Giesela Laatsch, 87, of Wausau, died Monday, Sept. 22, 2014 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. 
Giesela was born March 18, 1927, in Germany, daughter of the late August and Elsie Paul. She married Robert F. Laatsch on July 16, 1955. He preceded her in death on Feb. 10, 1983. Giesela was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Town of Maine, Marathon County. She enjoyed playing bingo, polka music and dancing, the outdoors, and her pet cats. Giesela especially enjoyed spending time with her family.
Survivors include two daughters, Patricia (Bruce) Plautz, of Reedsburg, WI, and Jean (Bill) Wayda, of Merrill; one son, Bruce (Barb) Laatsch, of Merrill; seven grandchildren, Tracey (Mike) Sherwood, of Reedsburg, Tanya (Mike) Copas, of Stevens Point, Dana Plautz (Mark Allbaugh), of Reedsburg, Jacob Laatsch, of Mosinee, Sammy Laatsch, of Kronenwetter, Zachary Wayda, of Merrill, and Joshua Wayda, of Merrill; seven great-grandchildren, Haley, Saige, Ross, Riley, Maya, Sylas, and Kyle; two sisters, Irma Stine, of Merrill, and Joyce (Jerry) Jawson, of Berlin, WI; six brothers, Alfred Paul, of Faircrest, VA, Walter Paul, of Beloit, Herbert (Betty) Paul, of Kimberly, WI, Frederick (Bev) Paul, of Sterling Heights, MI, David (Jan) Paul, of Neenah, and Michael Paul, of Greenville, WI; and many nieces and nephews. Giesela was preceded in death by her husband, Robert F. Laatsch; one son, Ronald Laatsch; her parents, August and Elsie Paul; and six siblings, Ursula Mueller, Margaret Goehe, Adeline Paul, Donald Paul, Lester Paul, and Robert Paul.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 26, at Faith Lutheran Church, Town of Maine. Rev. Kevin Hoogland will officiate. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Town of Maine. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Thursday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 10 a.m., Friday at the church.
The family wishes to thank Benedictine Living Community of Wausau and Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the excellent care provided to their mother.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.