marathon County, and lived with Ed’s parents for several years before...

Marvin E Matthiae

Marvin E Matthiae

November 19, 2025

Marvin Edward Matthiae, a dedicated dairy farmer and a beloved family man, was born on February 11, 1933, on the family farm in Cassel, Wisconsin, the son of Edward and Ruth (Woller) Matthiae. He peacefully departed this world on November 19, 2025, in Wausau, Wisconsin, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, love, and cherished memories.

After meeting Angeline Steidinger at...

Michael "Mike" Thamke

Michael "Mike" Thamke

November 18, 2025

Michael "Mike" Thamke, born on March 29, 1958, in Watertown, Wisconsin, passed away quietly at home on November 18, 2025, after having health issues. Mike's life was a testament to his passions, dedication, and love for family and friends.

Growing up in Pewaukee, Mike graduated from Pewaukee High School in 1976. He launched his trucking career over 45 years ago, swiftly...

Edward Prohaska

Edward Prohaska

November 17, 2025

Edward Prohaska, age 94, of Rothschild, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Ed, the son of Frank and Rose (Kucuba) Prohaska, was born on February 13, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. His family then moved to Phillips, Wisconsin, to make their home, where he graduated from Phillips High School in 1949.

Upon graduation, Ed and a...

Clark Eugene Loeffel

Clark Eugene Loeffel

November 14, 2025

Clark Eugene Loeffel passed away unexpectedly due to a stroke on November 14, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Clark was born to the late Eugene and Arlene (Kolpitcke) Loeffel on July 4, 1953, in Wausau, Wisconsin. He graduated from Wausau West High School in 1971. He married Ann Marie Wermund on May 21, 1977 at St. Matthew’s...

Jeanne R. Poppy

Jeanne R. Poppy

November 12, 2025

Jeanne R. Poppy, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the House of the Dove in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

She was born on June 12, 1950, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Florian and Carol (Schroeder) Gust. On November 8, 1969, Jeanne married the love of her life, John Poppy, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Hewitt, Wisconsin. They celebrated...

Ruth Eileen Kerswill

Ruth Eileen Kerswill

November 2, 2025

Ruth Kerswill, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Wausau, Wisconsin, on November 2, 2025, surrounded by love and family.

Ruth’s life was a testament to kindness, faith, and quiet strength. She devoted herself to her family, raising eight children who were the pride and joy of her life. Her warmth and compassion touched everyone who...

Richard Allen Bender

Richard Allen Bender

November 2, 2025

Richard "Richie" Bender, 92, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Richie was born on June 28, 1933, to Felix and Helen Bender. He was a brother to Felix (Flexie) Jr. Richie met and married the love of his life, Arvilla Winnie, on September 12, 1953. Shortly after, they started a family and had five sons.

Richie's career...