Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care

03/17/2026

Remembering William “Bill” L. Dahlke
May 9, 1941 – Feb. 26, 2026

Bill will be remembered for his kind heart, generous spirit, and the quiet joy he found in serving others. A longtime member of the Wausau Area Transit System, he took pride in caring for the people in his community. He also shared his love of music through barbershop choruses and church choirs, bringing his voice and faith together in ways that touched many. Bill lived a life centered on faith, family, and simple joys. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Read his full story & share a memory:

View William L. Dahlke's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/17/2026

Remembering Jennifer J. Heal-Burns
Dec. 10, 1976 – Mar. 13, 2026

Jenny will be remembered for her warm heart, quick humor, and the genuine kindness she shared with everyone she met. A true “people person,” she had a gift for conversation and connection, whether caring for clients as a hairstylist or helping customers in her work in banking and customer service.

Throughout her long and courageous battle with cancer, Jenny faced life with quiet strength, humor, and grace. Her love for family, friends, and the simple joys of life left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Her final message says it best: “Be Kind.”

Read her full story & share a memory:

View Jennifer J. Heal-Burns's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/17/2026

Remembering Robert “Big Bob” VanLanen
Sept. 13, 1958 – Mar. 8, 2026

Bob will be remembered for his big personality, quick wit, and the generous heart that made him someone people could always count on. A skilled welder and entrepreneur, he approached life with determination, pride, and a willingness to help anyone in need.

Read his full story & share a memory:

View Robert John VanLanen's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/17/2026

Remembering Brian Bessette
Sept. 12, 1966 – Mar. 8, 2026

Brian will be remembered for his generous heart, strong work ethic, and the joy he found in time spent with family and friends. A proud father and grandfather, he loved sharing outdoor adventures and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Read his full story & share a memory:

View Brian M Bessette's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/15/2026

How’s everybody doing out there?! Here’s a look at our team during this historic blizzard. Grateful to all those who work long hours in snow removal during times like these - stay safe!

03/11/2026

Join us in celebrating the Funeral Directors of Ascend today on National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day

A Funeral Director's Prayer
“Lord, give me the patience needed to serve everyone as my own;
the wisdom to understand other's feelings;
the knowledge to learn as well as to instruct;
the kindness to treat everyone equally at all times;
the strength to endure long hours and hard work;
the desire to serve others as I would my own family;
the humility to accept words of thanks and praise;
the compassion to touch another's soul;
the pride and the right to smile when I have served a family well;
and Lord, most importantly the right to shed an honest tear when my heart is touched;
Lord, make me thankful that I am a Funeral Director.”

03/04/2026

Remembering Yuying B. Lo
March 24, 2003 – Feb. 26, 2026

Yuying will be remembered for his kind heart, joyful spirit, and deep devotion to hisamily. Known for his caring nature and bright personality, he brought warmth and laughter to those around him. He carried a dream of becoming a firefighter and lived with a strong desire to serve and protect others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Read his full story & share a memory:

View Yuying B. Lo's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/26/2026

Remembering Gerald “Jerry” Edward Gehrmann
July 26, 1947 – Feb. 24, 2026

Jerry will be remembered for his strength, steady presence, and deep devotion to his family and country. A proud Army Veteran and respected “Bud Man” for over four decades, he lived with integrity, resilience, and a quick, sarcastic wit that kept those around him smiling. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Read his full story & share a memory:

View Gerald "Jerry" Edward Gehrmann's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/26/2026

Remembering Bradley D. Mroczenski
Dec. 15, 1966 – Feb. 24, 2026

Brad will be remembered for his generous heart, love of the outdoors, and unwavering devotion to his family. Whether cheering from the sidelines, spending time on the golf course, or enjoying quiet moments woodworking, he found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments.

Read his full story & share a memory:

View Bradley D. Mroczenski's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/23/2026

Remembering Nicholas James Bierman
March 14, 1983 – Feb. 19, 2026

Nick will be remembered for his steady strength, deep love for his family, and the joy he found in the outdoors. A devoted husband and proud father, he treasured time spent with Sarah and their boys, whether around a campfire, in the woods, or simply together at home.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Read his full story & share a memory:

View Nicholas James Bierman's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/23/2026

Remembering Marcia L. Spacher
Sept. 24, 1946 – Feb. 9, 2026

Marcia will be remembered for her quiet strength, steady presence, and lifelong devotion to caring for others. As a nurse, leader, mother, and friend, she found deep purpose in supporting those around her both professionally and personally.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Read her full story & share a memory:

View Marcia L Spacher's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/19/2026

This week has been full of sweet surprises. Notably when a family marked the anniversary of the passing of their loved one by remembering us here at Ascend. Not only was this a gift of beautiful flowers, but also their loved one’s favorite vase to us!
The trust our community places in us will always be at the heart of our work.