Wallace 'Wally' Pontel

Wallace ‘Wally’ Leroy Pontel, age 97, passed away on Monday, July 18, 2022, at the Aspirus Antigo Hospital.  Wally was born on May 26, 1925, to the late George and Gertrude Pontel of East Troy, WI.  On June 10, 1949, he married the late Carole Mae (Lemke) Pontel in Pewaukee, WI.  They enjoyed 67 ½ years of marriage and were blessed with 5 children: Rita Mary (Craig) Fenters, Cheryl Louise (Dean) Ferry, Diane Helene (Daniel/Rocky) Feeney, David Wallace (Pam) Pontel and Linda Carole (Ron) Sorenson.

In his younger years, Wally was a farmer, and later in life, he did roof jobs and finish carpentry, as well as kitchen cabinet installation.  Wally enjoyed dancing with Carole, hunting, fishing (which included many trips to Canada), but his #1 passion in the Northwoods was collecting bushels and bushels of pinecones and selling them to local retailers for pocket money.  Wally also enjoyed traveling with their camper, taking trips to Michigan blueberry picking, stopping to spend his nickels at the casino and cherishing his several special sightseeing trips to Yellowstone and Glacier National Park and Alaska.  Wally was a member of the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Merrill.

Wally will be sadly missed by his 5 children, 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 3 step great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.  He is further survived by special sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, many nieces and nephews and special friends Rod Maki and June Johnson of Finn Power.  Wally was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, 2 sisters and 1 great grandson.

A private Celebration of Life for Wally will take place at a later date.

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.