Gene A. Cotter, 85, of Merrill, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill. Gene was born January 8, 1934 daughter of the late Paul and Adeline Zoellner. She married John Cotter on September 12, 1953 in Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. He survives. Gene worked as a telephone operator but was mostly a stay at home mom. She was a wonderful homemaker and a great cook and baker. In 1972, Gene and John bought and operated ‘Park City Liquor’ in Merrill. They ran the store until 1978. Gene enjoyed watching sports and bird watching. She also enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Newwood and at their camper in Fox Fire Campground near Minocqua.
Gene is survived by her husband, John Cotter of Merrill; one daughter, Kelleen Wistein, Merrill; one son, John (Gwen) Cotter, Gleason; four grandchildren, Ryan (Greg Schubring) Wistein, Wausau, Erin (Angus) Mclean, Augusta, Georgia, Corey (Jenell) Nowak, Merrill, and Megan Cotter, Stevens Point; three great-grandchildren, Kynle Kate Mclean, Khali Kay Mclean, and Cutler Nowak; three sisters, Lois (Reid) Hamlin, Oshkosh, Fern Bacher and Shelley Neumann, both of Merrill; her brother in law, Don Morrell, Newald, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Adeline Zoellner; infant brother, Paul Zoellner; three sisters, Patricia Morrell, Darlene Caylor and Kathleen Olivotti; her in laws, John N. and Delores Cotter; and brothers-in-law, Duane Bacher and Bill Caylor.
The funeral service for Gene will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Entombment will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Mausoleum. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Thursday at the church. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com