Evelyn Schleif, age 93, passed away on March 21, 2014 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill.
She was born on March 14, 1921 to Arthur and Edna Nienow in the Town of Pine River. Evelyn attended school in the Town of Pine River. She fell in love and married Hugo Schleif on Oct. 25, 1941 in Merrill.
In her younger years, she was a member of the Harmony Homemakers. Evelyn worked as an edge stitcher at the Weinbrenner Shoe Factory in Merrill for about 25 years. She would often wash, starch and iron clothes for others and would do some sewing for her family. Evelyn was especially interested in Genealogy. She would make binder after binder of newspaper clippings from events, birthdays and anniversaries. She would very carefully and neatly type descriptions of pictures that she placed in her binders. Over her many years, she made many of these for friends and family. Evelyn took pride in caring for herself and staying healthy and active. She had a very special “angel” at Pine Crest that always watched over her and made her day a little brighter. Evelyn loved playing bingo most anywhere, but especially when she went to visit her brother in Green Bay. The two of them would go and play bingo at the local casino. In the recent days, Evelyn had been able to spend some precious time with her family while celebrating her birthday. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Survivors include her daughters: Phyllis Rhyner of Merrill, Kathleen Graap of Merrill, Margie Lange of Merrill and Dawn Schleif of Merrill; grandchildren: Amy (Ed) Wayda of Merrill, Tammy (Ernie) Stender of Merrill, Jody (Troy) Ament of Merrill, Lori (Ed) Studinski and Tracy (Brian) Manock of Gleason; great-grandchildren: Cody Woellner, Casie Woellner, Megan Wayda, Molly Wayda, Alexis Manock and Connor Stender; sister: Helen Berndt of Merrill; brothers: Elmer (Polly) Nienow of Green Bay and Roger Nienow of Wausau; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, her husband Hugo and son-in-law Dennis Graap.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 24th at 11 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. Pastor Brian Stolarczyk will officiate. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 23rd from 4-7 pm at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill and again Monday morning from 9 am until the time of the service at Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial will be at a later date at Merrill Memorial Park.
Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.waidfuneral.com.