Valerian M. Storm, age 95, of Wausau, formerly of Merrill, died Thursday, May 23, 2013 at North Central Health Center. She was born July 2, 1917 in the town of Berlin to the late Paul & Della (Klebenow) Utech. On June 30, 1937, she and Elmer Storm were united in marriage at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Naugart. He preceded her in death Dec. 7, 1963.
Valerian was very active in the Merrill Community. Over the years she had worked as a cheese maker, farmer, school bus driver, waitress at several Merrill Supper Clubs and clerk at Dime & Dollar. Valerian loved horses and was a member of the Merrill Riders Club and the Prairie River Riders Club. One of her pride and joys was riding her show horses in the Merrill Labor Day Parade. Valerian enjoyed volunteering her time to serve others, especially at Trinity Lutheran Church, town of Berlin where she was a member, Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and a member of the ladies aid and choir. Additionally, she was a member of several other church societies.
Survivors include her brother: Violas Utech, Merrill; daughter-in-law: Nancy Storm (Paul) Spano, MN; nephew: Russell Utech, Merrill, and his children, Gustin & Abigail; niece: Jennifer (Kevin) Anklam, Wausau; nephew: Karlos Hackbarth, Schofield; and niece: Julia Seim, Schofield. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Elmer, son Valroy, granddaughter Lisa, sisters-in-law Arlyle Utech and Mildred Hackbarth, and special uncle Edgar Klebenow.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 30, at Trinity Lutheran Church, town of Berlin. The Rev. Jeffrey Schmidt will officiate. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. before the funeral at the church. Burial will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, town of Berlin. The family would like to extend a special Thank You to all the staff who became her family at North Central Health Care/Mount View Care Center for the exceptional loving care they provided her with for the last several years. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.