Gordon "Gordy" Wiederhoeft

Gordon “Gordy” E. Wiederhoeft, age 78, of Merrill, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 12, 2018 at his residence, just shy of his 79th birthday.  Gordy was born on February 13, 1939 to the late Edwin and Grace (Heise) Wiederhoeft in Merrill.  He attended school in Merrill and earned his GED through the Marines.  Gordy proudly served his country as a United States Marine, from 1957-1959.  He met the love of his life, Shirley Bienfang, and the two exchanged wedding vows on November 12, 1960 in Merrill, a union lasting 57 years.

Gordy was an iron worker, and was a proud lifetime member of the Iron Workers Union Local 383 of Madison, WI , which he joined on April 1, 1965.  He mainly worked for Oscar J. Bolt, traveling all over to work on large projects.  Gordy retired at the age of 65.  After retirement, he enjoyed bowling leagues and golfing with friends.  Gordy was also an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, as well as summer fishing and ice fishing.  He also loved to drive his snowmobile and four-wheeler around on his land.  He was an active man that cut his own firewood, and built their own home and cottage.  He was known as a jack of all trades, being able to fix or build practically anything.  Gordy was a hard worker and his work was important to him, but his life was very much family-oriented.  He enjoyed participating in demo derbies, stock car races and ice drags.  He will be sadly missed.

Gordy is survived by his wife of 57 years: Shirley Wiederhoeft of Merrill, son: Todd (Becky) Wiederhoeft of Belgium, WI, along with their son, Michael (Vanessa) Wiederhoeft of Florida, with two sons, daughter: Tammy (Mike) Thistle of Merrill, with their children, Dr. Megan Thistle of Minnesota and Mathew Thistle of Stratford, WI and daughter: Theresa (Jeff) Miner of Colorado, with their daughter, Jordan Miner, brothers: Jim (Julie) of Merrill and John Wiederhoeft of Wausau and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Laverne and David Wiederhoeft and sister: Judy Kleinschmidt.

A Funeral Liturgy for Gordy will be held on Monday, February 19, 2018 at 11:30am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill.  Deacon Jim Arndt will officiate.  Visitation will also be held at the church on Monday, February 19, 2018 from 9:30am until the time of the liturgy.  Inurnment will take place at a later date.

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