Earl E. Volz, 82, of Merrill, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center – Weston. Earl was born October 14, 1940, in Merrill, son of the late William and Loretta (Gaeu) Volz. When Earl was five years old, his mother passed away. Eventually his father, William, married Alma Krause and together William and Alma raised Earl. Earl graduated from Merrill High School in 1957. He enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and served from 1957 until 1962. During the Berlin Crisis, he was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington. Earl married Joni Kleinschmidt on May 23, 1964, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. Joni preceded him in death on February 16, 2021. Earl worked at Lincoln Wood Products for 47 years. He retired as a lead man. Earl enjoyed planting and tending to his large vegetable garden. He and Joni enjoyed bowling in many leagues and at tournaments. They also enjoyed taking casino trips together.
Survivors include his daughter, Stacy (Quince) Maly of Madison; daughter-in-law, Tabby (Scott) Check of Kronenwetter; grandsons, Alex Volz and Noah Volz both of Wausau, and Jack Maly of Madison; great grandson, Elliot; stepsister, Shirley Ziemke of Merrill; and sisters-in-law, Violet Volz of Marathon and Connie Kleinschmidt of Merrill. Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Joni Volz; son, Tim Volz; mother, Loretta Volz; father and step-mother, William and Alma Volz; brother, Ralph Volz; stepsister, Donna Mahn; and brother-in-law, Richard Kleinschmidt.
The funeral for Earl will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, February 6, 2023, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Burial will take place in Faith Lutheran Cemetery – West, Town of Scott, Lincoln County. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M., Monday, at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com