Joanne M. Gruetzmacher, age 77, of Merrill, went to be with her Savior on Thursday, April 12, 2012, at Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital, Weston.
Joanne was born on November 22, 1934, in Merrill, daughter of the late Peter and Mabel (Lee) Gille. She was united in marriage to Melvin Gruetzmacher on June 12, 1971. He preceded her in death on February 7, 2009. After graduation, Joanne worked at the former Peterman’s Department Store, Merrill, then in the office at Weinbrenner Shoe Company, Merrill. In 1978, Joanne became a medical assistant at Family Medical Clinic, Merrill. At the time of her retirement, Joanne was assisting at Marshfield Clinic – Merrill Center. Joanne was currently a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill, and for many years sang with the choir. She had taught Sunday school at church, and was a former church treasurer. She was also a member and past county president of L.C.H.C.E., a homemakers club in Lincoln County. She was currently a member of the “Red Hat Mama’s”. Joanne enjoyed baking, sewing, snowmobiling in her younger years, being outdoors, and spending time with her extended family.
Survivors include two sisters, Carol (Fred) Pester, Merrill, and Gay (Kenneth) Baumann, Wausau; two brothers, Lee (Nancy) Gille, and Edward “Butch” Gille, both of Merrill; her close and dear friend, Ruth (Daniel) Nelson-Lau, Merrill; a sister in law, Mildred Kollmer, Merrill; her special nieces and nephews, Laurie (Michael) Germain, Michelle (Howard) Sczygelski, Jean (Tom) Kouba, Polly (Jay) Koebe, David Bienfang, Kery Gille, Dean (Bridget) Gille, Darin (Kati) Gille, Kris (Billy Jo) Gille, Juli-Kay Baumann, Steven (Lina) Baumann, Brian (Chelle) Baumann , and Jodeen Baumann; and her special great nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, Joanne is preceded in death by a niece, Sharon Baguhn, and a nephew, Gary Lee Bienfang.

The funeral will be at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Maurice Schaus will officiate. Burial will take place in Springbrook Cemetery, Town of Pine River. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com