Gertrude Spatz

Gertrude D. Spatz, 97, of Wausau, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, surrounded by her loving family at Benedictine Living Community, Wausau.

She was born on March 12, 1924, in Wausau, the daughter of the late Anton and Pauline Lenard. On December 6, 1941, she married John A. Spatz, Jr. in Maquoketa, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on October 1, 2001.

Gertrude was a kind, caring mother who never complained.  She loved to cook and bake for her family.  She also enjoyed needlepoint and collecting angel and cardinal items.  She loved animals of all kinds, especially dogs.  She enjoyed watching the birds at the feeder by her window.  Playing bingo was a favorite pastime, and she was known for her winning streaks.  Gertrude was always quick to smile and offer compliments to others.  She will be greatly missed by her family.

Survivors include her children, Joan (James) Binkowski of Weston, Gary (Bonnie) Spatz of Wausau, and Bruce Spatz of Wausau; daughter-in-law, Deborah Spatz of Wausau; 11 grandchildren, Jill, Jamie, Aaron, Carmon, David, Janet, Patricia, Kristopher, Joshua, Zachary and Tyler; 18 great-grandchildren, Anthony, James, Christopher, Kaitelyn, Cody, Finley, Callum, Odin, Haakon, Jason, Nathaniel, Dakota, Matthew, Lilah, Zander, Arthur, Abigail Kay, and Christopher; two great-great-grandchildren, Kayden and Jace; one sister, Cecelia Braun; many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends, including Michelle Spatz and Nora Spatz; and her son Bruce's dog, Molly, who she loved and adored.

In addition to her parents and husband John, she was further preceded in death by her son, Paul Spatz, granddaughter, Kelsey Spatz Schroeder, great-granddaughter, Hailey Spatz, great-grandson, Lucas Spatz, brothers, Theophilus "Phil", Benedict, and Paul Lenard, and sister, Sophia Braun.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, June 21, 2021, at St. Anne Parish,  700 W. Bridge St. Wausau.  Rev. Tom Lindner will officiate.  Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service on Monday, all at the church.  Family visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until 10:00 A.M.

Brainard Funeral Home- Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

The funeral service will be live-streamed and can be viewed by visiting brainardfuneral.com and clicking on her obituary.  You may also offer condolences and messages for her family there.

The family would like to thank the entire compassionate staff of Benedictine Living Community for the exceptional care and friendship shown to Gertie over the past 11 years, as well as Dr. Thomas Rengel, Dr. Thomas Stoffel, and Dr. Patrick Allen for their excellent care.