Dorothea H. ‘Toots’ Baneck, 83, of Athens, formerly of Merrill, passed away Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Dorothea was born October 5, 1938, in Merrill, daughter of the late Lawrence and Hertha (Hinz) Schult. She married Lawrence Baneck on April 16, 1960. He preceded her in death on November 8, 2008. Dorothea enjoyed going to the cottage in Tomahawk and spending time at the shack in the Town of Hamburg. While there, she enjoyed watching the wildlife and being in the woods. Dorothea enjoyed bow hunting in her younger years and trout fishing with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed going to auctions, collecting anything and everything, and playing the accordion. ‘Grandma Toots’ loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Survivors include her children, Kathy (Mark) Perrin of Medford and Kevin (Kris) Baneck of Hamburg; three grandchildren, Greg (Casey) Baneck of Merrill, Kaity (Zack) Fleming of Wausau, and Ryan Perrin of Medford; one sister, Bernice (Ralph) Schulz of Merrill; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dorothea ‘Toots’ was met at the gates of Heaven by her husband, Larry Baneck; her grandson, David L. Baneck; and her parents, Lawrence and Hertha Schult.
The funeral service for Dorothea ‘Toots’ Baneck will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Pastor Joel Danner will preside. Visitation will begin at 9:30 A.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Entombment will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Mausoleum. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com