Michelle ‘Micki’ P. Laatsch, age 66, of the town of Pine River, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Friday, August 18, 2023. She was born on December 23, 1956 to James and Bonnie (Bacon) Wolff in Merrill, WI. Her mother survives. Micki grew up in Merrill and attended and graduated from Merrill High School. She enlisted in the United States Army on July 18, 1978 and was honorably discharged on February 8, 1980. Micki was a very patriotic woman. She earned her pharmacy technician degree while in the military and went on to work many years at various pharmacies. Micki married Daniel Laatsch in Waupaca, WI on November 3, 2002, a union lasting 20 years. Micki had also worked at the Merrill Wal-Mart as a cashier and stocker, until her retirement. She had recently planned on going back to work at Merrill Wal-Mart, as she loved her job there and made friends with a lot of her co-workers. Her grandchildren were first and foremost in Micki’s life, she adored them and loved them with all her heart. She enjoyed going fishing and worked on her needlepoint projects. Micki is remembered as a social lady that had a funny, sassy side! She will be missed, but never forgotten.
Micki leaves behind her loving husband: Daniel Laatsch, mother: Bonnie Dickelman-Cannon, son: Brian Fosberg, daughter: Rochelle Smith, grandchildren: Kyle Smith, Ashley Smith, Tyler Smith, Riley Wilson and Ely Wilson, brothers: James (Kerri) Wolff and Craig Wolff, sister: Dana (Kevin) Wendt, step-brothers: Randy (Jane) Dickelman, Ron (Linda) Dickelman, Russ Dickelman and Brad (Jeanette) Cannon, step-sisters: Cheryl (Jim) Connor, Laurie (LeRoy) Vandre and several nieces and nephews, along with her spoiled fur babies: Micki, Frankie and Bootsy. She was preceded in death by her father: James Wolff, infant brother: Timothy Wolff, paternal grandparents: Jacob (Lydia) Wolff, maternal grandparents: George (Amelia) Bacon, stepfathers: Ray Dickelman and Edward Cannon, step-brothers: Robert Dickelman and Jeff Dickelman, niece: Keana Wendt and several aunts and uncles.
The prayer service for Micki will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 4pm, at Waid Funeral Home. Pastor Greg Laska will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, from 1pm, until the time of the service, also at the funeral home. Military honors will be conducted by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 immediately following the service. Micki will be interred at Restlawn Memorial Park in Wausau, WI at a later date. In lieu of flowers, family wishes that donations in Micki’s name be directed to the Lincoln County Humane Society. The prayer service will be recorded for those unable to attend, and can be viewed on the funeral home website, under her obituary. 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.