Michael "Mike" L. Moellendorf

Michael ‘Mike’ Lee Moellendorf, age 66, of Merrill, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at his home. He was born on September 15, 1956, to the late Marvin and Margaret (Kummerow) Moellendorf in Wausau, WI.  Mike graduated from Wausau West High School and attended Northcentral Technical College for the next 2 years, earning his associate degree in marketing.  He met the love of his life and soul mate, Deborah Buettner, and the two lovingly exchanged marriage vows on November 12, 1993, in Wausau. She survives.

Mike was a social person that enjoyed his job and community very much. He was the station manager for Sunrise Broadcasting Bluejay 96.3 and the senior account executive. Prior jobs included Whiteco Outdoor Advertising, Hadley Office Products, teaching classes at area technical colleges and owning his own businesses. Mike enjoyed being on the lake and would look forward to his early morning walk with his wife. He loved being on the pontoon and enjoying the beautiful nature all around them. Mike enjoyed fishing and deer hunting and looked forward to the next deer season at the Luedtke Lodge. In his younger years, he was a little league pitcher in Wausau, an avid bowler, where he was in many leagues, the non pro tour and in the 700 Club and he enjoyed his time on the green playing some rounds of golf. Mike had a passion and interest in sports, especially college sports, and he loved watching the little league games. He was a proud Vikings fan and watched their football games every chance he had. Mike is remembered as a creative, problem-solving man, that was an excellent caregiver for his parents and had an extraordinarily strong faith in God. He was a reflective person and cherished his close friendships. Mike was a past member of the Merrill Eagles Club, volunteered for Special Olympics, Sunday School Teacher and past president of First English Lutheran Church in Wausau and was a member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Merrill, where he ensured their weekly radio broadcasts were heard across the air waves and served on church council. Mike will be sadly missed, but fond memories of him will remain.

Mike is survived by his wife: Deborah ‘Debbie’ Moellendorf of Merrill, sisters: VerJean Detert and Maralee Moellendorf, both of Wausau, brother: James ‘Jim’ (Nancy) Moellendorf of Huntley, IL, nieces: Michelle Detert and Jessica (Peter) Himmelreich, with their son, Harvey, nephews: Todd (Carolyn) Detert, with their children: Aidan and Brooklynn, Corey (Julia) Detert, with their daughters: Natalie and Daphne and Jeff (Carla) Moellendorf, with their children: Olivia and Lloyd. He is further survived by their dog, Teddy. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law: Wayne Detert and his beloved dog: Abby.

The funeral service for Mike will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 11:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023, from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill, and again on Friday, September 1, 2023, from 10:00am until the time of service, at Trinity Lutheran Church.  Burial of his cremated remains will take place at a later date.

The service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend, it will be posted under his obituary on the funeral home website and will start at 11:00am on Friday, September 1, 2023. It will then be posted as a recording for future viewing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Mike’s name be directed to a charity of your choice.

A special thank you to the emergency personnel that came and assisted Mike and his family during this difficult time.

“Not advertising is like smiling in the dark, you know what you are doing, but no one else does.”        ~Mike Moellendorf

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.