Leila L. Howland

Leila L. Howland, age 86, of Merrill, Wisconsin passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023 in Wausau, Wisconsin. She was born on December 27, 1936 to the late George and Evelyn (Moderow) Krueger.

After Leila graduated from Wausau East High School, she worked at Employers Mutual Insurance Company. She then worked at Ace Hardware up until her retirement. She married John Albert Howland in Wausau, Wisconsin on June 1, 1957. He preceded her in death in November 1995.

Leila loved her children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters. She enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers, fishing, boating and staying at their cottage on Lake Nokomis. Leila also loved living in Arizona during the winter months. She was a good cook and an active member at St. Stephens United Church of Christ in Merrill up until her battle with dementia worsened.

Leila is survived by her children: Michael J. Howland, Lori A. (Dan) Johnson, and Lisa A. Mussell, grandchildren: Jesse Harmon, Josh Harmon, Phillip Mussell, and Tyler Le sieur, and siblings: Darlene (Derald) Kell, Richard (Kim) Krueger, Thomas Krueger, and Judith (Dan) Wadzinski. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Howland, parents: George and Evelyn Krueger, siblings: Diane Goetz, Carol Rhyner, Janice Normand, and Ronald Krueger, and brother-in-law: Michael Goetz.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 11:00 am at Waid Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023 from 10:00 am until the time of service also at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lincoln County Humane Society in loving memory of Leila.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Judy Stevens for being there for their mom.

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.