Betty Jane Puphal Boyd, 82, of Siler City, went home to be with her Lord Saturday, March 30^th, 2024, at home surrounded by family.

Betty was born in Lincoln County, Wisconsin on March 3^rd, 1942, to Henry and Bernice Liesman Puphal. She is preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Kristine Hinson; her brothers, Laverne Puphal, Duane Puphal, Henry “Hank” Puphal, and James Puphal; her sister, Gloria Trzebiatowski; and her grandson, Luke Moore.

She is survived by her daughter, Kim Boyd Moore (Tim) of Siler City; brother, Reuben Puphal of Merrill, WI; sisters, Eileen Richards, Victoria Drost, Sally Boyd, and Jeannie Robl all of Merrill, WI; grandchildren, Freedom Hinson, Steve Hinson, II, Bobbi Jo Hinson Harber, Lance Moore, David Moore, John Moore, Sarah Crowder, and Hannah Moore; and great grandchildren, Emma Lou Crowder, Cooper Crowder and Luke Murillo.

Betty loved spending time with her family, especially her great grandchildren. She loved to sew, read, and do crafts. She especially enjoyed playing games with her great grandchildren. She was the owner/manager of Curves for Women gym when she lived in Florida, and she was a Certified Nursing Assistant for the better part of her career.

The family will be having a service at a later date in Merrill, WI.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Boyd family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com

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Richard William Giese, age 82 has gone to his Savior’s arms on April 3,2024. He died at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born at Wausau Hospital on March 29, 1942 to Alfred and Le Elda (Lemke) Giese. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and attended Trinity’s school for 8 years. He married the love of his life Carol Solinsky and was married at this same church on December 18, 1965. They celebrated 58 years of marriage this last December.

He graduated from Merrill High School in 1960 and later obtained a degree in Criminology.

He had a lifelong career in Law Enforcement that began with the Military Police in the Army and the Criminal Investigative Department. Upon discharge, he joined the Marathon County Sherrif’s Dept where he worked for several years. He also worked for Juneau County Sherriff’s Department and Waunakee Police Department before retiring and moving to Arbor Vitae, WI in 1999. He was a self-taught carpenter and built many beautiful pieces of furniture and could fix anything!

He was an amazing man who loved the Lord and his family. He is survived by his wife Carol and children: Michele (Gary) Merk, Renee (Samuel) Hone, Tara (Troy) Meffert, David (Kristen) Giese. He is further survived by 13 grandchildren, Andrew (Shandi) Merk, Alyssa Merk Glover (Alex), Samuel Hone, Krista Hone Cicalli (Paul), Christopher Hone, Lydia Hone Van Tassel (Logan), Abigail Hone Van Tassel (Mathew), Naomi Hone, Jordan Hone, Benjamin Hone, Joseph Meffert, Thomas Meffert, and Caleb Meffert. Also 7 great- grandchildren. He has 2 very special cousins, Sally Oberg and Charles Krueger (Maripat) and sister-in -laws Bonnie Bletsoe Lang (Ron)and Leanne Solinsky (Herb).

Visitation for Dick will be held on Saturday, April 6^th at Nimsgern Funeral Home in Woodruff from 10:00 am till 11:00 am with Funeral Service and Military Honors to follow at 11:00 am. Burial will be on April 9th at the Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery at 1:00 pm.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

A special thanks to Compassus Hospice for their care of Dick the last 2 months of his life and for his dedicated nurse, Kitty.

Angels are walking with us today…”I will not leave you or forsake you.” Hebrew 13:5 NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY

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Karen L. Rajek of Merrill, WI passed away peacefully on April 3, 2024, at her newly remodeled residence in Weston, WI.  Prior to passing, Karen forged a 72-year trail of laughter, generosity, compassion, and wisdom.  She was a selfless, kindhearted woman; a loving mother and wife who spoiled her grandchildren without complaint.  She was sweet with a side of spicy.  Her larger-than-life persona and trademark particulars will never be forgotten.

