Donald "Fritz" L. Taylor Jr.

Donald “Fritz” Taylor Jr., age 62, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Rochester, MN, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on July 2, 1962 to Donald L. and Carol “Joy” (Gleisner) Taylor Sr. in Woodstock, IL. Fritz fell in love with Rebecca Owens, and the two were united in marriage on October 21, 2000 in Merrill, a union lasting almost 25 years. 

Fritz was a very skilled auto mechanic and worked for his dad at their family business. During his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and was an avid bowler, winning numerous trophies and was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame. When he was a boy, Fritz was active in the Pioneer Club. In his pastime, he looked forward to playing golf, listening to music, woodworking with his dad, watching movies with Rebecca and carefully manicuring his lawn. Fritz enjoyed his family, and cherished the family get-togethers, especially at Christmas, where he would cook for the family. Recently, the family had taken a trip to Alabama to visit family, and to Florida and Georgia; a trip that has become a very special memory for his family. Fritz was a member at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. He is remembered as a jokester, that had a witty and fun sense of humor. Fritz remained positive and upbeat throughout his cancer journey and had a good attitude. He will be missed dearly, but will remain in the hearts of his family and friends forever.

Fritz is survived by his parents: Donald L. and Carol “Joy” (Gleisner) Taylor Sr., wife: Rebecca Taylor, sons: Nicholas and Christopher Taylor, sister: Debbie (Kevin) Trader, brother: Dale (Kelle) Taylor, 3 nephews: Taylor (Brittany), Noah and Ian, mother-in-law: Karen Owens, brother-in-law: Frank (Michelle) Owens, sister-in-law: Wendy Owens and last, but not least, Fritz’s buddy and companion: “Rascal”. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Bernie and Clara Gleisner, father-in-law: Alan Owens, sister: Deanna Taylor and several aunts and uncles.

The funeral service for Fritz will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation at the 301 Eagle Drive location, Merrill, and again on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service, at the church. Cremation will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations in Fritz’s name be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church and School. 

A special thank you to the nursing staff in the oncology unit at the Marshfield Medical Center – Weston, and Dr. Paul Thompson at the Marshfield Medical Center – Merrill, for their compassion and the excellent care that they had provided to Fritz and his family.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.