Carolyn J. Schirmer

Carolyn J. Schirmer, 85, of Wausau, WI, passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

She was born on June 15, 1938, in Rib Lake, WI, to the late Fred and Erna (Zuther) Hengst.  Carolyn and her 12 siblings grew up on a pre-electricity dairy farm so they made a lot of their own fun among themselves; from being thrown in the stream to learn how to swim, leaping off the roof of the barn into the hay, as well as jumping on cow bellies in the road.  She learned her amazing cooking and baking skills when she was young and carried them through the rest of her life.  She also met the love of her life, Raymond Schirmer, when she was very young, and chased him relentlessly until they were married in 1957.  Together they had four sons, and lived a life rich with friends, clubs and collecting.       

Carolyn will be missed by her sons, Raymond (Sharon) Schirmer, Robert (Michelle) Schirmer, Russell (Beverly) Schirmer, and Ronald (John Berrigan Jr.) Schirmer; grandchildren, Becci (Drew) Raatz, Rachele Montgomery, Shelby (Mike) Connelly, Karsyn (Brian) Zetah; siblings,  Irene (Kay "Skip") Gram, Fred (Diane) Hengst, and Grace Hengst (Mary Adair); as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.  

She is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Schirmer; siblings, Arleen, Melvin, Jack, Monte, Bernice, Maryann, Esther, Alice, James.

A funeral service will take place on Monday, July 31, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., at Helke Funeral Home in Wausau, with Pastor Karoline Schwantes officiating.  Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.  Burial will take place at a later date.