Viljo "Will" Piikkila

Dr. Viljo (Will) Piikkila, 91, of Merrill passed away of natural causes on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Aspirus Hospital Wausau, WI.

 He was born April 14, 1933 in Chicago to Solomon A. and Lempi Lydia (Joki) Piikkila.

 He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1951 and attended Wright Junior College for two years. He was drafted in 1953 and served in the Army as a Survey Specialist in Germany and was discharged August 26, 1955. He then attended Loyola University of Chicago graduating in 1957. During this time, he met and then married Margery Lundgoot on June 21, 1958. After graduating from Loyola Dental School in 1963, he opened a dental practice in Des Plaines, IL for three years before moving to Merrill in 1966 where he and Marge bought a farm on Highway C in the Town of Merrill and he started his dental practice at 803 E. First St., Merrill. On the farm they raised beef cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, loyal farm dogs, many barn cats and three sons. Will operated his dental practice until retiring in May1999.

 Will enjoyed farming and his dental practice and in his spare time, reading, hiking, canoeing and fishing especially in the Boundary Waters and Quetico Superior areas, hunting and many other outdoor activities. His pride and joy were sharing these with his family and passing the love of these activities to his sons.

 Will is survived by his wife Margery, three sons Thomas of Mason, WI (partner Colleen Matula), Paul of Appleton, WI (wife Lisa Brandenburg), Matthew of Marinette, WI (wife Patricia Weix), five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

 Will was preceded in death by his parents and only sibling Johann Piikkila formerly of Tucson, AZ.

 A private family service will be held at a later date. 

 Memorials may be given in Will’s name to the T.B. Scott Free Library https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=9VD53RHY6NZR2 (click donate with debit or credit card and the next screen has a “+” to write a note) or the Merrill Historical Society https://discovermerrillhistory.org/donatetous.

 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.