Allen (Al) Raymond Handlin, age 80, passed away at his home in Merrill, Wisconsin on June 11, 2021, under the care of Compassus Hospice. He was born on November 16, 1940, to William and Mary (Lofthouse) Handlin in Chicago, Illinois. On October 31, 1959, Al married Joyce Helms in Chicago, Illinois. They would have celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in October. Together they gave back to others in a very big way by opening their home to more than 200 foster children. They were awarded Foster Parents of the Year in Wisconsin. Al was a hard worker and after years of being a Baker and then body repairman and tow truck driver he began a new career at Merrill Area Public Schools (MAPS) in the Maintenance Department from which he retired in 2003. Never one to sit idle, Al ran his own catering business as well as a custom woodworking business, was a WI DNR Fire Warden for 40 years and elected as the Constable for the Town of Merrill 30 years. Al made sure to give back to his community by volunteering at Habitat for Humanity, and Good News, where he had the opportunity to travel to St. Lucia to help build homes. He coached little league for boys and girls, giving him the opportunity to coach all his children. As a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, he served on the counsel. He was a Cub Master in Illinois and Wisconsin and was a member of the Lions Club. He was selfless, hardworking, and always enjoyed a good “Dad” joke. He enjoyed stock car racing, woodworking, firetrucks, pranks, and most of all, spending time with his family.
Al is survived by his wife Joyce; children, Mark (Amy) Handlin, Michael (Lisa) Handlin, Shirley (James) Gagas, Kristin (Fiancé Mike Wimmer) Handlin, Kathe (Raymond Wilson) Handlin, and Mary Handlin; grandchildren, Ryan (Cinder), Matthew (McKenzie), Timothy, Johnathon, Joseph, Alyssa, Tessa (Josiah) Grove, Annika, Carter, Coralisha, Latrell, Felicia, Steven, Paul, and Kia; great-grandchild, Austin, with another due in January; sister-in- law, Josephine; brother-in-law’s Erwin (Rose) and Ronald; many nieces and nephews, and all the 200 plus foster children. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard Becker.
A public visitation will be held on Friday, June 25, 2021, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill. The memorial service will take place on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 11:30 am at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church with a visitation starting at 10:00 am till the time of service. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.