Surnames: Annen, Borski, Budimilija, Fink, Gates, Gorski, Kowalski, Mielke, Rashka, Rieck, Swift, Warner, Weber

----Source: The Star News (Medford, Taylor Co., Wisconsin) Thursday, May 19, 2011, online edition

Warner, Rodney Jay (March 23, 1930 - May 11, 2011)

Rodney Jay Warner passed away on May 11, 2011 at his home, with his wife and family at his side, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Rodney was born March 23, 1930 in Rib Lake, Wis., to the late Fern and Ora Warner.

He married his high school sweetheart, Rita Mae Annen, on July 3, 1948 in Milwaukee, Wis.

Rodney worked many jobs in life, Rib Lake Cheese Factory, Rondeau's Cold Storage and started Rod's Refrigeration and Heating, retiring in 1986. Retirement didn't last long for Rodney. He soon became bored and went to work as a driver for Airborne Express and most recently for Don Prohaska at The Olde Iron Shoppe.

His love of the outdoors and enthusiasm for life enabled him to make friends with anyone and to experience life to its fullest. Many hours were spent hunting, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, trap shooting, playing cribbage or just shootin' the breeze. There are many memorable times at the cabin in Phillips and each of us will hold them close to our hearts. Rodney was a mentor to one and all, teaching many life lessons. At a very young age, Rodney became a mason and his grandson, Trace Rieck, is following in his footsteps making him very proud.

Rodney is survived by his wife, Rita Mae (Annen) Warner, and children Bethany and Steve Weber of Kalispell, Mont., Trudy and Richard Fink of Oak Harbor, Wash., Scott and Marcie Warner, Peggy and David Kowalski, Todd and Lynn Warner, Brian Warner, Natalie and John Rieck, and special friend and neighbor, Marilyn Rashka, all of Mosinee, Wis., and of course his beloved dog, Annie. Grandchildren, Tyler Weber, Zachary Weber, Amanda (Weber) Swift, Forest Fink, Matthew Fink, Lucas Fink, Eric Gorski, Molly (Warner) Borski, Benjamin Kowalski, Lydia Kowalski, Nettie (Kowalski) Gates, Nathan Warner, Bradley Rieck, Trace Rieck and 20 great-grandchildren. Sisters, Patricia Budimilija and Lois Mielke, and a brother, Kenneth Warner.

He is preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter, Deborah, brothers Doyle Warner (infant) and Duane Warner and grandson, Jameson Rieck.

A celebration of Rodney's life will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Mosinee. Visitation will begin at 12:30 with the memorial service to follow at 2:00.
Rodney and family would like to thank his many friends, family and all the people who made him laugh, loved him and enjoyed life with him. A special thank you to Dawn, his hospice nurse, who became his friend and made his final journey peaceful.

A quote from Rodney "I've had a Great Life."

In lieu of flowers and donations, the family requests only your presence and stories.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.