Edward “Ed” B. Slewitzke, age 85, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, July 6, 2018 at the Pine Crest Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family. Ed was born on January 6, 1933 to the late Stephen and Cecelia (Tigges) Slewitzke in Mosinee. He grew up in Mosinee and attended St. Paul’s Parochial Grade School and Mosinee High School, graduating in 1951. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Marathon Campus from 1951-1953. The U.S. Army called him to serve as a medic with the 6th Armored Calvary in Straubing, Germany from 1953-1955. Ed then returned to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and graduated in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in science. In 1961, he received his master’s degree in Geology from the University of Kansas. Throughout his teaching career, Ed took additional courses at the University of Berkley in California, Bemidji , Minnesota, and the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point and Superior. Ed began his first career as an educator at Merrill Junior High School in 1963, and taught math and science there until his retirement in 1994.
Ed met the love of his life, Katharine “Kay” Helling in 1959, and they married on September 3, 1960, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wausau. She survives. Together, they raised five children.
Ed was dedicated to God, his family and his friends. He was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill, and served as a Eucharistic Minister, member of the building committee, and was a Eucharistic Adorer. Ed was a member and past president of the Merrill Area Educators Association. He also was a member of the Merrill Evening Lions Club where he served as president, and was a member of the Board of Directors. Ed was the recipient of the Lions Melvin Jones Award. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.
Ed had several hobbies, including hunting, fishing and especially downhill skiing. He was a ski instructor at Rib Mountain in Wausau, and skied several areas in the United States and Europe.
Ed is survived by his loving wife of 57 years: Kay Slewitzke of Merrill, children: Ann (Steven) Stuart of Sacramento, CA, Stephen (Stephanie) Slewitzke of Roswell, GA, James Slewitzke of Merrill, John (Julie) Slewitzke of Cincinnati, OH and Mark Slewitzke of Merrill, three grandchildren: Connor, Brian and Grace Slewitzke, two step grandchildren: Sean (Margo) Stuart of Los Angeles and Stephanie (Nick) Trinder of Oakland, five step great grandchildren and several aunts and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Ed will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 12noon at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. Father Chris Kemp will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018 from 9am until the time of Mass, also at the church. Inurnment at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Veteran’s Cemetery will take place at a later date. Military honors will be performed by the Merrill V.F.W. Post #1638 at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations in Ed’s name be directed to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the Merrill Food Pantry or the Merrill Lions Club.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.