Wendy P. Horak

Wendy Pauline Horak (Gay), 82 years old, born September 8th, 1941, in Tacoma WA. Passed on to eternal life July 6th, 2024. Passing away on the 1938 and 1912 wedding anniversaries of her mother and father and maternal grandmother and grandfather. 

Wendy grew up in Tacoma with her family, father Bernard Anthony Gay, Mother June Elizabeth Gay (Larsen), sister Maureen and brother Charles. She attended Stadium High school in Tacoma but spent her senior year at the newly opened Wilson High school, graduating in 1959, and went on to study at Washington State University in Pullman, WA. In the fall of 1961, she met Jack Elroy Horak, an army soldier stationed at Fort Lewis, WA. They married and were blessed with 2 sons, Richard Charles Horak and Christopher Michael Horak, Wausau, WI. 

They moved to Wisconsin in spring of 1965 to own and operate Jack’s family business, Horak’s Texaco (at the time). Wendy became an integral part of the business, not only managing, bookkeeping but also pumping gas, and performing almost all aspects of running a small business, all while raising a family with Jack. In December 1987 they divorced. Wendy went on to work at Mt View Mobil and Wausau Supply, applying her vast knowledge and expertise. 

In 1991 she moved back to Washington to be closer to her mother who was battling Alzheimer’s/dementia. Her companion (Mark Engebrecht) moved with her. She took employment with an accounting firm, once again displaying her many talents with record keeping and bookkeeping. She retired a few years later. In 2006 they returned to Wisconsin, and she purchased a home (which she was extremely proud of) on the west side of Wausau, to be closer to her sons. In 2012, Mark and Wendy split. Wendy continued living in her home on her own. 

In 2020 we found Wendy needing in home care (her son Chris took the lead). After a few brief hospitalizations over that year and the next, she was transferred to Pinecrest Nursing Home in Merrill, WI. February of 2021. 

During her stay at Pinecrest, she participated in many events and activities as her illnesses took their toll. She bonded with many residents and staff, while at times, almost directing and managing the residents and activities. River, a therapy dog which she had a deep bond with, visited frequently along with weekly visits by son Chris. COPD (emphysema), congestive heart failure, Alzheimer’s (dementia) and Cancer (lung, brain, bone) all created discomfort for her in her stay at Pinecrest. Cancer being her final and fatal adversary. Over the years many pets blessed Wendy’s life, her cat Miss Cutie Pie, now resides with her son, Chris. 

Wendy was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and her son; Richard (June 4, 2010)

Survivors include Sister, Maureen Nagel (Dennis), Huntington Beach, CA, Brother, Charles Gay (Ingrid), Puyallup, WA, Son, Christopher Michael Horak (Jessica Schade), Wausau, WI, Granddaughter, Amy Pauline Horak (Corey Triem), Madison, WI, Former daughter-in-law, Solange Fuentes (Ken Koppa) Madison (Wausau), and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Many thanks go out to the amazing staff at Pinecrest. Angela, Brooke, Hannah, Sheila, Stephanie, Walter, and the rest of the Dr’s, nurses and caregivers, our family thanks you for your kindness and care extended to Wendy.  

Thank you to Aspirus Hospice for the care she received in her final days. 

Please make any contributions to: The Marathon County Humane Society or a charity of your choice in Wendy’s name. 

Visitation will be held at 12pm on July 19, 2024, at Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams Street, Wausau, followed by a short service.