Joan D. Muschinske, 87, Merrill, WI, died peacefully on November 10, 2016 at Colonial Manor, Wausau, after a short battle with dementia and cancer. Joan was born April 30, 1929, in Merrill, daughter of the late Alfred and Dorothea (Krueger) Latzig. Joan is survived by her daughter, Jill Schmunk, husband Marty, of Merrill; son, Bruce Muschinske, wife Kathy, of Wausau; brother, Rodney Latzig, wife Faye, of Rockford, IL; and brother-in-law, Fred Muschinske, of King, WI. She is further survived by four grandsons, Matthew Schmunk, wife Melissa, with great-grandchildren Linden and Elsa of Fairfax, VA; Luke Muschinske, wife Lindsay, with great-grandchildren Ellyn and Emmalyn of Sun Prairie, WI; Jonathan Schmunk of Wausau; and Nick Muschinske, wife Britta, and great-granddaughter Etta of Wausau. Joan was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Joan grew up on the family dairy farm in the Town of Pine River, Lincoln County, and graduated Merrill High School with honors in 1947. After high school, she chose to do a two year mission at the Winnebago Indian Mission School in Neillsville, WI, which gave her a life-long interest in Native American culture. She married Wallace Muschinske on September 29, 1951 at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill. Joan was a wonderful wife and devoted to her family. She was an American Red Cross volunteer for nearly 50 years, assisting during fire emergencies in Merrill and was the chairperson of the “Gray Ladies” in their support of residents at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill. Joan was a longtime member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill. Joan was a talented seamstress, creating many crafts for family and community. She enjoyed vacationing with her husband at their property on Madeline Island. She was able to reside in her East Main Street house for over 60 years and was the last of her generation to leave the block.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill. The Rev. Kyle Carnes will officiate. Burial will take place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com