Lauretta M. C. (Wengeler) Koehler, 91, of Merrill, died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011 at Pine Crest Nursing Home, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice.
Lauretta was born April 8, 1920, in Merrill, the daughter of the late Herman and Beretha (Buck) Karau. Lauretta attended Lincoln Elementary School and Merrill High School, graduating in 1938. She married Emil Wengeler in Merrill on April 29, 1939. He passed away in 1988. On Sept. 12, 1996, she married Ervin Koehler. Erv passed away in 2004.
Lauretta was employed at the Merrill Candy Company, she was a waitress at Hinz’s Cork & Dine and was also a receptionist for Dr. Lewinnek. She enjoyed knitting, watching sports and attending family events. She also liked to play cards, read, make greeting cards and bake with her niece, Jan Rajek. Lauretta also loved to travel, including trips to Germany and other European countries. She was a long time Sunday School teacher at St. Stephens United Church of Christ and was the treasurer for the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and St. Stephens Ladies Aid. Summers were enjoyed in the Minocqua area where Emil & Lauretta maintained a trailer. Family and friends came to visit and enjoyed water sports and campfires.
Lauretta was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Emil and Erv, 1 sister, Ruth Voelkman and 2 brothers, Erava and Sy Karau. She is survived by her daughter, Lauretta “Faye” Wengeler Huston; her son, William (Joanne) Wengeler; 3 step children, Sherry (John) Lahti, Georgette (Larry) Sampo and John (Kathy) Koehler; grandchildren, Faye Lynn Yeager, Jami Huston, Chuck Huston, Michele Huston, Mike Huston, Bill Wengeler and Steve Wengeler; and many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
Funeral services were Monday, Nov. 21, at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ. Pastor Missy Holdorf officiated. Burial is at Merrill Memorial Park in Merrill.
The family would like to thank all the dedicated and caring people at Pine Crest Nursing Home and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
The Waid Funeral Home of Merrill assisted the family with arrangements. On line condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.