James A. Bodenheimer
James Bodenheimer January 1, 1955 – April 12, 2024
James Aron Bodenheimer, age 69, of Wausau, WI, escaped the impending doom of America, on Friday, April 12, 2024, leaving behind a half bottle of E & J brandy, his 12 string guitar, 86 Fiat Bertone, and a small bag of weed from 1973.
James is survived by his overly-patient and accepting wife Marjorie, who was the love of his life. He is also survived by his beloved but overly-impatient mother, Charlotte (Wenrich) Bodenheimer; brothers, Ray, Ron and Steve; sons, Aaron James Bodenheimer (Amanda Bodenheimer), Adam James Bodenheimer, Alex James Bodenheimer and grandkids, Reid and Falynn Bodenheimer.
He is preceded in death by his father, George Vincent Bodenheimer and dog, Sparkey.
His prayers were answered when he was gifted more time than originally diagnosed. He celebrated his 44th wedding anniversary, his (wife) Marjorie’s and (son) Adam’s birthdays, Easter Sunday, four more fish fries, dozens of “show case show downs” and Wagon Train reruns, before passing away peacefully at home with his loving family present.
He was also able to share some of his life story for this obituary, so in his honor ….
Jim was born and raised in the Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He has the distinction of being in the first graduating class of the newly built Neenah Armstrong High School, in 1973. He attended UW Oshkosh for three years, focused on pre-engineer studies. Jim’s father took a promotion and moved the family to Wausau, where Jim’s education warranted him a position in the Engineering Department at Wausau Homes.
It is here where the magic began! He met (Marjorie) the woman of his dreams, his future wife, and the mother of his three precious babies. The flirting that occurred in the blueprint room during the late 70”s would be considered “sexual harassment” today, but probably wouldn’t change this love story anyway. A shotgun wedding occurred in 1980, with Jim finally winning over the respect and friendship of his father in law. They grew to realize that they had a lot in common. Both charismatic and humorous, sharing hilarious stories along with their love of the E & J.
Jim continued working for Wausau Homes through thick and thin, eventually earning the position of Operations Manager for a start-up plant in Paulding, Ohio. It was only a two year stay, but the friendships and cherished memories (with the Dangler, Rager, and Porter families) have lasted a lifetime. They made us feel welcomed by including us in their many pizza-popcorn-card parties, and even some holidays, when we couldn’t be with our own families in Wisconsin. We pulled some fun loving pranks on each other. One involved an overloaded station wagon, while armed with toilet paper and adhesive Maxi pads!
Returning to Wausau, Jim joined Pella Windows as a sales manager for a four-county area. He enjoyed traveling for the job and the people he met along the way. He was active in the Builder’s Associations in all four counties. This is where he met Larry Voigt, his best friend and golf partner for over 25 years.
Jim loved his Thursday night golf league at Pine Valley, which included a delicious dinner. Of course, enjoying a few co*cktails at the bar with Larry, while solving world problems and probably teasing the sassy bartender, who gave it right back! “What a great group of guys!” He expressed his appreciation for the friendships he acquired over the years through joining the golf league.
Jim also loved going to packer games with Larry, no matter the outcome, or the inclement weather. While his wife preferred the warm couch, and the lack of an over dramatic screaming “cheese head”!
After Pella changed their location, Jim then worked for Imperial Industries for 12 years, until retiring in September of 2022. He enjoyed the job as a project manager, working with various large companies, facilitating the food and petroleum industry. He enjoyed traveling throughout the US and Canada. He found the job rewarding and fulfilling and enjoyed the camaraderie in working with great people.
Jim mentioned how he enjoyed his lunch time “walk and talks” with Glen Grezenski. The wit of Russ Brunette; and his incredible ability to retain EVERYTHING he has ever heard or learned. A talented musician too! “The Tree Guy” Jeff Nyburg; was admired for being entrepreneurial, multitalented and ambitious. Surely, Jim would be known for his warm heart and infectious sense of humor. He entertained coworkers daily with his 1:15 phone call to his widowed mother. Everyone had the pleasure of spending most of their day with him, so surely they have some hilarious stories to share.
Since his father past away 13 years ago, Jim has always made time for his mother on a daily basis. It was a “love-hate” relationship, usually disagreeing about most everything, and annoyed by her “armchair quarterbacking”…but he always treated her with love and respect, while using his humor to give her crap! “Put your teeth in, I’m coming over!” Jim’s sons are in the practice of calling Grandma Charlotte, cooking or bringing over her favorite meal, or picking her up to join the family for a fish fry. They will help ease her heartbreak, but only if she puts her hearing aids in.
It’s hard to believe, but his mother describes “Little Jimmy” as being a very shy boy. It was in his nature to be mature and conscientious of other’s safety and feelings. So naturally, he took on the responsibility of caring for his three younger brothers.