On February 8, 1975, Karen married Gary, the boy next door.  Together they would raise five amazing children.  Unbeknownst to them, Karen and Gary would fulfill their vow “till death do us part” in 2019 when Gary unexpectedly passed.  Gary remained her true love throughout the rest of her life.

As her children grew and slightly matured, Karen thought she had all the love she needed, then, along came the grandkids.  Grandma had a special ability to never use the word that starts with “n” and ends with “o” when it related to her 11 favorite souls.  Her silly grandma-isms were often followed by the sounds of children cackling.  She enjoyed everything that came with the title of grandma and was rarely seen without one at her side.  She taught them more than she will ever know.

She left behind a lot of stuff that her children do not know what to do with.  Her treasures are proof that one can get their exercise by walking the aisles of their local Walmart.  Karen could smell out a deal from miles away.  No clearance aisle was left unnoticed, no black Friday ad left unturned.  The art of the deal benefited many throughout her tenure as the Merrill Steel bingo prize gatherer of which she took deep pride in. 

Karen was famously opinionated when it came to details most would overlook.  From flooring being laid at a 35-degree angle, to formatting/editing documents, Karen was not scared to express her concerns, nearly always following up with, “I’m just particular”.  She despised Times New Roman font, which is why her loving children couldn’t resist one last poke by including it in her obituary.  We understand the potential repercussions of this action as we were warned!

Another passion of Karen’s was working in the family business alongside her brothers and more recently children, nieces, and nephews.  Karen brought a soft side to steel, focusing on employee engagement, meticulously designing the beloved annual Christmas party hat, and many others that we are not able to list due to time and character constraints.  To Karen, her employees were an extension of her family.  She appreciated each and every person, no matter their title.

It goes without any doubt, Karen loved to serve her community.  She devoted countless hours to the Samoset Council, Boy Scouts of America for over 47 years.  “Be Prepared”, this is a long list!  Karen carried out all positions at Pack Level, served as Cub Scout Leader, Cub Scout Leader Trainer at Philmont Scout Camp in New Mexico, Wood Badge Trained and Staffer, Staffer for the University of Scouting, Day Camp Director and Staffer, Chuckwagon/Buckboard Staff, District Committee, Council Training Staff, Popcorn Kernel (under her reign they had a record year!), and started the Merrill Snow Sculpture Competition.  She was heavily involved in Round Tables, OWL Leader Training, Pow Wow/ACES, BALOO, and most recently an Executive Board Member.  Karen was a Silver Beaver Recipient along with many other certificates and awards.  Many in the area recognized her as the voice of boy scouts due to many years gracing the WJMT airwaves with news and announcements on all things related to the Samoset Council.  Karen would agree, the time she spent and the people she met throughout the years played a pivotal role in who she was as a person.

In the race of life, Karen was beat to the finish line by her son, Stephen Rajek, her husband, Gary Rajek, her mother Mary Ann (Kleman) Hinner, and her father Roger Hinner, Sr. Karen’s presence on earth will remain by her children and grandchildren: Richard and daughter, Sara, Rajek (Merrill, WI); daughter in law Amy and children Bryce, Brayden and Britney, Rajek (Merrill, WI);

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Dr. Larry Hagen OD, 83, longtime Tomahawk resident, passed away Thursday, April 4, in Merrill, WI with his family by his side.

Larry was born April 2, 1941, to Alvin and Edith Hagen (Abell) in Ambrose, ND.  He married the love of his life and best friend, Janet Fredenburg on June 23, 1963, in Crosby, ND. 

Larry attended Crosby High School, graduated from the University of North Dakota and Illinois College of Optometry.  He began practicing Optometry in Minnesota and purchased the practice in Tomahawk, WI in 1968.  He practiced there until his retirement in 2007.  They remained in Tomahawk, active in the church and community until 2019.

Larry’s passion in life was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren and was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever needed.  He also loved to golf, and was an avid supporter of Tomahawk Athletics and the School System.

Survivors include his wife, Janet Hagen of Merrill, son, Paul (JoAnne) Hagen of Stevens Point, daughter, Angela (Pat) Bailey of Merrill, Grandchildren Lauren Hagen of Oshkosh, Allison Hagen (Joe Schmit) of Minneapolis, Ty Bailey of Madison and Jake Bailey of Madison.

