Aaron Wicker

Aaron D. Wicker, 78, of Wausau, passed away peacefully September 6, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Aaron was born October 22, 1942, in Colby, Wisconsin to Elmer and Blandina “Tena” (Dahlke) Wicker.

Aaron is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rose Wicker; children Deborah (David) Cyrtmus, Christopher (Amy) Wicker and Corrina Merklein (Todd Trittin); grandchildren Brandon (Autumn), Jacqueline (Aaron), Bethany, Alex, Mason, Garrett, Vance, Maizi, Hannah (Kaleb) and Henry; 1 great-grandchild Cash; Exchange students David, Catherina and Melissa; Sisters Carol Bandt and Donna (Roman) Baca; brother-in-law; sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Morris Wicker and brother-in-law Marvin Bandt.

Aaron graduated from Colby High School in 1961. He joined the US Navy directly out of high school, beginning with his basic training at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. During his 4 ½ years of Naval service, he was aboard several ships with his main tour onboard the USS King DLG-10. He was very proud to have served in the US Navy for those years.

In 1971, Aaron and Rose started Wausau Catering. Years later, they expanded to The Rose Garden Banquet and Catering. Throughout the years in business, they gave back to many local organizations including Comfort Care and Hospice Festival of Trees and Empty Bowls.

Aaron had a passion for using his hands to create; having designed and built many buildings for use in the business. In 2001 he was the recipient of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Regional Restauranteur of the Year Award. In 2003 The Rose Garden was recognized as the Small Business of the Year by the Wausau Area Chamber of Commerce.

Aaron was a proud member of The Timberline Figure Skating Club, Stettin Lions, Wausau Elks Lodge 248, and Navy Club Ship 64. He cultivated many long-lasting relationships with his employees, golf friends and area business leaders.

Aaron and Rose enjoyed golfing and traveling with family and close friends.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 12 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams Street, Wausau. A funeral mass will be held Monday, September 13 at 11:00 am at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 621 N 2nd Street, Wausau with a visitation beginning at 10:00 am at church. Entombment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of the Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Comfort Care and Hospice Services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, or a charity of your choice in Aaron’s name