Benedict Stubinski

Benedict Stubinski, 91, Wausau, formerly of the town of Marathon, died Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services in Evergreen Place at North Central Health Care, Wausau.

Born March 10, 1920, on the family farm in the town of Marathon, he was the son of the late Thomas and Rose (Kocik) Stubinski. He married Elizabeth "Betty" Punke on Feb. 11, 1942, in Chicago. She preceded him in death May 21, 1997.

Ben was a dairy farmer in the town of Marathon until his retirement in 1986. He also served as treasurer for the township for 28 years. Ben proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1941 until 1945, serving in the Pacific Theater. He had been a member of the Alois Dreikosen Post of the American Legion in Marathon for more than 55 years.

Ben's laughter, the twinkle in his eye and the booming voice that could be heard for half a mile, were his trademark. He enjoyed playing sheepshead, and later learned to play cribbage. Ben also enjoyed horse and tractor pulls, an occasional trip to the casino, attending auctions, and never met a stranger. He loved his family dearly, and enjoyed being with his brothers and sisters.

Like most farmers, Ben was skilled in mechanics, keeping up with the repairs on his farm equipment, and working with the animals — oftentimes getting up in the night to take care of a sick cow or to deliver a calf. Whether on the farm, or retiring and moving to Wausau, he was a helpful neighbor and friend to all.

Ben was most fortunate to travel overseas a few times to Poland where he was able to meet his father's family and develop a lasting friendship.

Survivors include his children, Benedict T. "Ski" (Marsha) Stubinski, Saco, Maine, Janice Kuehlman, Wausau, Suzanne (Ronald) Dirks, Wausau, and Carrie (Benjamin) Zelazoski, Antigo; 13 grandchildren, Jim (Jocelyn) Stubinski, Scott Stubinski, Lance Stubinski and Derek (Sara) Stubinski, Merrie (Bill) Haskins and Ann (Ryan) Romine, Matt (Jennifer) Dirks, Micki (Cris) Dirks-Luebbe, Joshua Dirks and Kelin Dirks, Carolyn (Brian) Schumacher, Brandon (Sarah) Zelazoski and Catherine (special friend, Brent) Zelazoski; 14 great-grandchildren, Allyssa and Ryan Stubinski, Kyle Stubinski, Brady and Logan Stubinski, Ruby Romine, Christian and Emelie Dirks, Spencer Luebbe, Adalyn Dirks, Ethan and Eliot Schumacher, Gabriel and Leeni Zelazoski; two sisters, Cecelia Schara and Alice Krause, both of Weston; and a sister-in-law, Helen Wendt, Wausau.

In addition to his parents and wife, Betty, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Lottie Bychinski and Verna Koons; brothers, John, Joseph, Thomas and Frank Stubinski; and son-in-law, William "Buff" Kuehlman.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, at The Church of Saint Anne, Wausau. The Rev. Steven Brice will preside. Entombment will be Monday in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, and again from 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday, all at the church. An American Legion service will be at 7 p.m. Friday in the church.

The family is most grateful to the staff at North Central Health Care and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their sincere concern and the care provided to their Dad.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

A helluva prince of a man