Grace Ella Irene Prast, 100, of Merrill, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Woodland Court Elder Services, Merrill. Grace was born October 4, 1922, in Merrill, daughter of the late Edwin and Ella (Neubauer) Schmidt. She married Alvin Prast on May 8, 1943, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ in Merrill. He preceded her in death on March 2, 1987. Grace was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in the Town of Corning, where she was a member of the Ladies League and the Altar Guild and helped with the Easter breakfasts for many years. Grace worked hard all her life on the family farm but also had seasonal employment with Oconomowoc Canning Company and the Copper River Cranberry Marsh. Grace enjoyed writing in her journal, reading, bird and wildlife watching, playing sheephead, and the many Canadian fishing trips. She also was a great cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family. But her greatest gift was her tremendous faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ which she demonstrated every day of her life to family and friends.
Grace is survived by her daughter, VerJean (Dennis) Schield of Tomahawk; son, Philip (Deanna) Prast of Merrill; grandchildren, Brent Schield of Tomahawk, and Heidi (Geoffrey) Hoock of Merrill; and great-grandchildren, Grace, Haley, Claire, and Joseph. Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Prast; parents, Edwin and Ella Schmidt; sister, Verna (Walt) Zuelsdorff; and brother, Lester (Helen) Schmidt.
The memorial service for Grace will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, January 2, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Town of Corning. The Rev. Joel Danner will officiate. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Monday at the church. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. The family would like to thank Woodland Court Elder Services for their compassion and the wonderful care they gave to Grace. The family would also like to especially thank nieces Joan Hartson and Nona Zortman for their frequent visits and phone calls to Grace. The family suggests memorials in Grace’s name may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Town of Corning. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com