Gerald "Gerry" Willis Kriehn

Gerald Willis Kriehn, age 89, of Merrill, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, while at The Bay at Eastview Health and Rehabilitation in Antigo, and while under the care of Compassus Hospice. He was the son of the late Erwin and Olga (Gruling) Kriehn. Gerry was born on June 17, 1935 in Hamburg, WI, baptized on July 14, 1935 and confirmed on April 10, 1949. He went to a one room school for all 8 years and then graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 1954. When he was younger, Gerry worked at Fromm Bros. and Carl’s Food Lane. He joined the National Guard in October 1956 and was honorably discharged on October 25, 1960. Gerry then enlisted in the United States Air Force and bravely served his country until his honorable discharge on January 17, 1962. He then went to work for Northern Door Company. Gerry met the love of his life, Judy Woller, in 1966, and got married May 11, 1968 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. He went to NTC and earned a degree in marketing. Gerry worked for Kirby and Lemke Office Supplies and the desk clerk at the Best Western. He retired from Mitchell Metals in 2002. Gerry did volunteer work delivering meals, and transported people to medical appointments. He also helped out with voting polls. Gerry was a foster parent to one special boy! He enjoyed reading, working on puzzles, feeding the birds, fishing and going camping up north. Gerry also looked forward to working in the garden. He enjoyed his time with his nieces and nephews and took walks with Gus! Gerry was a kind and helpful person and helped anyone that needed a helping hand. He was a social person and loved to talk to people. Gerry was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, served on the church council and helped with numerous office jobs. He was also a member of the Men’s Club, looked forward to going to Bible study and being a greeter and usher. Gerry traveled to over 20 states, including Mexico, Bahamas, Jamaica, Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii and the Dominican Republic, as well as a Mediterranean cruise.

Gerry is survived by his wife: Judy, sisters-in-law: Mary Lou Kriehn, Karen Samuelson and Judy Woller, foster son: Neil (Becky) Hockett, two bonus grandchildren: Alvia and Alesia and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister: Dawn (Jack) Kleinschmidt, brothers: Eugene (Barb), Ronald and Victor, sister-in-law: Caroline Kriehn, nephew: Brian Kriehn, niece: Julie, brothers-in-law: Glenn Samuelson and Jeffrey Woller and nephews: Stephan Samuelson.

The funeral service for Gerry will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the town of Corning. Pastor Joel Danner will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the church. Entombment and military honors at Merrill Memorial Park will immediately follow the service.

The service will be recorded for future viewing for those unable to attend. It can be found under his obituary on the funeral home website.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations in Gerry’s name be directed to the Men’s Club at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

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

“But he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:13