Viola C. Wendt-Schmidt, age 88, of Merrill, passed away Monday, March 4, 2013 at Artisan Assisted Living formerly known as Walnut Grove Assisted Living.
She was born November 17, 1924 in Merrill to the late Carl & Paulina (Braun) Schulz. She married Raymond Wendt in Merrill on November 16, 1946. He preceded her in death October 7, 1978. She later married Wilbert Schmidt in Wausau. He also preceded her in death.
Viola was the youngest of 12 children. She grew up on the family farm in the town of Scott. After her marriage to Raymond she moved to Merrill and became a mother and home maker. A short time after Delores was born, they farmed west of Merrill for 5 years then moved back to Merrill where she worked a short time for Hinz’s Cork & Dine. Viola was a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Wausau. She enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, gardening, dancing on the weekends and listening to Polka music. Viola enjoyed spending time with and taking care of her grandchildren. She will be remembered for playing games and singing with her grandchildren.
Survivors include her daughter: Delores (Rob) Patrie, Wausau; two granddaughters; Jackie Patrie and Jalayne (Nicholas) Wisniewski, both of Wausau; two great-grandchildren: Blaze & Alex Green; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands and 11 brothers and sisters.
Services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, March 7, 2013 at Waid Funeral Home. The Rev. Robert Smallman will officiate. Friends may call from 9-11 AM before the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.