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Roger Breske Obituary
He was born November 8, 1938, in Eland, son of the late John and Marie (Verkuilen) Breske. On April 25, 1959, he married Karen Woznicki at St. Florian Catholic Church, Hatley. She survives.
He was a veteran of the US Army Reserves and was a member of AMVETS, Jerome Sudut Post No. 3929, Wausau. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and had been an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, working many church dinners and breakfasts.
Roger Breske served the people of Wisconsin for over 20 years. He was first elected to represent Wisconsin 's 12th Senate District in a special election in 1990. Roger won re-elections in 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004. He was known for his strong commitment and dedication with his independent spirit in representing the voice and way of life of the residents of Northern Wisconsin so well. Roger always valued and emphasized constituent services. In 2008, he was appointed Wisconsin 's Railroad Commissioner where he served until his retirement in 2011. Prior to entering public service, Roger owned and operated his family tavern for over 20 years in the Town of Elderon , was President of the Marathon County Tavern League and also served as Wisconsin Tavern League President.
Among his favorite things to do, Roger enjoyed watching all sports, especially the Packers, Badgers, Brewers and NASCAR events. Special to him was the time spent with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Karen Breske, four children, John (Heather) Breske, Antigo, Jim (Beth) Breske, Hatley, Jodi (Mike O'Neil), Eland, Jill (Todd) Bricco, Hatley, 13 grandchildren, Lindsey, Tiffany, Stephanie, Dana (Chad), Shannon, Erin, Cassi, Timothy, Carli, Taylor, Halle, John & Makailah; one great granddaughter, Skylar; five step-grandchildren, Derek (Jennifer), Naomi, Seth, Chloe & Zechariah; two step-great grandchildren; four siblings, Delores Hubert, Wausau, John (Peggy) Breske, Elderon, Doris Schoepke, Wausau and Dan (Elayne) Breske, Eau Claire.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday April 9, 2012 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 202 N. Ellms St., Wittenberg. Rev. Patrick Lloyd SCJ will preside. Burial will be in St. Philomena Cemetery, Birnamwood. Friends may call on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at Holy Family Catholic Church, Wittenberg. There will be a parish rosary at 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening the conclude the visitation. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.
Roger's pallbearers will be his grandchildren and a special niece, Laurie.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Breske
Jim Kain
April 27, 2012
Dear Karen & family,we were shocked to hear of Roger's passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Jim & Virginia Kain
Georgia Truax
April 14, 2012
Roger has been an outstanding man in the eyes of many. He was a great personality in his bar business, and a man who got things done for his area while in the Senate. He never knew a stranger. As I think back fondly on his meaningful life, I bid him Goodnight.
Tracy Fenske
April 9, 2012
Roger was an amazing man. I was honored to know him my whole life. Thank you for you kindness and friendshp, but most of all introducing my parents more than 35 years ago. My prayers for your family. ~ Tracy (Podjaski) Fenske (Gary's daughter)
Ray & Mary Glowacki
April 6, 2012
April 6,
We were informed by Christine Sinicki and Jeff Plaly that Roger has passed away. Our sympathies to you and your family. We all loved him. He was always down to earth and willing to listen to people. We will miss him very much - one of the best!
mike felix
April 5, 2012
this was a loss for not only the breske family but to all of his constituents whom he unselfishly served. rest in peace roger
April 5, 2012
Dear Karen, John, Jim, Jill and Jody. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Hoping your fond memories will help you through this tough time. We also have fun memories of Roger, he was fun to be around. Judy (Jozwiak) & Doug Bresser (San Deigo CA)
Carol Trimberger
April 5, 2012
Karen and Family, So sorry for your loss, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Carol Kitzmann Trimberger, Ron Trimberger
April 5, 2012
Karen and family, sorry to hear about Roger, what a wonderful man he was. He will be missed by so many. The friendship and dedication he gave to all will be remembered always. Sandy Steinke- Shawano Wi
April 5, 2012
Dear Karen and family. Sorry to hear about Roger. He was a friend to all, a great person. Will always remember his smile. A friend of many years,he will be missed. Henry and Bonnie Blarek Hatley,Wi
April 5, 2012
Karen and family, just heard the news and my prayers are with you. Roger will be missed by so many people. I know my dad and Roger are up in heaven having some good discussions. May God give you strength today and the days to come. Sandy & Al Holewinski
DiAnn Matteson
April 5, 2012
Karen and Family I am so deeply sorry for your loss, Roger will be missed.
CHRISTINA STERK
April 5, 2012
Dear Karen & Family, Very sorry for your loss! I will miss Roger. He was a good family friend. It was fun catching snapping turtles for the turtle soup at Breske's Bar. Our prayers are with your family! James & Christina Sterk (Christina Pingel)
Richard & Shirley Buss
April 4, 2012
Karen ,
Our Prayers and Deepest Sympathy are with you and your family.Roger will be missed by all who knew him.
Melissa Strahota
April 4, 2012
So sorry to hear about Roger. I was a bartender and casual friend over the years, here in Madison. My deepest condolences to the family. He is a great soul who will be missed dearly.
Bill and Pam Brown
April 4, 2012
Dear Karen and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Roger. He touched a lot of hearts and lives, including ours and will always be remembered.
Allan & Ann Gorski
April 4, 2012
Dear Karen & Family,
Our deepest condolences to you all. Roger was a kind hearted man. He'll be dearly missed.
Allan & Ann Gorski
April 4, 2012
Karen and family, I am so sorry to hear about Roger. Sure miss going to the bar and having your awesome fish fries on Friday nights. He was a superior friend to everyone that knew him. He will be missed by many people.
Judie Erickson (Wittenberg)
Bob Elliott
April 4, 2012
Karen I'm so sorry for your lost Roger was a great man. I can remember growing up in Elderon watching him picth, it was a honor to know him.
April 4, 2012
TO ROGER BRESKE FAMILY, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I SAW AND TALKED TO ROGER MANY TIMES IN MADISON. MIKE POSKIE
(COTTAGE GROVE, WIS.)
john anderson
April 4, 2012
karen and children,just heard.....my deepest condolences,POOR ROGER,my friend for 40 years.....really wish i could be there...
April 4, 2012
Karen, Jill, Jodi, Jim and John,
I am so very very sorry to hear about Roger. I have many fond memories through the years. You are all in my prayers!!!
Debbie "Gorecki" Koenig
Cindy Lex
April 4, 2012
Karen, jill Jody, John and Jim. all of you and your families have our deepest condolences!! What a shock to hear about Roger. Stay strong and god will help you all through this tough time. We all have great memories of Roger and will always have him in our hearts!! Danny and Cindy Lex
April 4, 2012
Karen and family. Our deepest sympathy on the death of Roger. I will always remember the good times we had over the years at the church picnic and class reunions. He was always a good friend. I'm just sorry you two didn't have more retirement years together. We will have to get together this summer. We just bought a camper and are putting it on Mayflower lake. We plan on being up there about 3 1/2 months this summer to get out of the Missouri heat. I'll call you later this spring when we are set up.
Ron&Bev Yach
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