He is also survived by brothers Donald (Karen) Hagen of Melbourne, FL, Duane (Anna) Hagen and Michael (Nadine) Hagen of Williston, ND, and sister Debbie Windisch of Narcoossee, FL.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin Hagen, mother, Edith Olsen, step-father, Martin Olsen and brother, LeRoy Olsen.

Visitation will be Friday, April 12, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Tomahawk.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 13, at 10:30 AM at Holy Cross Chapel at Bell Tower Residence, located at 1500 O’Day St, Merrill, WI.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bell Tower Residence or Grace Lutheran Church.

Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.nimsgernfuneral.com Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family.

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Elaine E. Oestreich, 83, of Merrill, passed away Friday, April 5, 2024, at Woodland Court Elder Services, Merrill.

Elaine was born on September 22, 1940, to Paul and Leona (Berndt) Oestreich. After grade school, she attended Merrill Vocational School. Elaine worked at various places in Merrill including Merrill Woolen Mills and Weinbrenner Shoe Company.  At a young age, she was in a major automobile accident and was limited to what she could do. But she made the most of that. She spent her time helping out on the farm and then moved to Woodland Court Elder Services.

Elaine loved setting puzzles, and you could always find her at her table. She also made many crocheted rugs from plastic bags. She loved going out to eat and stopping for an ice cream cone and enjoyed the occasional O’Doul’s. Elaine’s best enjoyment was going up North with her sister, Arlene. She would always say, “Mayble I’ll get snowed in and have to stay another day.” She loved her family including all of her nieces and nephews.

Elaine is survived by her sisters, JoAnn (David) Sauer, Marion Fox, and Betty Clark; brother, Paul (Sandra) Oestreich; sister-in-law, Margaret Oestreich; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Leona Oestreich; sister, Arlene (Jack) Reickenberg; brothers, David Oestreich and Daniel Oestreich; sister-in-law, Georgene Ritchie; and brothers-in-law, Ned Fox and Jack Clark.

The funeral service for Elaine will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, April 12, 2024, at Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Rev. Andrew DeGier will officiate. Burial will take place in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Town of Corning, Lincoln County. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 A.M. Friday at the funeral home. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com The family would like to thank the staff of Woodland Court Elder Services for their love and compassionate care for Elaine.

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Kirsten Ann (Engebretsen) Wengler left her earthly presence at the young age of 48 on Friday, March 29^th, 2024. Kirsten passed away peacefully in her Neenah home with her loving husband, Will, holding her hand. For Kirsten, the last 39 months have been a challenge, living with medical complications resulting from a Covid vaccine injury.

Kirsten was born May 18, 1975, in Merrill, WI- the daughter of Dr. Gary and Julie (Thacker) Engebretsen.

Per Kirsten’s wishes, there will be no service.

Please view https://www.foxcitiesfuneral.com for further details.

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Shirley L. DeBroux passed away at the age of 97 on April 13, 2024, peacefully in her home.

Shirley was born July 10, 1926, in Milwaukee, daughter of Wilbert and Clara (Eichorst) Carlson. When Shirley was a young girl, her mother passed away very suddenly. Eventually, her father remarried and together Wilbert and Maurine raised the four children in the Wabeno/Polar area of Langlade County.

Shirley married Adrian V. DeBroux on November 3, 1947. They were married 65 years when he passed away in 2012.Shirley and Adrian dairy farmed in the Gleason area. Shirley was talented at sewing and was an amazing cook and baker. She enjoyed camping, playing Yahtzee, and working on puzzles. Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family and was the happiest when they were around.

Shirley is survived by her five sons, Ron (Linda) DeBroux and Denis (Mary) DeBroux both of Antigo, Randy (Judy) DeBroux of Wausau, Dwight (Mary) DeBroux of Boulder, Colorado, and Rusty (Linda) DeBroux of Irma; one daughter, Karen DeBroux (Chris Buch) of Merrill; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Adrian DeBroux; mother, Clara Carlson; father and stepmother, Wilbert and Maurine Carlson; brother, Allen Carlson; sisters, Dorothy Carlson and Mary Fields; son, Duane DeBroux; and two grandchildren.

