Rodney Bliese

Rodney Bliese "Butch"

Wausau-Age 80.  Passed away at Asprius Wausau Hospital on Saturday, October 28, 2023, with his life-partner, Mary Beth, at his side.

He was born on February 14, 1943, to the late Wilbur and Flora (Isberner) Bliese.   He attended grade school at Trinity Lutheran, Town of Wausau and graduated from Wausau High School in 1961.  He went on to receive his Accounting Degree from NC Technical College.

At an early age, he helped on the family farm, picked up milk from local farmers for his dad's milk route.  Butch worked at the Zephyr Station on 6th St in Wausau, when you pumped gas, checked oil and windshield washer fluid for patrons.  He went on to work at Murray's, Hoffer Glass, operated Homestead Bar and Sunset Bar.  After leaving the bar business, he began a career of building houses.  In his later years, he worked for a medical transport company and ended his working career working for Loomis Armored Truck Company.  

 When not working, Butch enjoyed waterskiing at the cottage on Flannery Lake in Rhinelander, bowling on several leagues, shooting pool, playing cards and golfing.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoying hunting trips out west for mule deer and elk; fishing in Canada, Devil's Lake and his favorite was fishing for salmon in Lake Michigan at Algoma.  
 
 Butch was a past member, officer and supporter of the Wausau, Easton, Hewitt Lion's Club.  He truly enjoyed frying potato pancakes for the annual pancake dinner.  He enjoyed traveling and over the years traveled to Hawaii, Alaska, Vegas on a few occasions and took a couple of cruises. Butch and Mary Beth enjoyed traveling to the National Parks out west, Branson, Missouri, lighthouses in Upper Michigan, and Mackinaw Island.  They also traveled many times south to enjoy time with Mary Beth's sons and their families.
 
 Butch is survived by his life-long partner of 30 years, Mary Beth Prieve Tolley; her sons Stephen of TN, and David of MI and their families; sisters Frances "Tootie" (Ron) Beyer of Stevens Point and Dawn (Darrell) Will of Ringle, as well as many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by 3 aunts Phyllis, Verda and Delores Bliese, many cousins, other relatives and friends. 
 
 Butch is preceded in death by his parents, paternal and maternal grandparents, several aunts and uncles.  
 
 A visitation will be held on Friday, November 3 at ST. STEPHENS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 512 McClellan St., Wausau, from 9-11:45 am. The funeral service will follow at 12 pm (noon).  Interment will be at Restlawn Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Butch's name to the church.  
 
 The family would like to thank all of the doctors, case workers, manager, supervisor, nurses, CNS's and staff at Palliative Care unit for the excellent care given to Butch the past 26 days.  Also, so to family and friends who helped MaryBeth care for Butch the past 9 months.