Dorothy M. Merkel, age 89, passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2016 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill while under the care of Aspirus Home Care & Hospice Services and surrounded by her loving family. Dorothy was born on February 2, 1927, to the late Reinhard and Adeline (Tesch) Woller in Merrill, WI. She attended Merrill High School. On June 22, 1946, Dorothy exchanged vows with Christian Merkel at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Merrill. He survives.
Dorothy prided herself in being an excellent homemaker and a great cook. She would cook for family and friends and especially enjoyed making her chicken noodle soup and caramel upside down cake. Dorothy worked at the former Hanson Glove and Fox Point Sportswear, Merrill, the pea factory and also the Weinbrenner Shoe Factory, Merrill. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting, as well as the outdoors, fishing, ice fishing, and camping with her family. Dorothy loved to bowl and earned many trophies. She also loved playing cards with family and friends. She taught Sunday school and bible school at her church. Dorothy will be sadly missed.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Christian Merkel of Merrill; two sons, Gary (Pat) Merkel, Delavan, WI and Bruce Merkel, Warrenville, IL; two grandsons, Shawn (Angie) Merkel and Shannon (Stacie) Merkel, both of Merrill; three great-grandchildren, Aaron, Alyssa, and Macie Merkel; three sisters, Margaret Sense, Kathryn (Leon) Samuelson, and Sharon (Wayne) Kirby.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Reinhard and Adeline (Tesch) Woller, sisters, Sylvia Zoellner and Alice Roberts, and brothers, Jack Peter Woller, Robert Woller, Lane Woller, and Pat Woller, and her beloved dog “Trixie.”
Per the family’s request, there will be no services held for Dorothy. If you would like to make a donation to the family, please contact Angie Merkel (granddaughter) at 715-432-6538.
Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at http://www.waidfuneral.com./