Viola Zich

Viola Stella Zich (Radloff), age 98, was born to eternal life on October 6th, 2014, at Pinecrest Nursing Home in Merrill, WI. Viola was born December 13, 1915 to the late Robert and Hattie Radloff (Engle), one of 13 children. She graduated from Merrill High School in 1935 and from the Lincoln County Normal School in 1936. Her dream was to be a teacher, instead she began working for Wisconsin Public Service in Merrill, where she met the love of her life, Raymond Zich. They were married on February 13th, 1938, at the Radloff family home by the Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill, WI. Vi and Ray raised three wonderful sons in Milwaukee for 33 years, returning to Merrill in 1975. Viola was preceded in death by her beloved parents, husband Raymond, son Dennis, five sisters, and five brothers. She is survived by two sons Joel (Kathleen), Milwaukee, WI; Michael (Ruth), Suamico, WI; two daughters in law, Alice, Wellington, FL; Barbara, West Allis, WI; brother Leslie "Lolly" Radloff, Merrill, WI; sister Luann Robins, Rhinelander, WI.; Sister in law Patricia Zich, Albuquerque, NM; eight grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren; loving and dearest friend Joann Utecht, Merrill, WI; special friend and prayer companion Reverend Brian Stolarczyk, Merrill, WI, many loving nieces, nephews, and friends at Pinecrest Nursing Home. The highlights of her days were robins, the very first hint of spring, sunny days, mint ice cream (right out of the container), and her daily 4 o'clock beer. Vi did not enjoy cloudy, rainy, cold or snowy weather (she considered these days to be "blasted fladderwrappers"). She took great pleasure in listening to audio books in her later years, but was partial to a good love story with a man's voice narrating the book. She was a true patriot who loved flying the American flag, attending parades, and singing patriotic songs. Vi was the #1 fan of Bob Uecker, announcer of the Milwaukee Brewers. She was so happy when spring was near because her "Brewers" would be back for the season. Her trust in God was unwavering. She loved to sing songs about her faith and talk about "going home" someday. Viola was an amazing example of living life to the fullest. The Zich family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to of the staff at Pinecrest Nursing Home for the long–term loving care given to Viola. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Luke Stolarczyk, son of Reverend Brian Stolarczyk, c/o Trinity Lutheran Church. Luke suffers from Retinitis Pigmentosa. AUF WIEDERSEHEN "Until We Meet Again" Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Rev. Brian Stolarczyk will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM Friday, October 10 at Waid Funeral Home and again from 10-11 AM before the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park. A luncheon at the church will immediately follow the interment. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, October 10, 2014
Visitation
Saturday, October 11, 2014

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