Laurene Writz

Laurene Esther (Passehl) Writz, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice House, Wausau, WI. She was born on July 8, 1926 in the Town of Frankfurt to Ernest Sr. and Louise (Leffel) Passehl. She was baptized on July 25, 1926 and confirmed on March 17, 1940, at St. John's ELCA in the Town of Wein. Laurene graduated from Colby High School in 1944, and also that year met the love of her life, George Writz. After high school, she raised turkeys on her parents' farm. In 1946 she moved to Marshfield, where she worked for three years at the Weinbrenner Shoe Factory. Laurene married George T. Writz on July 26, 1947. This year they joyfully celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. In 1954, they moved to the Town of Frankfurt and started a dairy farm. In 1966 they moved to Wausau, where she drove a mini-bus for the Wausau School District until her retirement in 1974. She enjoyed flower gardening, sewing, and baking. She treasured their travels, with destinations including all 50 states, multiple countries in Europe, and a family cruise through the Panama Canal. Laurene is survived by her spouse George and her two children: Sharon (James) West and Gerald Writz, both of Wausau; her grandchildren Lisa (Jess) Garms, Angela Writz, Katelyn Writz, and Cassandra Writz; her great-grandson Roman Garms, and many loving nieces, nephews and relatives. Laurene was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Bertha Weyneth, Alvin Passehl, Ernest Passehl, Herbert Passehl and Irene Passehl. A funeral service will be held at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, 3200 N Mountain Rd, Wausau, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2017. A visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service and after the service. The Rev. Craig Swenson will officiate. A private family burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice House or the Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences may be left at www.brainardfuneral.com. The family would like to thank all the wonderful helpers that have cared for her; each of you have been a gift to her and to our family.