MARATHON COUNTY, WI (OnFocus) – The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office has positively identified the body found in Rib Mountain on August 22, 2022, as Robert E. Wenitschka, a 74- year-old male, who died of natural causes.
Through their investigation, the Sheriff’s Office learned that Wenitschka was homeless with no ties to the Wausau area. A social media search led detectives to Wenitschka’s family in Illinois and Indiana that had not had contact with him since he returned from Vietnam more than 40 years ago.
“We send our condolences to Mr. Wenitschka’s family,” shared Sarah Severson, Public Information Officer for the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office. “We have many employees that are Veterans, and it was important to us to ensure Mr. Wenitschka be honored for his service to our country and receive a proper burial, while also providing some closure to his family.”
Due to the condition of the body when it was found, DNA was used to confirm the decedent’s identity. An autopsy was conducted and showed no signs of trauma or foul play, further confirming he died of natural causes and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
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Author: News Desk
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