Obit: Michlig, Elizabeth R. (1938 - 2015)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Danielson, Frees, Graykowski, Grevatch, Hale, Hanke, McCarten, Magrecke, Michlig, Smith, Steffen

----Source: The Wausau Record Herald (Wausau, WI) 3/20/2015

Michlig, Elizabeth R. (McCarten) (2 SEP 1938 - 16 MAR 2015)

Elizabeth R. Michlig, 76, Wausau, died Monday, March 16, 2015 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Hospice House and surrounded by family.

She was born September 2, 1938 in Wausau, daughter of the late Edgar and Sophia (Graykowski) McCarten.

She attended St. James Grade School and Wausau Senior High. She was an avid skier; working on the ski patrol and as a ski instructor. She became a licensed beautician and joined the family business at The Vogue. Three children in 2 years and 2 months changed her career to full time mother; a daunting task which she excelled at. When her youngest entered school, she returned to the workforce, working until she was 72, the last 27 years at the Wausau Hospital.

In her youth, Liz knew what it meant to be young and alive. More than one pool table bore the wear from her jitter bug. Throughout her life that sense of fun was obvious to all through her quick wit and constant smile.

Her cottage on Papke Lake not only provided sanctuary but a chance to reconnect with her fun loving youth. Whether friend or family, weekends at the cottage were always memorable.
Following the successes of her grandchildren was a full time job. It is difficult to imagine a sport or activity that her grandchildren did not excel in. If you asked her, she would tell you that each was her favorite.

In retirement she lived life like we all say we would; watching movies, reading books and simply enjoying quiet solitude. Except for the Sundays in the fall when she would scream, "get 'em" at the TV during the Packers' games.

Liz impacted so many lives in so many different ways, words could never do her justice. Loving mother, nurturing grandmother and wisecracking wit; Liz's upbeat personality and warm smile will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her children, Steven (Kris) Michlig, Rhinelander, and their children, Billy, Tyler and Lucas; Michael (Laurie) Michlig, Wausau, and their children, Ben, Ricky and Matt; Mary (Michael) Steffen, Wausau, and their children, Amy (Jon) Danielson and their children, Evan and Claire; Eric (fiancé Ashley Hale) Steffen and Michelle Steffen; Jane (Brian) Smith, Wausau, and their children, Brad (Mary) Smith, Phillip (fiancé Melissa Frees) Hanke, Dan (Sophia) Smith and Jacob Hanke; sister, Julia Magrecke; sister-in-law, Mary Lou McCarten; many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Michael and John McCarten and the father of her children, Vern Michlig.

The family would like to thank The Gardens and Hospice House for the understanding , compassion and care that they offered our mother.

Funeral services will be 5:00 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Rev. William Grevatch will officiate.

Friends may call Thursday from 3:30 p.m. until the time of services all at the Sixth Street funeral home.

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