Wayne A. Marrier, 89, Merrill, died Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at Bell Tower Residence under the care of Asera Care Hospice.
He was born February 15, 1922 in Hawkins to the late Adlor & Eleanore (Briant) Marrier. He married June Harvey on May 6, 1944 in Hawkins, WI. She preceded him in death on October 15, 1998.
Wayne was raised in Hawkins and then moved to St. Paul, Minn. When he was 17 his father passed away and he moved back to Hawkins to live with a family friend. Wayne then attended 1 year at Whitewater Business College. In August of 1941, he went to Winnipeg, Manitoba and joined The Royal Canadian Air Force. Wayne received his flight training in Calgary, Alberta, graduating May 15, 1942. While in the RCAF he flew “The Hump” in Burma. After Pearl Harbor Wayne joined the United States Army Air Force and was stationed in The Aleution Islands and flew 30 missions as a bomber pilot against the Japanese held island of Kiska. While on his last mission he was shot down and became a prisoner of war in Russia for 6 months and was released on his birthday, February 15th. After the war, Wayne was employed at NORCO Window & Door Company in Hawkins where he became General Manager. He later transferred to SEMCO in Merrill where he was the Sales Manager for 35 years, retiring in 1984. Wayne was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, the Kiwanis Club of Merrill and the Masonic Lodge Virginia Falls Chapter. He loved many outdoor activities, including camping, hunting, canoeing, biking, hiking, and traveling but most enjoyed spending time with his wife and family.
Wayne is survived by two daughters: Sandra Marrier, Madison, and Nancy (Steve) Sherriff, Eau Claire; two sons; Wayne J. (Marie) Marrier and Jerry (Lynn) Marrier, all of Merrill; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, June.
Services will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at Bell Tower Chapel. The Rev. Don Entenman will officiate. Friends may call from 4 – 7PM Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at Waid Funeral Home and again from 10-11 AM Wednesday before the service at Bell Tower Chapel. Entombment will follow at Merrill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to Bell Tower Residence. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.