Genevieve J. Rajek, age 85, of Merrill, passed away Monday, January 19, 2015 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born January 26, 1929 in Rosholt, Wisconsin to the late Merle & Charlotte (Whitney) Ravey. Genevieve and Robert “Bob” Rajek were united in marriage on October 4, 1947 in Merrill.
Genevieve attended Rosholt High School. She was a homemaker. Genevieve loved to bake and was usually the cook for family gatherings. She also helped cook funeral dinners at St. Francis Xavier in her younger years as well as for the potato growers. Genevieve loved flower gardening and enjoyed watching the humming birds that came to her feeders. She loved living in the country and working in the yard up until the last couple of years when it became harder for her. Genevieve was a strong, sweet woman who was very loving, caring and giving. She did many things for people, whether it was knitting for family or friends or picking pickles she truly loved helping others. Genevieve enjoyed visiting with her family, her parents in her younger years and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in more recent years. She and Bob were affectionately known as “Grandpa & Grandma Apple” and “Grandpa & Grandma Pickle” by their grandchildren. Genevieve loved to travel with Bob. Some of her favorite places were Hawaii, Alaska and Europe but she especially enjoyed trips to the cottage in Rock Falls where they spent time with family and friends. Genevieve also enjoyed going to the casino where she like playing one armed bandit. She was a past member of the Ladies VFW Auxiliary Post 1638 in Merrill and a present member of St. John Baptist Catholic Church in Bloomville.
Survivors include her husband of 67 years: Robert Rajek, Merrill; son: Gary (Karen) Rajek, Merrill; two daughters: Kathleen (Thomas) VanDerGeest, and Mary Rajek, all of Merrill; two daughters-in-law: Karen Rajek and Debbie Rajek, both of Merrill; 14 grandchildren: Scott (Becky) Rajek, Merrill, Angela (Joseph) Harkner, Osseo, Cory (Jenny) Rajek, Janesville, Nicole Halbach, Merrill, Tiffany Everett, Wausau, Richard (Jennifer) Rajek, Merrill, Amy Rajek, wife of the late Stephen Rajek, Merrill, Greg (Mary) Rajek, Town of Maine, Jill (Pete) Fry, Merrill, Katie (fiancé Kyle) Rajek, Trisha (Steven) Detert, Gina (Toby) VanDerGeest, Phillip (Pam) Rajek, Amanda (Brock) Rohde, all of Merrill; 27 great grandchildren: Coty, Cole, Cade, Cassie, Joseph Jr, Emily, Alexis, Chelsea, Devon, McKayla, Taylor, Sara, Derek, Bryce, Braeden, Brittney, Max, Clara, “Small Fry”, Chloe, Ava, Wil, Brenna, Jaron, Johnathan, Charlie, Connor and Jayce; one great-great-granddaughter; two sisters: Charlotte Larsen and Charlene (Bernard) Ritchie, all of New London; sisters-in-law: Pat Rajek and Patricia Koepke, both of Merrill; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Robert and Wayne Rajek and her grandson, Steve Rajek.
A Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Waid Funeral Home Chapel. Father Michael McLain will preside. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM Friday, January 23, and again from 10AM until the time of service Saturday, all at the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.waidfuneral.com.