Lois M. Latzig (Nee Bennett), 87, of the Town of Pine River, Lincoln County, passed away Monday, July 17, 2023, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after spending her last days surrounded by her family. Lois was born September 10, 1935, in Tomahawk, daughter of the late Arthur and Mae (Pecore) Bennett. Lois married Warren E. Latzig on June 18, 1955, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. He preceded her in death on October 24, 2016. Lois graduated from Rhinelander High School with the class of 1953. She furthered her education at Lincoln County Normal School and graduated with her Teaching Diploma in 1955. Lois began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse. Through the years, she also worked as a teacher’s aide and school secretary. After retirement, Lois still enjoyed helping out as a substitute teacher. Lois enjoyed attending the Lincoln County Retired Educators’ Association meetings with her former co-workers. Lois and Warren enjoyed camping and pontoon rides. They traveled frequently, and had been to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Yellowstone National Park, Branson, Missouri, the Panama Canal, and several other places throughout the United States. Lois and Warren spent many winters in Avon Park, Florida and many summers at Fox Fire Campground in Woodruff, Wisconsin. Many lifelong friendships were made in Avon Park and Woodruff. Lois enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews. She loved going to garage sales and watching ‘Wheel of Fortune.’ Her children and grandchildren knew not to call to chat between 6:30 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. while the show was on. Lois loved sending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren holiday and birthday cards; it was so important to her that she asked her daughter Debbie to continue that tradition once she passed away. Lois was always taking care of everyone. Whether friends or family, she was always there to help. Lois was a longtime member of St. Stephens United Church of Christ in Merrill and enjoyed the radio ministry in her later years.
Survivors include her children, Warren (Debra) Latzig, Jr. of Branson, Missouri, Douglas Latzig of the Town of Pine River, and Debra (Tony) Borelli of the Town of Pine River; six grandchildren, Todd (Rebecca) Latzig, Caryn Franzen, Courtney (Eric) Petruzates, Rebecca (Jake) Becker, Annie (DeWayne) Latzig-Johnson, and Brooke (Matt) Borelli; and twelve great-grandchildren, Brandon (Katie), Maggie (Freddy), Grace, Ashlyn, Addyson, Mason, Eliza, Harris, Ellis, Scarlett, Coby, and Phillip. Lois was the beloved sister of Jerry (late Carol) Bennett, Betty (Don) Jung, Carol (late Denny) Dart, Shirley (late Alvin) Sowinski, late Bill Bennett, Bob (Bev) Bennett, Gary (Laura) Bennett, late Kathryn (late Burton) Ellingson, and late Colleen Taylor. She is further survived by sisters-in-law, Joyce Peterson and Betty Latzig both of Merrill; and many nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Latzig Sr.; parents, Arthur and Mae Bennett; and brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Walter Latzig, Fred (Millie) Latzig, Sr., and George Peterson.
The funeral service for Lois will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, July 21, 2023, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. Rev. Michael Southcombe will officiate. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Friday, at the church. The burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com