Lyle Clayton Whiting

Lyle Clayton Whiting, age 90, of Merrill, went to his Heavenly home on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the Aspirus Merrill Hospital.  He was born on December 26, 1932 to the late Herbert and Grace (VanAlstein) Whiting in Eland, WI, Shawano County.  Lyle attended high school and went on to bravely serve his country in the United States Air Force from March 26, 1952 until his honorable discharge on January 28, 1956. He had earned the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.  Lyle had a very special pen pal in his life while he was in the military, a Ms. Fern Gritzmacher, who would eventually become his wife.  The two were united in marriage on September 22, 1956 in Wausau, WI. She survives.

Lyle worked with cement mixers and did welding for Rexworks in Milwaukee, WI for 45 years.  He also worked part-time for Fairview Garage in West Allis, WI.  Lyle loved racing, and would build drag racing cars and helped the fire department by being on their safety crew at the races.  He enjoyed watching NASCAR, going deer hunting and fishing.  Lyle looked forward to driving for Breaman Merrill Ford and was in the 400,000-mile club.  He liked to be in his vegetable garden at home, and he and Fern would make many jars of sauerkraut. Lyle was a funny guy who always ended his stories with a joke!  He also had witty comments and funny one-liners.  Lyle was a member of the Trinity Men’s Club, Trinity Lutheran Church and the Lincoln County Sportsman’s Club.  He was a past member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in West Allis, WI.  Lyle will be sadly missed, but it gives his loved ones comfort that he is with his Lord.

Lyle leaves behind his “sweetie pie” of 67 years: Fern Whiting of Merrill, son: Russ (Joan) Whiting of Merrill, daughter: Renee (Bob) Dunham of Oak Creek, WI, with their children: Sonya Michlig, Jessica (Rich) Kowalczyk and Christopher Wawrzyn, along with 2 great grandchildren: Ian and Gracie, brother: Lynn (Sherry) Whiting, step-sisters: Helen Miller and Rachel Belcher and step-brother: Johnny Stasko.  He is further survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Stanley and Myron, sisters: Joyce, Kathy, Loella and Phyllis and step-sister: Sharon.

The funeral service for Lyle will be held on Monday, November 13, 2023, at 11:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill.  The Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Monday, November 13, 2023, from 9:00am until the time of the service, also at the church.  Military honors will be performed by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 at the church, immediately following the service.

Family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the staff and doctors at the Aspirus Merrill Hospital, especially a very special CNA: Brian Brooks, and to Pine Crest Nursing Home, for their care and compassion shown to Lyle and his 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.