Marilyn "Mert" Kufahl

Marilyn “Mert” Kufahl, age 96, of Merrill, Wisconsin passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill. She was born on August 18, 1927 to the late Ralph and Elsa (Hassel) Duranceau in the Town of Texas, Wisconsin. Marilyn married Kenneth Kufahl on October 24, 1960. He precedes her in death.

Mert put herself through nursing school when she lived in Milwaukee but was unable to finish out her last year because she started her family. Mert worked numerous jobs in her life, including working for the war effort at Marathon Battery, Frito Lay in California and Holy Cross in Merrill. She was a great cook, always cooking the heartiest meals for her family and creating the most beautiful wedding cakes for others. She used to sew her daughter, Jeri’s outfits, hunting clothes for her sons, Scott and Todd and she also sewed her grandchildren’s unique Halloween costumes. She also taught her boys how to hunt and fish. She loved playing card games like “samba” and “sheephead” and blackjack but most of all she loved going fishing and going to “The Lake”.

Mert was a very happy and smart woman. She loved history and helping her grandkids out with their homework. She was an amazing woman, who didn’t get mad often. Words Mert often spoke, “this too shall pass” and “it could be worse”.

Marilyn is survived by her children: Jeri (Jim) Raddatz, Scott Kufahl, and Todd (Lisa) Kufahl, grandchildren: Jaime (Tom) Koehler, Jennifer (Dan) Rennie, Alyssa Kufahl, Jourdan Kufahl, and Brendan (Jessica) Kufahl, great-grandchildren: Wyatt Koehler, Lydia Koehler, Kylie Rennie and Kaydee Rennie, Ellie Kufahl and Alessa Kufahl, siblings: Eloise Schultz, and Goldie Broeren, sister-in-law: Ari Duranceau, numerous nieces and nephews and close friends Henrietta Gulke and Carol Leavitt.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings: Vivian Duranceau, Alfred (Gladys) Duranceau, Daryl (Kathleen) Duranceau, Ellen (Edward) Schultz, Fern (Carl) Clausen, Arlien (Albert) Kunke, Iris (Clinton) Claussen, Lloyd (Carol) Duranceau, Jean Duranceau, and Loren Duranceau, special sister-in-law: Elvera Detert, brother-in-law: Jack Broeren and dear friend: Caroline Frick.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 9, 2023 at 11:00 am at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill. A visitation will be held on Monday, October 9, 2023 from 9:00 am until the time of service also at the funeral home. Interment will take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery in the Town of Pine River.

The service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend, it will be posted under her obituary on the funeral home website and will start at 11:00 am on Monday, October 9, 2023. It will then be posted as a recording for future viewing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lincoln County Humane Society and/or a charity of your choice in memory of Mert.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Aspirus Hospital, Pine Crest Nursing Home and Aspirus Hospice.

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.