Julie Rhyner

Julie Kettunen Rhyner Julie Alice (Kettunen) Rhyner, 88, daughter of the late Andrew and Lempi (Koppana) Kettunen, passed away peacefully on November 3rd, 2021 under the compassionate care of Aspirus Hospice House after a brief illness.

Julie was born on July 11, 1933 in Wausau, the youngest of 5 siblings. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Wausau. Julie married William R. Rhyner on January 29, 1955 and celebrated 56 loving years together. Bill passed away on April 3, 2011. Shortly after their marriage, they became charter members of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Rothschild. Julie graduated from Wausau High School in 1951 and started working at Salvo Chemical in Rothschild right after high school. She worked there for 5 years then stayed home raising their 3 children. In 1969, Julie started work at Robert W. Baird & Co until 1982 when her and Bill moved to Hawaii for his job with Zimpro Corp. Upon return to Wausau in 1983, Julie began work at Northcentral Technical College until 1995.   Julie and Bill retired to Eagle River, WI before returning to Wausau when Bill became ill. Julie enjoyed bowling, golfing. cross country skiing, fishing, playing cards, casinos, and reading. She loved being with her children, grandchildren and family. Julie and Bill spent 9 winters in Lady Lake, FL where they enjoyed visits with friends and family. Julie was preceded in death by her parents and 4 brothers: Ralph, Paul, Roger and Kenneth Kettunen, and twin grandsons Jack and Cody Rhyner. Julie is survived by son, Joel (Jean) Rhyner of Eagle River, and daughters Peggy (Bill) Forrest of Eagle River and Stacy Vergin of Wausau; 3 grandchildren Jennifer (Mark) Henricks of Apple Valley, MN, Betsy (Adam) Nelson of Mosinee, Debi Rhyner of Milwaukee, 4 step granddaughters Lesley (Chris) Hammer of Milton, Gina (Jonathan) Schuster of Verona, Jamie (Bonnie Langrehr) Forrest of Madison, Amanda (Bob) Ikens of Madison; 4 great grandchildren and 7 great step grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 930 Edgewood Road, Wausau.  The Rev Kemp Jones is officiating. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park.  visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 am at the church on Thursday