The memorial service for Shirley will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, April 19, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M. Friday at the church. The burial of Shirley’s remains will take place at a later date in Luther Memorial Church Cemetery, Town of Russell, Lincoln County. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com

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John C. Hotzfeld passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024 at the age of 89 years. He was born February 12, 1935 to Gladys (Carl) and William Hotzfeld in Merrill, WI. John is survived by his brother David Hotzfeld, Wife, Vi, of nearly 67 married years and many family members.

John graduated in 1955 from Lincoln County Teacher’s College, completed teaching requirements at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point and later attended the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater to complete an art certification in elementary art education.

John enjoyed a variety of “work careers”. He sold real estate, managed and cooked at a variety of Fast Food restaurants, owned a sandwich shop in Delavan, worked as an expeditor for Welch Scientific in Chicago and was a teacher in a variety of school districts in Lincoln, Rock and Walworth Counties.

His many hobbies and interests included: watching golf tournaments on the weekends, completing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, painting, traveling and watching TV game programs that involved audience and viewer participation.

John was a member at Linn Presbyterian Church for 34 years where he served on the Board of Deacons and volunteered at the annual rummage sales.

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Carol June Wendt (née Kasten), age 92, of Merrill, WI, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. She was born on June 30, 1931, in Merrill and was the daughter of the late Walter C. and Leona A. (Bonke) Kasten. Carol graduated from Merrill High School and began working at Church Mutual Insurance Company in Merrill, which she greatly enjoyed. She met Kurt (“Kurth”) Herman Wendt and the two were united in marriage on June 28, 1952, in Merrill. He preceded her in death in 2012.

Carol was a dairy farmer, housewife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed gardening, reading, playing the piano, being outdoors, and feeding the birds, especially her hummingbirds. Carol had an incredibly strong faith and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church; in addition, she was a supporter of the Wisconsin Valley Lutheran School and Trinity Lutheran Church and School. She truly was a selfless woman with a loving servant’s heart. Carol looked forward to her “Cousins Lunches” and her card club and especially enjoyed family gatherings and visiting with her friends and family. She would attend her grandchildren’s sporting and school events every chance she could. She will be lovingly remembered by her family as a strong, independent woman who was a great listener and did not pass judgment. Carol will be greatly missed, but she has left her love and memories with her family and friends.

Carol is survived by her four sons: Brian Wendt of Medford, WI; Bruce Wendt of Merrill, WI; Kevin (Dana) Wendt of Merrill, WI; and Darin (Jennifer) Wendt of Hortonville, WI. She is also survived by her four grandchildren: Tyler (Danielle) Wendt; Bryson (Dannielle “Shorty”) Wendt; Alexa Wendt and Colin Wendt, as well as her great-grandson: Koda Wendt, and special friend: Kitty Moore. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grand-daughter: Keana Wendt, and daughter-in-law: Charlotte Wendt.

The funeral service for Carol will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill, WI, with Rev. Scott Gustafson officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the church. Burial will immediately follow the service at St. Paul’s Cemetery in the Town of Scott.

For those unable to attend the service in person, it will be live streamed and available for viewing on Saturday, April 20 at 11:00 a.m. and can be found under her obituary on the Waid Funeral Home website. The recording will also be posted for future viewing.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Carol’s memory be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church or School or the T.B. Scott Library in Merrill because of the great love she had for her church and a good book.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Benedictine Living Community in Wausau for their years of caring for Carol and their endless support for her family. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

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Tommy G. Miller passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Survived by sisters and brothers; Susen (Allan) Uttech, Donna (Jeff Johns) Miller, Connie (Rick) Ceithamer, Sharon Prust, William (Linda) Miller , Nancy (Daniel) Last, Wilbur Miller, Vicki (Michael) Harshbarger and many cherished nieces and nephews. 

He will enjoy eternal peace with his mother.

At this time there are no celebration of life plans.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

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