As a father of three young boys, he taught them through example (and with his authoritative BIG voice) how to treat others with respect. Aaron, Adam and Alex became the men he was very proud to call “my sons”, consistently respectful, considerate, and compassionate. They were also blessed with Jim’s handsome good looks…along with the unmistakable “you must be a Schuebel” good looks too!!
Jim felt his greatest asset was his ability to talk and communicate with everyone, using his sense of humor and his knowledge of the product he was promoting. To the general public, his humor was sometimes a bit inappropriate, just the way it was intended! He was “the greeter” at his favorite hangouts saying (for example) “last one in buys!” or “don’t forget to use protection!” to an elderly couple as they shuffled out the door. If you’ve ever met “The Silver Fox” you would definitely remember that beautiful head of hair, along with his ability to connect with everyone personally.
Jim found retirement relaxing and was finally able to tackle some unfinished projects. He was proud of his accomplishments and admittedly enjoyed doing yard work, (WHAT?) but he was missing the social aspect of working with the guys.
So every day he would find a lame excuse to go downtown to socialize with “the regulars.” He wants his friends at: “Treu’s Tic Toc,” “The Chatterbox” and “101 Pub” -to know how much he appreciated and valued their friendships. Also, Donna and Terry at Surewood Forest Campground bar, where he enjoyed and bragged about their delicious fish fries and breakfasts.
The Bodenheimer family and friends spent nearly every summer weekend “up North” in Tomahawk, at their property on Muskellunge Lake. Jim especially loved boating and fishing for crappies. He loved to entertain, making a welcoming campfire, utilizing his expert grilling ability, while “cranking up” the classic rock. And let’s not forget to “piss off” the neighbors with loud fireworks!! Sadly, spending his summer there was his retirement dream.
It goes without saying that Jim was very loved and played an important part in his family. His infectious sense of humor, his uplifting spirit, and his ability to improve the atmosphere by making people laugh, was his gift to this world. We will always cherish all the wonderful memories. (He made a hilarious Santa Claus!!)
To say “he will be sadly missed” is an understatement. We are broken hearted. Love you always, Jim, Dad, Grandpa!
“I am the luckiest guy in the world to have a family as great as mine! I love my wife and sons. They’re the best and will always be in my heart.” –James Aron Bodenheimer
*Special thanks to Pastor Gary Schults for his weekly home visits and his assistance with the service. *Also thanks to the Aspirus Health Hospice Care, especially Cathy Yaeger for her ability to connect with Jim, using humor, of course.
*Friends and family can visit with the Bodenheimer family at the Buettgen Funeral Home on Saturday, April 27th, from 10:00 to 12:00. Memorial service at 12:00.
*Memorial donations in Jim’s name can be made at your favorite watering hole, where you are encouraged to “tie one on” and tell a few stories of the great “Silver Fox.”
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at that time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com
JoAnne Cerny
JoAnne Lund Cerny, 92, Wausau, died peacefully at Stonecrest Residence on April 14, 2024. JoAnne was born June 29, 1931, in Davenport, lowa to the late Lillian (Ofsdahl) and Christ Lund. She was a graduate of Wausau High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree from UW Stevens Point. She was an elementary school teacher in Wausau for many years.
JoAnne married Robert Hoskin in 1951, had three children, Christopher Hoskin, Carlsbad, CA, Mark Hoskin, married to Jean (Schoenfeldt), Houghton, MI and Kathryn Nunez, Phoenix, AZ. JoAnne and Robert divorced in 1962 and JoAnne and the children moved back to her hometown of Wausau. With her degree in education, JoAnne taught at Lincoln Elementary School for a quarter century, both at the original building and new building. She loved her job and co-workers and always had funny and interesting stories of life as a teacher.
She met William Cerny in 1970 and they married in 1972 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Together they created a very happy marriage and blended family with the addition of Bill’s children, Stafford, Laura, Collier and Bill Jr.
Bill and JoAnne were married for 48 years until his passing on October 21, 2020 from COVID.Together they traveled extensively in the United States and Europe, even earning their Master’s of Education Degrees together in Sweden in 1979. They were active members of Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Democratic Party.
JoAnne’s parents immigrated from Norway and Bill’s parents immigrated from Czechoslovakia and the household melded traditions and customs from both cultures.
Later in life, JoAnne and Bill, both being educators, often audited classes at UW Extension in Wausau. They also promoted many progressive causes, including Planned Parenthood, Doctors Without Borders, Sierra Club and Habitat for Humanity, among others.
JoAnne is survived by her children and two grandsons, Marcus Nunez and Michael Nunez (Julya) and great grandchildren Olivia Nunez and Jack Koalska. Her dear sister and only sibling, Audrey Sievert, passed before her in 2009 and Audrey’s husband Bill passed in 2012. Their children: Laura, Peter, David and Jane Sievert remained close to JoAnne her entire life. From her first marriage, JoAnne also had nephews and nieces from the Hoffman and Durkee families of Wausau.
