Rosalie M. Naef

Rosalie Mae Naef, age 68, of Merrill, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at her home, while surrounded by her loving family and while under the care of Interim Hospice. She was born on March 3, 1955, to the late Frederick and Rozella (Wolfe) Ohlmann in Merrill, WI. Rosalie attended and graduated from Merrill High School, with the class of 1973, earning a gold tassel. She met the love of her life, Robert Naef when her old Road Runner Snowmobile broke down. The two were united in marriage on August 2, 1975. He survives.

Rosalie began working early in life, beginning with babysitting as a teenager, then later worked at Semling-Menke in Merrill for several years, as well as helping her husband on the family dairy farm, but she enjoyed being a homemaker and a housewife the most. In her younger years as a mother, she was active in the Hewitt-Texas PTO, as well as a leader for the school's Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, she also helped with Vacation Bible School and Sunday School when her children were younger. She looked forward to doing seasonal work at Badger Evergreen, where she did garland roping and made wreathes to earn extra money for the holidays. She also looked forward to taking family trips to Canada and Upper Michigan to go fishing and camping. Rosalie was a very skilled seamstress and made crafts. She later worked for the Marathon County Talent Shop as the volunteer coordinator and store manager. She was very passionate about the volunteers and her time there. Another pastime Rosalie enjoyed was making rag rugs on her rug machine with her friend Jane Govek and selling them at craft fairs. Rosalie loved her past dogs and had a special connection with Bud and grand-puppy Emma. She was also a wonderful cook and enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren. Rosalie liked to make some trips to casinos with her siblings and would enjoy the occasional scratch-off tickets! She is remembered as a loving, caring, selfless, and funny woman who was very dedicated to her husband and children. She was extremely proud of her granddaughters. Rosalie was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Rosalie is survived by her loving husband: Robert Naef, son: William Naef, daughter: Kelly (John) Kraegenbrink, granddaughters: Brooklyn and Korina Kraegenbrink, all of Merrill, siblings: Judith Woller, Caroline Welk, Frederick (Pat) Ohlmann, Rodney (Stephanie) Ohlmann, in-laws: Herbert (Sheri) Naef, and Geradine Koenig as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law: Leona Naef, brothers: William and Ronald Ohlmann, and her dear friend: Jane Govek.

The funeral service for Rosalie will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the town of Pine River. Pastor Greg Laska will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., and again on Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service, at the church. Burial at Springbrook Cemetery will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Rosalie’s name be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. The family wishes to extend their thanks and appreciation to Interim Hospice for their care and support shown to Rosalie and her family, as well as Home Medical in Merrill for their long-term service to the 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.