Wanda Sue Abler

Wanda Sue Abler (Brennecke), 54, of Birnamwood, passed away at 11 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at UW Hospital in Madison, due to complications from a brain aneurysm . Wanda was born on Feb. 26, 1960, to Robert and Lorena Brennecke. Wanda was a graduate of Antigo High School in 1979. On Feb. 17, 1979, she married Michael R. Abler. Wanda as a child enjoyed hunting and fishing with her father . She also enjoyed gardening, playing cards, spending time with her family and friends and, of course, her dogs. She also loved spending time with her three daughters, whether traveling or shopping. When Wanda wasn’t giving spa-like treatment to her clients at Shave and Bathe Pet Salon, she may have been trying to catch a plane to Colorado, Las Vegas, Sweden or Mexico, or was in a car seeing as much of the world as she could the last few years, whether it was to Canada fishing or her backyard overlooking the lake and woods — a passion rekindled with Karl Illichman. Another of her favorite places she also could be found was going on adventures to Rock Island with close family, or getting into some sort of trouble with her sister. When home, she enjoyed her dogs, bow hunting, and fishing, or enjoying a drink on the patio overlooking the lake. She also loved spending as much time with her three daughters and six grandchildren, Devan, Alex, Vidalia, Cora, Temperance and Kaydence. She believed that no matter how many times life knocked you down to get up and dust yourself off. As long as you have your family close, the rest can be put back together. She shared this with everyone Wanda touched. Wanda enjoyed helping others as much as she could. She believed we were the only ones who were going to make this world a better place, and it started with us. Wanda is survived by her three daughters, Echo (Bryan) Nicolaus, of Shawano, Emily (Josh) Hurst, of Sterling, Colorado, and Pennie (Justin) Zwirschitz, of Mattoon; Johan Bjork, of Sweden; father, Robert Brennecke, of Mattoon; Karl Illchman, of Antigo; sisters Lori Harris, of Green Bay, Deb Ostrander, of Mattoon; brother, Steve Brennecke, of Mattoon; many nieces and nephews and friends. Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Abler; mother, Lorena Brennecke; grandmother, Ruth Lucia; sister-in-law, Diane Abler; and nephew, Shad Brennecke. A celebration of life will be held for Wanda at Melody Mill, Aniwa, on Sunday, Feb. 22 from 2-6 p.m. The family would like to thank the UW hospital of Madison.