Verna Alma (Kroening) Loesel, 92, of Merrill passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Woodland Court Elder Care where she was a resident for 8 years suffering from dementia.
Verna was born on July 23, 1922 in Wausau to the late Robert and Alma (Meihlan) Kroening. She married Daniel Blaubach, October 31, 1943. They dairy farmed for over 27 years and had five children.
On October 31, 1972 she married Edward Dittmar. They enjoyed taking many road trips throughout the United States and Canada. Verna also enjoyed canning the bounty from Ed’s huge garden. He preceded her in death on Jan. 4, 1980.
On September 11, 1982 she married Willis Loesel. They enjoyed casino trips, snowmobiling, pool shooting, camping and traveling, especially the trip to California and the World’s fair in Knoxville, TN. They also had a small polka band called the Midnight Roamers. Verna played the drums in the band. Willis preceded her in death on May 3, 1999.
Verna is survived by five children; MaryAnn (Ronald) Westcott, Athens, Gerald Blaubach, Donald Blaubach, and Gary Blaubach, all of Merrill, Harvey (Donna) Blaubach, Wausau, 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, sister; Edna (Eugene) Laffin, sisters in law, Eileen Kroening, Joanne Kroening, both of Wausau, Lorraine Plamann, Betty Spears, both of Merrill and one brother in law, Gust Beyer, Wausau and many other relatives and friends.
She is further survived by step-children; Sharon (Darrel) Hillman, De Pere, Kathy (John) Schotz, Merrill, Robert ( Claudette) Loesel, Wausau, Richard Loesel, John Loesel, Gary Loesel, all of Merrill, 12 step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by one step-daughter, Janice Loesel, siblings; Arline Beyer, Clarence Kroening, Albert Kroening, Robert Kroening Jr. and Harvey Kroening, sister in law Violet Kroening, two brother in laws; Edgar Plaumann and Robert Spears.
Funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at church. Burial will be in Merrill Memorial Park.
Verna was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. As per Verna’s request all memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church.
Special thanks to Debbie Kufahl & Staff at Woodland Court for the loving care given to mom and thank you to all the nurses from Aspirus Hospice Care, especially, Christina Wendt for the excellent care.