Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Services

10/15/2026

Brooke E. Sholar

Brooke Elizabeth Sholar, age 51, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away on October 11, 2026. Born on September 22, 1975, in Wausau, Brooke was a feisty, independent woman who lived life on her own terms.

As Brooke said, "I am in a wheelchair. It is what I have, not who I am." She carried that outlook throughout her life, refusing to let others define what she could accomplish. At just 20 years old, Brooke moved into her own home, arranged her own care, and lived independently for 20 years. She held jobs, found love, enjoyed going out, and took pride in making her own decisions and directing her own care. By all accounts, she lived a very full life.

Brooke had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her beloved dogs, Carrie and Bella. She cherished her time at Camp Wawbeek in Wisconsin Dells and enjoyed painting, attending festivals and concerts, particularly those featuring country rock music. Music was an important part of Brooke's life, and she chose Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" as her love song. She also enjoyed listening to Conway Twitty's "It's Only Make Believe."

Brooke will be remembered for her feisty spirit, her independence, and her determination to live life her way. She leaves behind a lasting reminder that a meaningful life is not defined by what others believe is possible, but by the experiences we embrace, the love we share, and the choices we make along the way.

Brooke is survived by her mother, Arlene Londerville; her stepfather, John Londerville; her sister, Amy Literski; her niece and nephew, Adam (wife Lydia) and Kasey (husband Peter); her sister, Jennifer Saxe (husband Patrick); her aunt, Cathy Wettberg, and her son, Vinny; and her dear friend, Shelly Van Der Weerd.

She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Sholar, and her uncle, Dale Kuivanen.

A small family memorial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a local humane society in honor of Brooke's love for animals.

Helke Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Wausau is honored to assist Brooke's family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.helke.com.

View Brooke E. Sholar's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/13/2026

Nancy Jane Scott

Nancy Jane Scott (Hoppe), age 86, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 7th, 2026.

Nancy was born on December 21st, 1939, to Anna and Herbert Hoppe in Wausau, Wisconsin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her two children, Trisha Scott and Michael Scott; and her siblings, Audrey Hoppe, Betty Pusheck, Carol Kemna, and Gerald Hoppe.

Nancy is survived by her daughters, Tammy Seitz, of Wausau and Toni Kroening, of Mosinee; her sisters, Elaine Hoppe and Mary Borchardt, both of Wausau; and her four beloved grandchildren, Jacob Roloff, Cally Kroening, Adam Wolfgram, and Claire Kroening.

A visitation will be held Saturday, October 24th, 2026 at Helke Funeral Home from 1pm to 2pm. A Celebration of Life to follow at 2pm with Pastor Karoline Schwantes officiating.

Nancy will be remembered and cherished by her family and all who knew her. May she rest peacefully.

View Nancy Jane Scott's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/12/2026

Every life is unique, and every service should feel that way, too.

Personalization helps honor the life of a loved one, but it can also have a deeply meaningful impact on those journeying through grief. That’s why the details matter so much to us.

10/11/2026

Clergy Appreciation Day is an opportunity to recognize the pastors, priests, ministers, chaplains, and other spiritual leaders who dedicate themselves to serving others.

In our work, we often see the important role clergy play during some of life’s most difficult moments. They sit with families in grief, offer words when they’re hard to find, and carry an emotional weight that often goes unseen. Supporting our local faith communities is a big part of who we are.

We want to say thank you. Your presence, compassion, and care make a meaningful difference to the families and communities you serve.

10/07/2026

Diana Marie Raboin

Diana "Diane" Marie Raboin, age 80, of Wausau, passed away on October 5, 2026.

Diane was born on August 15, 1946, in Iron Mountain, Michigan, to Clarence and Myrtle Johnson. She was born and raised in Iron Mountain before making her way to Wisconsin. Diane married Leslie Raboin on October 10, 1964. Together, they first lived in Appleton before making their home in Wausau and raising their family.

Diane enjoyed a successful career in automobile sales at Bob Johnson's, at a time when the industry was largely dominated by men. She earned the respect of those around her through her hard work, knowledge, and natural ability to work with people. Her talent was recognized when she competed in a sales competition and placed second. Diane proved herself in an industry where she stood out, earning the respect of her coworkers and customers alike.

Later in life, Diane continued her caring work as a CNA at Aspirus, where her compassion for others also led her to volunteer with the Aspirus Hospice Unit.

After retirement, Diane enjoyed spending time at her and Leslie's camper in Goodman, Wisconsin, where some of her favorite memories were made surrounded by family and friends. She especially enjoyed camping and making memories with friends, both old and new. Diane and Leslie also looked forward to spending their winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama, enjoying the warmer weather and time together. She enjoyed flower arranging, golfing, camping, and snowmobiling in the Northwoods. She was also a devoted Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed spending time at the casino playing slot machines.

