Reverend Praeuner

Reverend Herbert Praeuner will be remembered for his kind, gentle personality and the love he had for his Lord. He touched the lives of many as Pastor, mentor and friend.

At the age of 85, Herbert was called to his Heavenly home on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 surrounded by his family at Tender Reflections, Weston.

He was born on June 18, 1930 in Fort Scott, Kansas to the late Otto and Helene (Brandt) Praeuner. Herbert attended St. John's College Academy in Winfield, KS graduating in 1948 with his high school diploma. Two years later he completed his pre-seminary studies at the same academy. On July 8, 1955 Herbert married Ruth Bauer at Trinity Lutheran Church in Center Line, MI. They moved to St. Louis, MO with Herbert achieving his Bachelor of Arts Degree at Concordia Seminary. He served his vicarage at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, IN in 1954 and in 1956 he was awarded his Theological Diploma as well as ordained into the ministry.

His first call as a minister was at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ontonagon, MI along with two other nearby country churches. Herbert later started Peace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire serving that church from 1961-1968. In 1968, the Praeuner family moved to Wausau with Herbert serving as Associate Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church on Stewart Ave. He later became Senior Pastor serving the congregation for 48 years. Upon retiring, he thoroughly enjoyed his new position as Visitation Pastor visiting the sick and homebound members of Trinity.

In his younger years, Herbert enjoyed fishing and camping with his family. Whether it was walking or working in his flower and vegetable gardens, he loved spending time outdoors.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth of Wausau, three children, Mary (Art) Osten of Fox River Grove, Ill, Rebecca (Mike) Hase of Wausau, Thomas Praeuner of Wausau, four grandchildren, Meghann (Travis) White, Caleb Hase, Ben (Abigail) Hase, Max Hase and two great granddaughters, Kyrah and Hailey White. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Lorna, Donna and Anne.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 18, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Ave., Wausau. Reverend Gary Schultz and Reverend Zach Holdorf will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church and Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or School.

We would like to thank the staff at Tender Reflections for the kindness and care they gave Dad and our family during his residence.