Raymond Schield

Raymond Schield died peacefully at Woodland Court Elder Services in Merrill, WI on May 25 at the age of 88. Ray is survived by his wife, Arlene, his daughter Kathryn (Charles) Coates and Son Gregory (Holly) Schield both of Merrill. Ray is also survived by eight grandchildren Carissa (Shannon) Kraucyk, Carla (Chad) Emmer, Joshua (Jesseca) Coates, Joel (Sammi-Jo) Coates, Faith (Chad) Rohde, Kimberly (John) Schield-Conradt, Jason (Alicia) Rasmussen and Whitney Johnson, and 19 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter Sandra Rasmussen, and two brothers; Larry (Pearl) Schield and Hilbert Schield. Ray was born on March 29, 1927 in Merrill, WI to Herman and Minna Schield. He graduated from Merrill High School in May of 1945 and entered the US Army Air Corps in June of 1945. By the time he finished his training WWII had ended. He was never sent overseas but served stateside until January of 1947. He married Arlene Neuman, his sweetheart in August of 1947. After his military service Ray attended the Merrill Vocational School and completed the farm based agriculture program. His interest in new farm technology led him to have one of the first freestall barns and milking parlors in Lincoln County, he was also one of the first to practice contour strip cropping to prevent soil erosion. He continued dairy farming, at least part time, until 1977 on the Schield family farm. The Schield farm on Highway FF has been in his family for 143 years. Ray was an accomplished musician, he started his musical career playing in a band for a dance at the Eagles Club when he was only 15 years of age. He was asked to play in the Merrill City Band when he was still in High School, he played with either the Merrill City Band or the Wausau City Band every year but one until he was 85 years old. In the service he was accepted into the Army Air Corps Base Band at Ft Dix, NJ. Ray directed his church choir for 35 years, he also directed the Merrill Barbershop Chorus for 7 years. He played with many small combos and larger polka bands during his lifetime including the Victorians, Larry Schield's Top Six, The Greiner Brothers Band, The Jerry Goetsch Orchestra, the Odds and Ends, the Harold Schauer Orchestra and the Jim Pekol Band. Ray's love for music spilled over into his daily work life. He spent 12 years selling pianos and organs for Jerry's Music in Wausau. Ray also had careers in Real Estate Sales and Real Estate Appraisal, he was active as a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser until his retirement at the age of 82. Ray was involved in the community as a member of the Merrill Optimist Club and the Noon Lions Club. He sought to keep his heritage alive through his membership in the Pommerscher Verein of Central Wisconsin. Ray was a lifelong member of Faith Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill from 4-8 PM on Friday May 29th and again on Saturday, May 30th from 10 AM until the time of the service, at the church. A funeral is scheduled for 11 AM Saturday the 30th of May at Faith Lutheran Church, Reverend Kevin Hoogland will officiate the ceremony. Burial will take place at the Scott Cemetery, following the service. Military honors will be provided by the Merrill VFW Post #1638. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ray's life. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to The Alzheimer's Association at Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or www.alz.org. Condolences can be sent at www.waidfuneral.com. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. The family would like to thank the staff and owners of Woodland Court Elder Services LLC for their care and dedication.

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, May 29, 2015
Visitation
Saturday, May 30, 2015

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