Nancy L. Muschinske

Nancy L. Muschinske, age 91, passed away on February 17, 2025. She was born on September 1, 1933, in Merrill, WI, the younger daughter of Lynn and Edna (Hollsted) Higgs. Her life was marked by joy, faith, and devotion to family and friends.

Nancy was a graduate of Merrill High School. She married Ronald Muschinske in Wausau, WI on June 10, 1953. Soon after, the couple established a dairy farm in the rolling countryside of Wausau, where they raised their two children. Ronald preceded Nancy in death in 1981.

Nancy worked as an administrative assistant at the Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill for many years. She was known to wear red at get-togethers, play card games, collect ceramic elephants, and send greeting cards to family members for all occasions. Nancy had a knack for being able to laugh when the unexpected struck and appreciated regular updates from friends and family. She enjoyed cheering on the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers, exploring new locations on Lamers Bus Lines, and spending quality time with her two children and five grandchildren.

The North Central Wisconsin community was incredibly important to Nancy, as it remained home throughout her life. The annual Lincoln County Fair could not be missed, nor could the opportunity to frequent her favorite local restaurants with good company. She was once a member of the Marathon Trappe River Homemakers Club, the Red Hat Society, and cherished the many friendships she forged along the way, including those at Jenny Towers.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Lynnell (Higgs) Craven; brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Craven; and nephew-in-law, Arthur “Russ” Langridge, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Rauni (John) Vruwink; son, Jim (Jill) Muschinske; and grandchildren, Brenton Vruwink; Ariana Vruwink; Madison (Justin) Dettmann; Micalli Muschinske; and Melia Muschinske. She is further survived by her niece, Pam Langridge; sister-in-law, Margie (Gerald) Koehler; and other extended family members.

Nancy’s family would like to thank the staff at Aspirus Hospice Services of Wisconsin Rapids for the kindness and care they provided during her stay.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:00 A.M., at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 301 Eagle Dr., Merrill, WI 54452. Rev. will Justin Smoot officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M., Friday February 28, 2025, at the funeral home. A private family burial will follow. 

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