The family would like to thank Stonecrest Residence and Interim Hospice for their kind and professional care of JoAnne.
Friends and family are welcome to a celebration of JoAnne’s life on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 5:00 pm at Sylvan Hill Park Chalet. A representative from Immanuel Lutheran Church will start the gathering off and a dinner will follow.
Memorials can be sent to Interim Hospice, 510 N. 17th Ave. Ste A, Wausau, WI 54401 or Wausau Habitat for Humanity, 1810 Schofield Ave., Weston, WI 54476.
Nancy L. Splitt
Nancy L. Splitt, 92, Wausau, died Tuesday April 16, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born March 23, 1932, in Wausau, daughter of the late Lyle and Adeline (Westphal) Weir. On October 24, 1953, she married Eugene Splitt in Wausau.
Nancy graduated from Wausau High School and after her marriage to Eugene, was a homemaker. Nancy and Gene loved the Northwoods and spending time at their cabin where they eventually retired. They enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as going out to dinner, especially for fish fries. During their years up north, Nancy volunteered at the Howard Young Medical Center gift shop. She appreciated the time spent with her luncheon girlfriends in Minocqua. In the past, she had been employed at Prange’s, Prange Way and was an Avon Lady. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and a member of the Ladies Circle. Nancy loved her dachshunds, with special memories of Cookie and Brandy.
Survivors include two daughters, Linda Seaver, Burlington and Susan (Bryan) Millard, Phoenix; two sisters-in-law, Carolyn (Jack) Jacobson, Weston and Helen Splitt, Wausau. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Splitt on death February 25, 2020.
Private family services were held at Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Lois J. Susor
Lois J. Susor, 95, Rhinelander, formerly of Wausau, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 while under the care of Compassus Hospice Care at Friendly Village, Rhinelander.
She was born December 14, 1928 in Madison, daughter of the late John and Thelma (Miller) Koehler. On September 24, 1955 she married Francis Susor at First Methodist Church, Wausau. He preceded her in death on December 5, 2017.
Lois worked as a secretary most of her life and retired from the DC Everest School System in 1994. Sheliked traveling and once spent 3 months biking and touring Europe in her single days. Lois loved going to her family cabins on Little Crooked and Franklin Lakes up North and taking long weekend trips around Wisconsin with her daughter and her friends. She liked to volunteer and was part of a number of community and charitable groups.
Lois also enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of several local clubs. She liked to entertain and many open houses, dinners and gatherings for friends and family were hosted by her. She had many friends and would often meet them at Perkins or the TriCity Restaurant. She’d also frequently get shout-outs from employees at businesses she frequented. She had a great sense of humor and loved good conversations about current events.
Survivors include her children, Loran (Valarie) Susor, Minocqua and Carolyn Susor, Scottsdale, AZ, one grandson, Benjamin (Abby) Susor, Woodruff, one great grandchild, Emmitt Susor, her brother Dr. Jack Koehler, Oconomowoc and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Carl N. Luebbe
Carl N. Luebbe, 93, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Carl was born on January 10th, 1931, in Evanston, Illinois, to Carl and Viola (nee Janz) Luebbe. The family relocated to Ringle, Wisconsin, three years later. He married Rene (nee Krueger), of Birnamwood, on May 22nd, 1954.
Carl attended Birnamwood High School where he excelled in both academics and athletics, compiling a 24-1 pitching record over three years. He served in the army for two years and attended the University of Wisconsin- Madison for three semesters before beginning a career in the retail business. His numerous ventures included a general store in Ringle, Hardware Hank in Birnamwood, and Carl’s Hardware in Schofield.
Carl continued playing baseball with the Antigo Candies and the Wausau Lumberjacks. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, and playing cards. He was a longtime member of Grace Ev. Lutheran Church and the Ringle-Hatley Lions Club. Above all else, he was a steadfast man of God and a loving, supportive husband and father. His quick wit and sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
Carl is survived by his wife of 69 years, Rene Luebbe; four children: Lane Luebbe, Tom (Cindy) Luebbe, Terry Luebbe, and Laurie (Jeff) Herzog; six grandchildren: Leah (Tanner) Patrick, Andy Sedahl, Jon (Katie) Herzog, Jordyn Herzog, Raya (Isaac) Louks, and Addison Luebbe; and four great-grandchildren: Malone Patrick, Mina Patrick, Conway Louks, and Mac Herzog. He was proceeded in death by his parents and his brother Donald Luebbe.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in Ringle, Wisconsin. Rev. Ryan Cortright will officiate. Burial will take place in Forestville Cemetery, town of Easton. Visitation will be held on Saturday beginning at 9:00 am until the time of service at the church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts should be directed to Grace Church or Northland Lutheran High School.
The family would like to thank Dr. Bart Isaacson for the compassionate care he provided Carl for many years, Pastor Ryan Cortright for the spiritual support and devotions he provided at his home, and the hospice nurses, Roseann and Lori, for the comfort and support they provided in his final days.
