Emily C. Pfingsten, age 92, of Merrill, passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital with her family by her side.  She was born on December 8, 1930, to the late Leo and Rosie (Pieczynski) Oknewski in Merrill.  Emily attended the French Ridge Grade School, went through 8^th grade at St. Francis Catholic School and graduated from Holy Cross High School. Emily met the love of her life, Elroy Pfingsten, and the two lovingly exchanged marriage vows on June 26, 1954, in Merrill.  Sadly, Elroy preceded her in death on April 11, 2014. Emily had worked at Weinbrenner, Merrill Woolen Mill, Holy Cross Hospital before retiring from the claims department at Church Mutual Insurance Company.  When she wasn’t working, Emily enjoyed bowling and was active on some leagues and would enjoy being out in nature cross county skiing.  She loved to try new things and was an adventurous lady, even going in a hot air balloon!  In her younger years, Emily liked to do some traveling and visited areas in the U.S. such as Arizona, and also overseas to Germany.  She liked to take an occasional trip to the casino and enjoyed swimming.  Emily loved her pets and would look forward to taking walks with them.  She enjoyed living at Jenny Towers in Merrill and had a great time playing dominos and Farkle with her friends there.  Emily was very much involved in her community and would volunteer wherever she could, whether it was reading to the kids at Parkside Daycare Center, being a Lincoln Hills School grandparent or helping the hospital or hospice organization, she was a very caring and helpful lady that truly had a servant’s heart.  Emily was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill, as well as the Red Hat Society.  She will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Emily leaves behind her children: Kevin (Dawn) Pfingsten, Marianne Vonderheid and Louise (Brian) Fox, all of Merrill, her grandchildren: Melissa (Mitch) Easker, Amanda (Nolan) Bargender, Cody Vonderheid and Rosalie and Zachary Fox, and her precious great grandchildren: Tess Easker and Bobby Bargender.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Elroy Pfingsten and her son-in-law: Larry Vonderheid.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Emily will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 11:00am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill.  Father Maria Vallabhaneni will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, from 9:00am until 10:45am, before processing to the church for Mass.  Burial in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Merrill will immediately follow the Mass.  In lieu of flowers, Emily would appreciate donations be directed to the Lincoln County Humane Society. The family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude to the staff at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital, especially a very special and caring nurse, Hailey.  Your kindness and professionalism went above and beyond. 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.