Johanna ‘Joni’ Volz was born September 21, 1941 to Alfred and Orella Kleinschmidt.  She passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at the Hospice House in Wausau.  Joni graduated from Merrill High School in 1959.  On May 23, 1964, Joni married Earl Volz at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill.  Joni and Earl welcomed son, Tim in 1967 and daughter, Stacy in 1969.  Joni worked at Howland’s Ace Hardware for 38 years.  She ran the famous toy department upstairs.  After the toy area closed, Joni worked in sales and helped with the bookkeeping.  A trip to Ace Hardware would always find a smiling Joni.  Joni was an avid bowler.  She spent many years bowling at Les & Jim’s in Merrill.  In 1996, Joni was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame.  Joni and Earl bowled in many tournaments together across the state.  She was secretary of her bowling league for many years.   Joni and Earl spent many happy years together traveling across the country visiting friends and family.  They enjoyed day and weekend trips to the casino.  They also enjoyed playing cards with friends and family.  Joni loved to read, and play games like Yahtzee.  Joni also enjoyed working on her yarn–plastic canvas projects that she shared with family and friends.

Joni is survived by her husband, Earl Volz of Merrill; and daughter, Stacy (Quince) Maly of Madison.  She was preceded in death by her son, Tim.  Joni is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Connie Kleinschmidt of Merrill; daughter-in-law, Tabby (Scott) Check of Kronenwetter; three grandsons, Alex Volz, Noah Volz, and Jack Maly; and sisters-in-law, Violet Volz of Athens and Shirley Ziemke of Merrill.  In addition to her son, Tim, Joni was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Orella Kleinschmidt; and her brothers-in-law, Ralph Volz and Frank Ziemke.

A public visitation for Joni will be held from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M., on Monday, February 22, 2021 at Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill.  Immediately following the visitation, a private funeral service will be held.  Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate.  Burial will take place in the Faith Lutheran Cemetery-West, Town of Scott, Lincoln County.  Masks and social distancing will be required at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com