Virgil F. Nau, 90, of Merrill, passed away Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital.
Virgil was born May 7, 1933, in the Town of Easton, Marathon County, son of Rev. John H. Nau and Henrietta (Miller) Nau. He was baptized on June 4, 1933, at St. John Lutheran Church, Town of Easton, by his father. Virgil was confirmed on March 13, 1947, by his father at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the Town of Montpelier near Luxemburg, WI. His confirmation verse was “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Psalm 103 v 1-2.
Virgil attended St. John Lutheran School in the Town of Easton and St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Montpelier. He worked at a number of places while still in grade school. These jobs included Hoppee Grocery Store where he worked Saturday mornings stocking shelves and received three candy bars as his pay. Virgil worked at different cheese factories until he was 18 years old during the summer months and weekends during the rest of the year. He also helped several farmers at different times.
Virgil graduated from Luxemburg High School in May of 1951. He worked at a barbershop in Green Bay until enlisting in the United States Army in 1953. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Virgil returned to barbering for a brief time. He then took a job at GMAC for a short time until he was hired to serve Lutherans in Northern Michigan for AAL (Aid Assoc. for Lutherans – now Thrivent).
Virgil married Ardis E. Stuewer on June 28, 1958, in Bonduel. His father also presided over his wedding. Virgil and Ardis lived in Antigo until 1960, when they moved to Merrill in February of that year. They had their two sons in 1961 and 1964 – Todd and Terry.
Virgil retired from AAL in 1991 and enjoyed fifteen great winters in Arizona. He was inducted into the AAL Staff Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding sales record during his years with AAL.
Virgil participated in many activities and organizations: Chairman of Social Ministry Committee of North Wisconsin District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod; Chairman and other positions on various life insurance organizations; Chairman of St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill; Board of Directors of Merrill Golf Club; Chairman of Noon Lions Club in Merrill; and many other committees.
Survivors include his wife, Ardis Nau; sons, Todd Nau and Terry (Candace) Nau; granddaughters, Jennifer (Blaine) VanderWielen and Nicole (Brian) Landwehr; and great grandchildren, Addison and Mason VanderWielen and Hunter and Rhenley Landwehr. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. J.H. Nau and Henrietta Nau; two brothers, Harold Nau and Dr. Arlo Nau; and sister, Althea (Orville) Krueger.
The memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, March 7, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. David Szeto will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 A.M. Thursday. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com