Marvin W. Schenzel, 98, Merrill, passed away Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Bell Tower Residence under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.
He was born August 18, 1912 in Merrill to the late William and Anna (Brandt) Schenzel. Marvin married Ruthmae West December 7, 1940. She preceded him in death after 55 wonderful years of marriage in March of 1996.
Marvin was educated in the Merrill Area Public Schools, graduating in 1931. He was inducted into the Army on March 4, 1943. He served in the Army in World War II from 1943-1946 and was honorably discharged on January 7, 1946 as Staff Sergeant. Marvin retired from Taylor Insulation Company after 29 years of management. He was an avid baseball and football fan and also enjoyed reading, walking, and volunteering for Meals on Wheels and various other committees and activities. Marvin was a member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ where he served in various capacities for more that 50 years. It was at St. Stephen’s where he started teaching Sunday School in 1926. Marvin was the former Superintendent of the Sunday School and member of the former Brotherhood organization. He also served two terms on the Church Council and represented St. Stephen’s on many committees for the Wisconsin Conference and Northwest Association levels. Marvin was a past member of Lincoln County Commission on Aging and the Merrill Committee on Aging. He was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles joining them December 7, 1937, a member of Merrill Historical Society, Charter Member and former Trustee of Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Marvin was instrumental in forming the first Food Pantry in Merrill, serving on the committee for 8 years.
Survivors include one daughter: Linda (Bryan) Plautz, Merrill; son-in-law: Jerry (Cindy) Geiss, Merrill; two step-grandchildren: Brad (Sue) Geiss, Merrill, and Jennifer Geiss, Wausau; three step-grandchildren: Brady Geiss and Nicholas and Elizabeth Rehwinkel; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Carl Schenzel, who died in the service during World Was II and Harold “Mouse” Schenzel, his wife, Ruthmae in March of 1996 and daughter, Mary Geiss, who died in October of 2006.
Services will be 11:00 am Monday, January 17, 2011 at Waid Funeral Home. Pastor Missy Holdorf will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 – 11 am Monday January 17, also at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to St. Stephens Radio Ministry, Lincoln County Respite Society (this was Mary Geiss’ dream project) at P.O. Box 925 Merrill, WI 54452 or the Merrill Food Pantry. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.