Obituaries

Jul 29, 2018

Christian Merkel Jr., age 94, died on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, while under the care of Ministry Ascension Hospice.  He was born to the late Christian & Dora (Weigle) Merkel  Sr. on November 30, 1923 in Chicago, IL.  He met and fell in love with Dorothy M. Woller, and the two exchanged marriage...

Jul 28, 2018

Dorothy G. Radke, age 95, of Merrill, passed away on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill.  She was born on January 21, 1923 to the late George and Edna (Kuether) Gruetzmacher in Merrill.

Dorothy was a registered nurse, and was recognized for 56 years of service at the former Holy Cross Hospital. ...

Jul 27, 2018

Byrdine A. Lutzke, age 86, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, July 27, 2018, at Rennes Health & Rehab, Weston, with her family by her side. Byrdine was born February 19, 1932, in Merrill, daughter of the late Joseph and Eva (Waldburger) Harkner, Sr. She married Donald E. ‘Bud’ Lutzke on July 26, 1952, in Merrill. He preceded her...

Jul 27, 2018

Ella L. Haugen, age 74, of Merrill, died on Friday, July 27, 2018 at the Marshfield Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on July 16, 1944 to the late John H. and Florence L. (Matter) Boucher in Huron, SD.  Ella married Robert O. Haugen on July 16, 1961 in Huron, SD.  He preceded her in...

Jul 26, 2018

Jean P. Ouimette, age 67, of the town of Pine River, passed away on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Pine Crest Nursing Home, while under the care and support of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.  He was born on February 6, 1951 to the late George and Helen (Krueger) Ouimette in Manitowoc, WI.  Jean attended and graduated from...

Jul 25, 2018

Sylvia Marie Lemon, age 90, of Merrill, died on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. She was born on July 18, 1928, to the late Alfred and Grace (Londerville) Turner. Sylvia attended the former Holy Cross High School, Merrill, and graduated from Lincoln County Normal School. On June 15, 1948, she was married to Floyd Lemon of Houston, Texas. For three...

Jul 22, 2018

Audrey J. Heuser, 87, of Merrill passed away July 22, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital under palliative care. Audrey was born November 19, 1930, in Lincoln County, daughter of the late Charles Sr. and Dorothy (Mittag) Graap. She married Vernon R. Heuser on June 9, 1951. He preceded her in death on March 26, 2000. Audrey had worked at...

Jul 21, 2018

A very unique man began a new life, July 21, 2018. Joel E. Heckendorf was born to Lester Sr. and Mildred (Muelver) Heckendorf on April 19, 1938 in Merrill. Joel graduated from Merrill High in 1956. Early employment came at American Motors in Milwaukee and then short stints at Weinbrenner Shoe Company and Anson-Gilkey in Merrill. Joel retired from...

Jul 20, 2018

Rudolph F. ‘Rudy’ Burgener, 82, of Merrill, passed away Friday, July 20, 2018 at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill. Rudolph was born June 20, 1936, in the Town of Rock Falls, Lincoln County, son of the late Albert and Louise (Kautz) Burgener. He married Rita Campbell on May 14, 1955. She survives. Rudy served his country in the United...

Jul 18, 2018

William ‘Bill’ Wegner passed away peacefully on July 18th, 2018. William was born to George and Emma Wegner on June 29th 1926 in the Town of Corning. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley and his three brothers, Harold, Emil and Eldor Wegner. He is survived by his daughter, Sheila (Jeff) Brummond and son, Scott (Laurie) Wegner....

Jul 18, 2018

Peggy “Peg” A. Torkelson, age 65, of Merrill, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at  her home.  She was born to the late Elroy and Gloria (Diels) Block on December 12, 1952 in Merrill.  Peggy grew up in Merrill, attending and graduating from Merrill High School with the Class of 1971.  She met Carl Torkelson, and the...

Jul 16, 2018

Carol A. Krause, age 80, of Merrill, passed away on Monday, July 16, 2018, at her residence.  Carol was born on October 28, 1937 to the late Edward and Mildred (Gremler) Kunkel in Merrill.  She attended and graduated from Merrill High School.  Carol married the love of her life, Roger Krause in 1957, in Merrill.  He preceded her in...

Jul 15, 2018

Per family's request, no services for Betty Jane will be held.

Jul 12, 2018

Eugene (Gene) Essert Sr, 75, of Harrison Hills, passed away at his son’s home on Thursday, July 12, 2018. By his side was his son, Gene Jr., his daughter in law, Lynn, his sister, Judy, and good friend, Matt Boyle. Gene was born on September 25, 1942 to Joseph & Irene (Van Ooyen) Essert in Antigo. Gene was the...

Jul 12, 2018

Mildred “Millie” J. Martin, age 92, of Wausau, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.  She was born on September 29, 1925 to the late Frances “Frank” & Edna (Breitenstein) Kandzora in Wisconsin Rapids.  Millie attended and graduated from the Wausau High School.  She met Glenn Martin, and the two exchanged marriage vows on...

Jul 10, 2018

After a long battle with anxiety, depression, and addiction, Anthony “Antone” Allan Taggart took his own life on July 10th, 2018.

Anthony was born April 10th, 1991, in Merrill, WI, with an eagerness and curiosity about life that would carry him through the rest of his days. He wanted to know about everything as a child. "Why?"...

Jul 8, 2018

Lois Janet Hommerding, age 87, of Tomahawk, passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at Riverview Health Services in Tomahawk.

Private services were held.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

Jul 7, 2018

Stephany J. ‘Stevie’ Smith, age 79, of Merrill, passed away on Saturday, July 7, 2018, at Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton. Stephany was born July 8, 1938, in Merrill, daughter of the late John E. and Janet Smith. Stephany graduated from Merrill Senior High School in 1956. She then attended Carroll College in Waukesha, Lincoln County Teachers College in...

Jul 6, 2018

Roy Joseph Eckes, age 91, formerly of Merrill passed away Friday July 6, 2018 at Four Winds Nursing Home in Verona, WI under the care of Heartland Hospice.  Roy was born June 9, 1927 to the late Joseph and Anna(Gleisner) Eckes in Marshfield, Wi.

He graduated from Marshfield High School in 1945 and entered the United States...

Jul 6, 2018

Edward “Ed” B. Slewitzke, age 85, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, July 6, 2018 at the Pine Crest Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family.  Ed was born on January 6, 1933 to the late Stephen and Cecelia (Tigges) Slewitzke in Mosinee.  He grew up in Mosinee and attended St. Paul’s Parochial Grade School and Mosinee High School,...