Cecilia M. Huntimer

Celia Huntimer died peacefully in the palliative care unit of Aspirus Wausau Hospital on September 21st, 2026 with her husband of 54 years by her side. After years of living with peripheral vascular disease and a lower leg amputation in 2021, Celia faced a difficult final chapter with the same Irish spirit and determination that carried her through so much of her life.

Cecilia (Celia) Marie Byrne was born on December 31st, 1949 in St. Paul, MN to Eugene and Marguerite (Marge) Byrne. She grew up in a lively home with her parents, her sister, Vicki, brother, Jimmy, and their beloved grandmother, Victoria Beliveau. She was close with her many cousins, attending grade school together and exploring Como Park. Those early years shaped so much of who Celia became. The family moved to Duluth, MN and lived in a beautiful historic home. Her bedroom was on the third floor overlooking Lake Superior. She always enjoyed visiting that great lake.

Celia attended an all girls Catholic school where her leadership, independence, and Irish spirit quickly became apparent. She was senior class president and took an active role in school life. Celia also had a mischievous streak and occasionally led her classmates in adventures that both challenged and frustrated the nuns who taught them.

Celia's free spirit led her down a path to spread her wings - literally. She became a flight attendant for North Central Airlines. She loved taking care of her passengers, she cherished friendships she made with fellow flight attendants, and enjoyed all the adventures that came with the job. Celia didn't intend to marry. Flying was her love; until she met Dennis. As Dennis held Celia's hand up until her final hours, he repeatedly said "Our marriage is nothing short of a love story." It was a quick nuptial. Best friends became husband and wife on August 4th, 1972. From here they built a home and a family full of love.

Celia devoted her life to raising her three children: Michelle, Denise, and Dylan. She was immensely proud of them and especially happy to see each of them graduate from the University of Wisconsin, marry, and have children of their own. She loved watching their families grow and being part of their lives. She loved Badger football, spending time with her many friends, and, of course, being in her kitchen.

The kitchen was Celia's favorite room in the house. She was always searching for new recipes, planning the next meal, or finding any excuse to gather people around the table. The table settings were a work of art and she had dishes for every occasion. From the napkins, to the flowers and candles, every detail was thought out with love.

Celia had an extraordinary gift of creativity and thoughtfulness. Holiday surprise gift baskets for the grandchildren were always opened with excitement. Her creative nature showed through the crafts she made for the church bazaar and her homemade cards, complete with a funny joke inside. She would leave beanie babies on the grandkid’s beds when they came to visit, and always had their favorite snacks waiting for them on the table.

Celia is survived by her husband, Dennis; daughters Michelle (Erik) Malinowski and Denise (Chad) Wiegel; son Dylan (Alayne) Huntimer; and seven grandchildren, Sasha and Desmond Malinowski, Mya, Maddy, and McKenna Wiegel, and Ellie and Avery Huntimer. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Nola (Gary) Swier, brother-in-law Rick (Tammy) Huntimer, sister-in-law Nancy Sheridan, special cousin Dick Gardner, and many beloved Byrne cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Marge; sister Victoria; brother James; and brother-in-law Dale Huntimer.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm noon, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Brainard Funeral Home in Weston. A visitation will take place from 10:00 am until the time of services at the funeral home. Pastor Lance Hoelscher will officiate.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone at Aspirus Wausau Hospital who cared for Celia. Special thanks to the palliative care team and all the fabulous nurses and nursing assistants who have cared for our “special girl” so compassionately. God Bless you all.