All Obituaries

Floran Clark Pfuhl a.k.a. ‘Tuffy”, age 77, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2020 at Pine Crest Nursing Home with his family by his side and under the care of Ascension Ministry Hospice.  He was born on October 28, 1942 to the late Ralph and Delphia (Perkins) Pfuhl in Mauston, WI.  Floran attended and graduated from Merrill High School.  Floran met his soul mate, Harriet Louise Iwen, and the two exchanged marriage vows on March 9, 1963 in Merrill, a...

Michael ‘Mike’ John Wanie, age 44, of Merrill, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 10, 2020 at his residence.  He was born on July 24, 1975 to John Wanie and Diane (Kuntz) Messinger in Tomahawk.  Mike attended and graduated from Tomahawk High School with the class of 1994.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school, proudly and bravely serving his country.  Mike met Melissa Erickson and the two exchanged marriage vows on October 29, 2006 in...

Paulette Rothmeyer, age 71, of Merrill, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at Pine Crest Nursing Home under Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.  She was born on April 14, 1948 to Paul H. and Betty A. (Peterson) Grefe in Merrill.  Paulette attended and graduated from Merrill High School and went to work as a CNA at Pine Crest and at the hospital in Merrill.  She met Dennis Rothmeyer and exchanged marriage vows on July 25, 1970 in Merrill.  He...

  Kenneth Michael Ellenbecker, age 37, known to everyone as Kenny, died on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at his residence.  A lifelong Merrill resident, he was born on December 25, 1982 to Ava Casper and Joseph Ellenbecker. Kenny was a quiet, self-contained man who enjoyed his shortened life and possessed a strong devotion to his family.  He appreciated watching sports (especially the Chicago Blackhawks), a good movie, reading and liked to play video games.  In his younger...

  Amber N. Schmidt, age 29, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020 at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital.  She was born on March 17, 1990 to Brian Schmidt and Tia Raddatz in Merrill.  Amber attended and graduated from Merrill High.   She enjoyed learning and was currently enrolled at Stevens Point.  Amber had a zest for life!  She had a unique way of seeing everything in a positive light.  Amber attended many MDA camps.  She loved country music and...

Carmin Cheryl Plautz, age 48, went to be with the Lord on January 10, 2020.  A service will take place at a later date.  Full obituary is pending.

Verdaine C. Mattson, age 93, of Merrill, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill, while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.  She was born on January 2, 1927 to the late Arnold and Lucille (Yahnke) Wyland in Merrill.  Verdaine attended school at Schulz Spur.  She met Kenneth Mattson, and the two exchanged marriage vows on May 3, 1947 in Merrill.  Sadly, Kenneth preceded her in death on February 10,...

Jack B. Broeren, age 87, of Merrill, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital with his loving family by his side.  He was born on October 27, 1932 to the late Theodore and Helen (Treat) Broeren in Medford, WI.  Jack attended and graduated from Merrill High School with the Class of 1950.  He went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Navy from July 19, 1950 until he was honorably discharged on October 26,...

Vern Larrabee, age 98, of Gleason, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill.  He was born on December 14, 1921, son to the late Harold and Nettie (Brazleton) Larrabee in Menomonie.  Vern grew up in Menomonie.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII but contracted a serious illness shortly after enlisting and was honorably discharged.  Vern married Jean Dohmes and lived in Racine, until she preceded him in death.  Vern then...

Nancy Lynn Podgorski, age 59, of the town of Texas, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2020 at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital.  She was born on July 10, 1960 to Ronald and Connie (Burgener) Beyer in Merrill.  Nancy attended and graduated from Merrill High School and went to work for Northern Wire in Merrill for a short time.  She met Sigmund Podgorski Jr. and the two fell in love and exchanged marriage vows on May 3, 1980 in Merrill.  He survives. Nancy, Sigmund and their...