Richard E. Plautz, age 89, of Merrill, passed away on Sunday, August 1, 2021, at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay. Richard was born September 23, 1931, in Merrill, son of the late Henry and Louise (Savaske) Plautz. He married Darlene (Schreiber) on June 11, 1955, celebrating 66 years together. Richard owned and operated Plautz Oil Company for over 25 years. He then was in the logging business and built his own skidder. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Richard honorably served in the United States Marine Corp from December 1951 until December of 1952.
Survivors include his wife, Darlene Plautz of Merrill; daughter, Ranee (Michael) Kopetzky of Merrill; sons, Ricky (Alicia) Plautz of China, and Ryan (Cheryl) Plautz of Merrill; six grandchildren, Rachel (Michael) Waldburger, of Merrill, Ramsey Plautz, of Merrill, Eva, of China, Amanda (Michael) Goeden, of Merrill, Ashley (Steven) Sanford, of Virginia, Andrew (Amber) Plautz, of Merrill; and 8 great grandchildren, Michael, Ava, Piper, Sebastian, Stella, Aiden, Addison, and Anderson. Richard is also survived by a sister, Leora Rash of Pennsylvania; and brother, Roger (Patsy) Plautz, of Merrill.
Graveside services for Richard E. Plautz will begin at 10:30 AM Saturday, August 14, 2021, at St. Francis Cemetery/Veterans Memorial Section. Military honors will be provided by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in name of ‘Richard E. Plautz’ to Northwoods Veterans Post, 601 Johnson Street, Merrill. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com