Harry Osness

Harry James Osness, 83, Merrill, died Thursday, March 11, 2010 at his home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice.

Harry was born in Glendon , WI , on September 2, 1926 to the late Oscar and Lucinda (Kroeplin) Osness. He married Betty Zimmerman on December 3, 1949 in Merrill.

Harry was a 1944 graduate of Merrill Senior High School . After graduating, he worked part time at Krueger Funeral Home. Harry then worked at Ward Paper Company in Merrill and later for Wausau Paper Company from 1958 until retiring as Tour Foreman in 1989. In retirement, Harry did maintenance for various Merrill businesses including Pamida, Riverside Athletic Club, Park City Credit Union and he also did yard maintenance for private individuals. He was a member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ where he was awarded the Man of Faith award in 2006. Harry served as church council president and president of the ushers club. He was active in the community, serving on the Lincoln County Board for two terms and as the 4 ^th Ward supervisor. Harry was recognized by the City Council for his 25 years of service as President of the T.B. Scott Library board. In his younger years, Harry played for the Merrill Foxes Semi-Pro football team and was named Co-MVP. He was also involved in the Merrill Area Softball & Slow Pitch organization, serving as president for many years. Harry enjoyed playing ball in his younger years. He loved to do woodworking, reading and crossword puzzles. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Survivors include his daughter: Debra (Stan) Seeger, Merrill; sons: Randall Osness, Todd (Susie) Osness, all of Merrill, and Kevin (Kathy) Osness, Wausau, daughter-in-law; Paula Osness, Merrill; 9 grandchildren: Steven (Kendra) Osness, Lea (Jeff) Marthaler, Tim (Lindsay) Seeger, Brian Seeger, Breanne (Scott) Semling, all of Merrill, Erica (Scott) Utegaard, Marshfield, Joshua Osness, LaCrosse, Erin Osness and Alex Osness, both of Wausau; 10 great-grand children: 6 sisters: Virginia Severt, Betty (Walter) Latzig, Elayne (Richard) Ollmann, Phyllis (Ralph) Buch, Janet Beyer-Thums, and Linda Osness, all of Merrill; 2 brothers: Raymond (Darlene) Osness, Port Washington, WI, and Allen (Carol) Osness Sr., Merrill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty in October, 2005, son Steven in June, 2007, and 4 brothers: Oscar Jr., Dale, Ervin ‘Jack’, and Dave.

Services will be held Monday, March 15, 2010 at 10:30 AM at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ. The Rev. Scott Hawker will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday March 14, 2010 from 4 – 8 PM at Waid Funeral Home and again from 9:30 – 10:30 AM Monday at the church. The family requests memorials given to any of the following charities: T.B. Scott Library, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice, St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ or the charity of your choice. The Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com .