Florence ‘Flo’ Marie Porath, age 91, of Merrill, passed away Friday, April 24, 2015 at Pine Crest Nursing Home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. She was born March 5, 1924 in Wausau to the late Edward G. and Margaret H. (LaMere) Kraft. Florence and Leander “Lindy” Porath were united in marriage on August 7, 1943 in Moscow, Idaho. He preceded her in death December 24, 1987.
Flo was a 1942 graduate of Wausau High School. She worked as a waitress at Club Modern for over 25 years. Flo enjoyed trips to the casino and loved whenever she had company at the cottage in Crandon. In her younger years, she enjoyed ice skating and was on a bowling league for many years. Flo enjoyed fishing but especially enjoyed soaking up the sun. She also enjoyed dancing polkas. Flo was an avid church goer at Our Saviour’s where she had been a member for many years.
Survivors include her four children: Charles (Karen) Porath, Merrill, James (Cheryl) Porath, Kronenwetter, Gary (Nancy) Porath, Merrill, and Margaret “Peggy” (Brian) Beltz, Irma; 10 grandchildren: Paula Netzel, Wausau, Debbie Porath, Weston, Jessica (Mark) Frie, Minneapolis, Kristin (Dan Burkhart) Porath, Weston, Cody (Loren Pacey) Porath, Minneapolis, Leah (Rod) Akey, Merrill, Rachel Fischer, Victoria, MN, Luke (Meghan) Porath, Wauwatosa, Nicole “Nicci” (Nick) Wiedenhoeft, Jackson, TN, and Brad Gano, Oshkosh; four step-grandchildren: Ashley (Jason Thiel) Fucarino, Jessica (Jared Duginski) Fucarino, both of Merrill, Rachael Millirons, Irma, and Tanya (Ja) Whitmer, Salem, Virginia; 12 great grandchildren: Justin, Anthony, Macy, Harrison, Leonard, Abe, Eve, Aubrey, Isaac, Johnathan, Julian and Nicholas; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Lindy, and two brothers, Edward Kraft and Roger Kraft.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Rev. Creswell will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM Monday, April 27th at Waid Funeral Home and again from 10 AM until the time of service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery in Wausau. Memorials in Flo’s name to Our Saviour’s or Aspirus Hospice are appreciated. Special thanks to Rachel with Aspirus Hospice and the staff at Pine Crest Nursing Home for their wonderful care for Flo. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.