Barbara J. Tholl, age 80, of Merrill, died Wednesday, November 26, 2014, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, under the care of her loving family, the Bell Tower staff, and hospice services.
Barbara was born September 27, 1934, in Merrill, daughter of the late Fred and Barb (Geiss) Heller. Barb graduated from Merrill Senior High School in 1953, from the Lincoln County Normal School in 1955, and from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in 1964. Her career began in 1955, teaching in one room schools in Lincoln County. Barb then spent 24 years teaching First Grade at Washington Elementary School, Merrill, retiring in 1991. She married Roger Tholl on September 20, 1958, and he preceded her in death on September 10, 2001. Barb enjoyed volunteering her time at Lincoln Hills School, Irma, in the Foster Grandparent Program, Habitat for Humanity, and the Mexico Mission through St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Bloomville and St. Augustine Parish, Harrison. Barb enjoyed spending time with her ‘Walking Club’, and the Washington Association of Retired Teachers (W.A.R.Ts.). Barb and Roger spent winters in Panama City Beach, Florida, enjoying their love of golf and tracking down their ‘snowbird’ friends. Barb loved teaching, volunteering, and enjoying life!
Survivors include three daughters, Linda (John) Huss, and Kristy (Mike) Smith, both of Merrill, and Angie (Jeff) Strick, Mosinee; five grandsons, Christopher Huss and Brian (Samantha) Huss, both of Merrill, Michael (Windy) Smith, Brooklyn, Wisconsin, and Matthew (Abby) Smith and Mitchell (Ali) Smith, both of Merrill; five great grandchildren, Brynn, Brea, Ellie, Briggs, and Elijah Smith; and her brother, Fritz Heller, Gleason. Besides her husband Roger Tholl and her parents Fred and Barb Heller, Barb is preceded in death by her infant son, Mitchell Tholl; a sister, Jeanette Breivogel; and a brother, Joe Heller.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 2, 2014, at Holy Cross Chapel, Bell Tower Residence, Merrill. Father Jerry Worman will preside. Burial will take place in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, Merrill. Visitation will begin at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday at Bell Tower Residence. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Bell Tower Residence, Habitat for Humanity, or the Merrill Historical Society.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com