Mark Alan Braatz, 61, of Sparta, was called to his eternal home on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022. Mark was born Feb. 26, 1960, in Shawano to Donald and Sally (Clayton) Braatz. On Oct. 23, 1982, Mark was united in marriage to Brenda Lee VanBoekel at St. John Lutheran Church in Polar. After receiving his GED, Mark enlisted in the United States Army in 1979, actively serving for 27½ years, 11 of which were foreign served. He was a tank commander (19Z5H).

Laura F. Prausa (nee Bengtson), 97, passed away on Feb. 5, 2022 in Spring Hill, Florida. She was born March 1, 1924 to the late August and Anna (Benson) Bengtson in Swedetown, Oconto County. Laura met and married Harold Prausa on Dec. 10, 1943. They were married 63 years. Laura was a member of First English Lutheran Church in Appleton and Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church in Hudson, Florida. Laura was involved in various Masonic activities.

Bryon Timothy Pitzl, 53, passed away in his home on February 11, 2022. He worked while living in Keshena for 12 years at Marion Body Works and Aarrowcast. In the last 10 years, he lived in Brown Deer, where he had many friends. He loved spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He loved music and 1980s big hair bands. Heavy metal also.

Harlan J. “Huck” Peters Sr., 59, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at his home. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022 at the South Branch Community Center, W1281 County Road M, Keshena, followed by a traditional Menominee prayer service and meal. Harlan was born July 1, 1962, in Shawano to Alex and Gloria (Corn) Peters. He married Lisa Donovan on Aug.

Walter Alfred Rusch, aka “Wally” or “Butch,” 85, Oconto Falls, died unexpectedly Monday afternoon, Feb. 21, 2022, at Bellin Memorial Hospital in Green Bay, with his wife and children present following a short illness. Wally was born in Gillett to Walter and Edna (Zastrow) Rusch and shared his growing up years with his older sister Janet and younger brother, Clyde.

Neil Gauthier, 89, Oconto Falls, died of natural causes at home Friday morning, Feb. 18, 2022. The oldest child of Xavier and Gladys (Exferd) Gauthier was born Feb. 2, 1933, in Oconto Falls. Neil grew up in Oconto Falls where he attended public schools, graduating from high school with the class of 1952. Following graduation, he went to work for the former Scott Paper Co. before being drafted into the U.S. Army and serving during the Korean War.