Diane's greatest joy was her family. She treasured her children and grandchildren and held a particularly special place in her heart for her four grandchildren and her twin great-granddaughters.

Diane is survived by her children, Jeff Raboin; Chris Raboin and his wife, Gina; and Renae Laffin and her husband, Lester; grandchildren, Erica Laffin, Brendan Raboin, Evan Raboin, and Zackary Raboin; great-grandchildren Ashynd Laffin and Baylyn Laffin; her sister Debra Cheney and her husband, Steve; and her beloved dogs, Duffer and Bailey.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Raboin; daughter, Shelly Raboin; brother, Dale Johnson; and parents, Clarence and Myrtle Johnson.

Diane will be remembered as a charming, caring, and determined woman who made an impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will live on through the many lives she touched and, most of all, through the family she loved so dearly.

Visitation will be at 9:30 am - 10:30 am and a memorial mass will follow with Father Sebastian Kolodziejczyk officiating at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Saint Matthew Catholic Church, 227 S. 28th Ave., Wausau, WI 54401. Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Diane's life.

View Diana Marie Raboin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/06/2026

Lee N. Withers

Lee Neil Withers, 63, of Schofield, passed away on Friday ,October 2, 2026.

He was born on June 20, 1963, in Wisconsin Rapids, to Levi and Aloha.

Lee loves spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed playing chess and board games spending time outdoors, camping and fishing just hanging out with friends and Family.

Lee is survived by his mother, Aloha Knetter Eckes; children, Chris Withers, Dustin Withers, and Ryan Olsen; grandchildren, Reese Withers, Emma Finch Withers,and Meelah Lewis. siblings, Ed Withers, Lona Withers, Keith Withers, and Mark Knetter.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Tammy Olsen Withers; his father, Jim Knetter; and his brother, Mark Withers.

Lee will be truly missed by friends and family.

View Lee N. Withers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/06/2026

Rhys Roy Woller

Rhys Roy Woller, 75, of Wausau, passed away on October 4, 2026.

He was born on April 25, 1951, in Seattle, Washington, to the late Loyd and Dorothea (Steidinger) Woller.

In Rhys' younger years, he enjoyed golfing and going on biking adventures. He later looked forward to trips to the casinos. Rhys has always had a love of Wisconsin sports teams.

Rhys is survived by many cousins, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Loyd Woller, and his mother, Dorothea Woller.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Helke Funeral Home in Wausau. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of services at the funeral home. A graveside service will take place at 2:00 pm, at Faith Lutheran Cemetery South, in Merrill.

View Rhys Roy Woller's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/06/2026

A sincere thank you to Ron Jones for sharing his experience with our team.

During a time of loss, there is so much to manage. You don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help make sure every detail is taken care of and offer our support even after the service concludes.

10/03/2026

George William Gering

Born George William Gering on December 26, 1958, the kid who would forever walk on his toes and did not speak a word until he was four. Pancreatic cancer took him from us September 21, 2026.

George is preceded in death by his parents, George and Eileen (Ortbals) Gering and his father-in-law, Ronald M. Hinker.

He is survived by his two children, Bradley (Kaley) Gering and Samantha Gering; his grandson, Brennan Monroe; and three granddaughters, grace, Gemma and Blakely Gering; his brother, Greg Gering; two sisters, Connie (Ron) Brunell and Cathy (Mike) Foster; and his loving wife of 37 years, Diane Gering.

George was always of service to someone else; a warm, soft-spoken father, husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and, most of all, friend.

Geoge retired from his position as Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent with the City of Columbia in December 2020. Yet another place made a home - complete with adopted family.

He loved his Harley. He and Diane have spent many hours in the saddle; making many, many memories and many, many friends. What keeps most folks on the bike is not only the therapy it provides but, most importantly, the life-long friends who become your family, that appear out of nowhere and stay. The bike becomes secondary, a means to an end. He loved his people.

He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish. He has lived and told so many hunting and fishing stories in his lifetime. Many of those included time in the woods with many generations of family and friends. One that comes to mind is when he shot a hole in the bottom of Dad's boat. (with Dad still in it)

A lifelong Packer fan- if you know, you know. GO PACK GO!!

We will miss you.

View George William Gering's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/01/2026

Jimmy Beggs is the General Manager at Brainard and Helke Funeral Homes. He joined the team this past year and works hard supporting our staff and ensuring our community receives the very best funeral care. We’re glad to have him here and wanted to give you all a chance to get to know him a little better!