Cecil Jay “Ginger” Stapleton, age 91 of Merrill, passed away on Aug. 3, 2013 at Pinecrest Nursing Home in Merrill.
Cecil was born on Sept. 27, 1921 to Arthur and Marion (Miller) Stapleton in Ladysmith, WI. Cecil married Dolly Finley in Ladysmith. She preceded him in death June 30, 1994.
Cecil finished high school and went on to do a year of college at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Rice Lake, WI. Cecil was a bus driver for the Ladysmith area schools for 33 years. He was also a section foreman for Soo Line Railroad for many years. Cecil was an avid cribbage player and enjoyed long drives in the country admiring all of the animals. Cecil also enjoyed fishing in the Thornapple River. Cecil loved walking and did so as much as possible. He served in New Guinea for the U.S. Army and was a lifelong member of the VFW in Ladysmith and Merrill. Cecil was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill, and taught Sunday school at Nathaniel Lutheran Church in Bruce, WI.
Cecil is survived by Jay (Donna) Stapleton, Merrill; Jean Stapleton, Ladysmith; John Stapleton, Medford; Susan (Tom) Stapleton, Ladysmith; Laura Stapleton, Ladysmith; Doug (Eva) Stapleton, Tomahawk; Mary (Mark) Krombholz, Merrill; stepchildren, Laurette (Tina) Jennerman, Laurence Hazolton and John Holm Jr.; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; siblings, Richard (Marian) Stapleton and Garnet Stapleton; Katie and Marty. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dolly Finley; siblings Carol, Virginia and Charles.
Funeral services for Cecil will be at the Riverside Cemetery in Ladysmith on Aug. 10 at 1 p.m. Rev. Darnell Curran will officiate. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until the time of service at Riverside Cemetery. A pot luck will follow the service at the Abundant Life Assembly of God church in Ladysmith.
Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.