Jessica “Jessi” A. Alft, age 39, of Merrill, passed away July 7, 2014 at her home after a long courageous battle with cancer.  She was born December 16, 1974 in Merrill to James and Mary (Koch) Alft.
Jessi  graduated from Merrill Senior High School, class of 1993. She worked at Church Mutual for 18 years. Jessi loved her son, Riley. He was the love of her life. “We may not have had it a lot, but together we had it all”. Jessi enjoyed time spent with family and friends, especially Family Fun Nights where she loved playing board games.  She enjoyed the annual kayak trips, Bluegrass concerts and cooking. Jessi was like a mother to all of Riley’s friends and she loved taking care of them. She wanted to be known and remembered as being an inspiration to everyone that is battling cancer.
Survivors include her son: Riley Bienfang, Merrill; parents: Jim (Jan) Alft and Mary (Rick) Laabs, all of Merrill; siblings: Becky (Jeff) Roberts, David (Johnille) Alft, all of Merrill, Liza (Rob) Atkinson, Minneapolis, MN, Josh Laabs and Greg Laabs, both of Marathon City; four nieces: Mallory Roberts, Mikayla Alft, Sydney Roberts and Louise Atkinson; and two nephews: Elliot and Miles Atkinson. She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, July 11 at Waid Funeral Home. Pastor Missy Holdorf will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM Thursday, July 10 and again from 10 AM until the time of service, all at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date in Merrill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations may be given in Jessi’s name to Marshfield Clinic Wausau Cancer Center. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.