Elroy Block, age 85, died Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at Pine Crest Nursing Home.
He was born in the town of Maine on July 1, 1927 to the late William F. & Augusta (Heyne) Block. He and Gloria Diels were married August 19, 1950 in Medford. She preceded him in death February 6, 2001.
Aside from his first job, being a milk carrier when he owned his own milk route with Page Company, Elroy was in sales all his life. He had worked at associated Co-Op as a salesman and had owned a sport and snowmobile dealership in Merrill. Elroy was manager of a body shop in Merrill for a short time before becoming the used car manager at Gateway Volkswagen in Wausau. From there, Elroy opened his own used car dealership in Merrill called Block’s Auto, which he owned with his son, Jeff. He loved to hunt, fish and had played slow pitch ball for many years. Some fond memories of Elroy were when he was a pitcher and played with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. He was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill.
Survivors include his two sons: Jeff (Gwen) Block, Merrill and Jay (Maria) Block, Irma; two daughters: Peggy (Carl) Torkelson and Linda (Kurt) Eckes, all of Merrill; 12 grandchildren: Erin (Ryan) Olszewski, Ryan Malone, Amber (Steve) Athanasiou, Ashley (friend Craig) Block, Mitchell (Jenny) Block, Justin Block, Matt Torkelson, Chad Eckes, Kevin Eckes, Katie Erickson and Christopher Eckes; eight great-grandchildren: Macy, Bryce, Owen, Carson, McKenna, Peyton, Dylan and Drew; one brother: Gene (Donna) Block, Merrill; many nieces and nephews and his favorite dog “Luke”. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Gloria, brother, Clarence, and sister, Betty.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, June 21, 2013 at Waid Funeral Home. The Rev. Maurice Schaus will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM Thursday, June 20 and again from 10-11 before the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service in Merrill Memorial Park. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.