Posted: Tue 2:40 PM, Jun 26, 2012
Funeral Home: Brainard
Theodora Ida Marie Zuelsdorff, age 91 of Wausau, entered heaven on June 24th, 2012 surrounded by her family.
She was born May 28, 1921, in Wausau, the daughter of the late Theodore and Hedwig (Brendt) Jaecks. On September 24, 1949, she married Darwin A. Zuelsdorff at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Wausau.
Theodora also known as Theo or Teddy, enjoyed eating out, playing sheepshead, listening to Books on Tape, and spending time with her family. Before losing her sight, she was an avid knitter, making beautiful afghans, fancy sweaters for family members as well as wool socks to keep our feet warm.
She was part owner of a restaurant prior to starting her family. Theo taught Sunday school when she was younger, served as den mother for her son’s Cub Scout troop and was the President of the Maine School Mothers Club.
When Darwin started his heating business, Theodora did the bookkeeping and secretary work for him. Upon retirement, they spent several winters being snowbirds in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Family was important to Theodora. Spending time outdoors camping or walking in the woods, picnics, watching cross country races, basketball, baseball, soccer, track events with her children and grandchildren made memories for all of us. Christmas was always a very special time – Theodora loved to make this a happy time for everyone with plenty of good food and gifts for all.
Survivors include her husband, Darwin; three children, Ned (Kathy) Zuelsdorff, Cable, WI, Kay (Timothy) Treu, Wausau, and Sue (Robert) Roeske, Rothschild; five grandchildren, Megan Zuelsdorff & Rob Howard, Madison, Christina Treu & Mark Hudnall, River Falls, WI, Brian Zuelsdorff, Madison, Brook Roeske, Wausau, Melissa & Michael Tercha, Manitowoc; four great-grandchildren, Oliver and Yuri Zuelsdorff, and Abigail and Samuel Tercha. She is further survived by sister-in-law, Joan Jaecks, Wausau, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Arnold, Melvin, Harvey, Norman, and Kenneth.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 426 Washington St. Wausau. Pastor Keane Foster will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the church.
Brainard Funeral Home, Wausau is assisting the family with arrangments.
Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Theodora’s name may be directed to the Wisconsin Talking Book & Braille Library, Blind Outreach at Trinity Lutheran Church – LCMS, American Diabetes Association, or The Marathon County Humane Society.
