Audrey M. (Johnson) Janik-Germic, age 86, of Merrill, passed away at her home on Sunday, April 23, 2023, while in the company of her loving family and under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. She was born in Merrill, WI on February 3, 1937, to the late Gust and Alma (Farmen) Johnson. Audrey was a life-long resident of Merrill and dearly loved being a part of a small, friendly community. On January 25, 1954, she was united in marriage to Ben Janik in Pine City, MN. Sadly, he preceded her in death on September 13, 1973. Audrey married Frank “Fra” Germic in July of 1982, but sadly, on September 30, 1994, he also passed away. Audrey was a member at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill and was very active in her early years, teaching Sunday School, helping at the Lutefisk suppers and funeral meals. She was also a Girl Scout leader and a hospice volunteer. Audrey was a lover of all things old and a collector for all her life. She worked for 40 years at Helmstadter Jewelers in Merrill. Audrey was a people person and loved helping others. She was also an avid Green Bay Packer fan. Audrey loved her family deeply and cherished the times spent together. Her grandchildren knew their grandma!
Audrey is survived by children: Julie (Bill) Krueger and Jeff (Rogene ‘Genie’) Janik, 3 grandchildren: Erin Gano, Ben (Katie) Janik and Nathan (RaeAnn) Janik, 4 great grandchildren: Noah, Carter, Ruby and Aurora, nephews: Dr. Richard (Lynn) Cherwenka, Brad (Margo) Pophal and Stanley “Buzz” Pophal Jr., niece: Kathy Proulx (Eddie) and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands: Ben Janik and Frank Germic and 3 beloved sisters: Wilhemine (Red) Crotteau, Alice (Rich) Cherwenka and Phyllis (Stan) Pophal.
The funeral service for Audrey will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 11:00am at Waid Funeral Home. Rev. David Szeto will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 9:00am until the time of the service, also at the funeral home. Interment at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery will immediately follow the service. Family requests that donations in Audrey’s name be directed to the Merrill Historical Society or the Lincoln County Humane Society. Audrey’s family wants to express their appreciation and gratitude to Jeanie at Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services, for her genuine care and compassion that she had shown to Audrey and her family. 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.