Charles J. ?Shorty? Ament

Charles J. "Shorty" Ament, age 89, of Merrill, died Friday, February 17, 2012, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, surrounded by his loving family.

Shorty was born June 9, 1922, in Merrill, son of the late Charles and Victoria (Walters) Ament. He attended Merrill schools and the Wausau Business College. Shorty began his career in the wholesale beer business, called 'Ament Distributing", with both his father and brother, Lawrence "Bud" Ament. Shorty then served in the Army Air Force from October of 1942 until his honorable discharge in March of 1946, and had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He and his crew flew extensively over Burma, China, and India. Shorty received an air medal after their plane crashed on December 7, 1945, while transporting Chinese troops to Formosa. He returned home to Merrill and rejoined the family business, retiring after a 50 year career. Shorty married Miriam "Peg" Carl in October of 1947. She survives. Shorty was an avid bowler and also taught bowling for 15 years to Merrill youth in the Y.A.B.A. Program. He is a member of the Merrill Bowling Hall of Fame. Shorty also enjoyed golfing, being outdoors, and the Green Bay Packers.

Survivors include his wife Peg Ament, Merrill; two sisters, Ruth Strassman and Jo Rostal, both of Merrill; his nieces and nephews, Steve and Lana Strassman, Mary Jo Laabs, Greg and Mary Ament, Andy and Jan Ament, Charlie Ament, and Sally Baade; and also many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Lawrence "Bud" and Shirley Ament; his in-laws, Carl and Jane Bierman, Tom Carl, Burt Strassman, and Gordon Rostal; and two nephews, James Strassman and Thomas Bierman.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill. The Rev. Michael McLain is presiding. Entombment will be in Merrill Memorial Park Mausoleum with graveside military rites conducted by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill.

Memorials may be directed to St. Francis Church or School, the Merrill Historical Society, the T.B. Scott Library, Merrill, Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com