Michael J. Prein

Michael ‘Mike’ Prein, age 73, died peacefully in his Merrill, WI home after a long battle with kidney cancer. 

He was born on September 4, 1951, to John and Virginia (Taylor) Prein of Merrill, WI. Mike graduated from Merrill High School in 1970. After graduation, Mike went to work at Weinbrenner Shoe Company in Merrill. He also worked for the Lincoln County Highway Department. Mike married Linda Winters on September 9, 1972. In July, 1975, Mike went to work at Ward Paper Mill (later International Papers). When the mill closed in 1994, Mike took a position at Lincoln Wood Products Inc. in January, 1995 where he worked until his retirement in December, 2016. Mike was known as a hard worker who dedicated his life to providing for the love of his life, Linda, and son, Andrew ‘Andy’. Mike was a kindhearted man who enjoyed weekend rides in the fall through northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula, trips to various casinos in north central Wisconsin with his wife and friends, collecting comic books, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Andrew ‘Andy’ and Sarah Prein; grandchildren, Aaron, Lydia, and Noah; sister, Denise (Prein) Kleinschmidt; brother and sister-in-law, Ricci and Diane; sister and brother-in-law, Lori (Prein) and James ‘Jim’ Huber; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Debbie Winters; as well as several nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Prein; father, John Prein; mother and step father, Virginia and Leslie Rounsaville; brother, Daniel; and brother-in-law, Wayne Kleinschmidt. 

The funeral service for Mike will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, March 7, 2025, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 301 Eagle Dr., Merrill. The Rev. Greg Laska will officiate. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M. Friday at the funeral home. 

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