Vera Kamrath

Vera Kamrath, 94, died at Marywood Nursing Home on March 24, 2011. She was the last of her family of nine children. Vera was born on December 10, 1916, in the family home on the southeast corner of (2207) Grand Avenue and Kent Street to Joseph and Emma (Trechsel) Winter who had immigrated separately to Wisconsin from Switzerland. She was baptized the next month and confirmed in 1932 at Zion Lutheran church.

Vera attended Zion School through the eighth grade and then Wausau High School. She married Jason "Bussy" Kamrath at the Zion Lutheran Church parsonage July 15, 1939. Their first apartment, completely furnished including the dishes, was the upper at 522 First Avenue (formerly Harrison Blvd.) which rented for $5 a week. During their early years together Vera worked at Wilson Hurd and continued working until expecting their first child when she became a homemaker.

Mrs. Kamrath was active at First English Lutheran Church which she joined at the time of their marriage. Vera was a member of Grace Circle and spent many years cooking at the fair stand, for funerals, and men's breakfasts. She was also a den mother for her two Cub Scout sons and active in the Homme Home Auxiliary.

Vera enjoyed crocheting, baking, word find puzzles, raking leaves, and shoveling snow before leaving her home on Spruce Street to spend her final year at Primrose Assisted Living and her final month at Marywood.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bussy in 1997 and by sisters Annie Borth, Emmy Krueger, Letty Hildebrandt, Josephine Winter, and brothers Karl, Ed, and twin boys who died during infancy.

Her survivors include her son Jay (Kristine) Kamrath, Wausau; son Thomas (Mary) Kamrath, Peculiar, Missouri; granddaughter Kalli (Christopher) Reinheimer, great-grandson Lucas Reinheimer, step-great-grandchildren Jack, Isaiah, and Ashley Reinheimer all at home in Oak Creek, Wisconsin; grandson Dustan (Beth) Kamrath and great-grandchildren Taylor, Levi, and Brody Kamrath all at home in Des Moines. She is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews including Lorry (Wayne) Kleinschmidt, Wausau, and Bev (Roger) Berg, Largo, Florida.

A memorial service is planned for 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 1, at First English Lutheran Church with the Rev. Erik Olson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service and afterwards at a reception in the church parlors. Memorials may be directed to First English in lieu of flowers. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family would like to thank the always caring and helpful staff at Primrose. Additionally, thanks go to the wonderful staff at Marywood, Dr. Kay Gruling, and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their care of Vera in her last days.