Theresia Treu

Theresia “Oma” Treu, 86, of Berlin, WI. passed away at home on Saturday, October 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 20, 1938, in Karawukowo, Yugoslavia to the late Joseph and Theresia Trauth.

In 1956 along with her parents and siblings, she moved to the US, obtained her citizenship, something she was always proud of, and settled in Chicago, IL. where she began her family of six. In 1967, she and her parents moved the family to Marathon, WI. where they farmed for many years. Theresia’s work outside the home included, working for local ginseng farmers, waitressing at Village Inn, and eventually owning and operating Gessler’s Country Inn, Merrill, WI. But her biggest and best job was raising her children, watching her grandchildren grow up and adding even more joy to her life with great- grandchildren.

On September 2nd, 1983, she married Dale Treu and moved to Berlin, WI. where she spent her remaining years. Theresia and Dale spent many wonderful years together traveling, wintering in Texas with friends and spending time with the grandkids.

She was everyone’s Oma. Oma’s 24-hour Café was always open for a good cup of coffee and kuchen, breakfast, lunch, a glass of wine, beer, or whiskey to anyone who stopped by. You never left hungry, learned something new, heard a good story or had a good laugh. She touched so many lives and cherished all the friendships she made through the years. She loved you all and will certainly be missed.

Oma always looked forward to her day trips with Mike, Erwin and MaryAnn to the casino, trips to get sausage, Door County cherries, or her favorite bread.

Theresia is survived by her children, John (Laurie) Gessler, Wausau, Monika Cline, Ohio, Tony (Patti) Gessler, Merrill, Tom (Paula Frahm) Gessler, Karen (Kevin Klinger) Bloch, Mike Gessler, all of Athens.

Eleven grandchildren, Kristina (Sam Layne), Katie (Tom) Bradford, Kayce (Nick) Cherek, Lukas (Elena) Gessler, Coleton (Michaela) Bloch, Alex (Caitlyn) Gessler, Emily Gessler, Sarah (Vinny Stone) Gessler, Morgan (Trey) Seubert, Darus (Lachelle Crouse) Cline, Hannah (Jerry) Brickner.

Twelve great-grandchildren; Austin, Uryan, and Autumn Layne, Jordy and Sawyer Cherek, Norah, Maggie, and Hank Gessler, Hazel and Holly Bloch, Ivy Brickner, and Baby Gessler coming soon.

Brothers; Erwin (MaryAnn) Trauth, Athens, John Trauth, Oregon, Sister-in-laws, Annie Trauth, Chicago, and Lorraine Treu, Wausau, and many nieces and nephews.

Her dog, Henry, who was her faithful companion and protector, who never went hungry because they always shared her food.

She held a special place in her heart and was an adopted Mom and Oma to Dan (Renee) Kolehouse and their children and grandchildren. There were many games of Cribbage with Dan over the years and possibly a few adding errors.

She was preceded by Husband, Dale Treu, Parents, Joseph and Theresia Trauth, Brother Paul Trauth, Brother and Sister-in-Law, Glen and Lorraine Nelson, David Treu, Son-in-Law, Mike Cline, and very close cousin, Jacob Rechner.

The family would like to especially thank Erwin and MaryAnn for all the help and support through the years, words cannot express how thankful we are that you were always there for mom. And MaryAnn, for being her best friend. We also would like to thank the nursing staff and Hospice team at Aspirus for their care and compassion while caring for Oma.

A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Private family burial will take place at a later date at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of services all at the Stewart Avenue funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.