With heavy hearts and loved ones by her side, Faye E. Marsceau, 95, of Merrill, passed away Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. Faye was born at home on March 28, 1931, to Harold W. and Ellen M. (Engstrom) Anderson. A life-long Merrill resident, she attended the County Normal School and graduated from Merrill High School in 1949. While in high school, Faye received a national award for her typing skills and played in the orchestra. Her grandfather Hjalmar Engstrom, a shoemaker, made her violin. After graduation, she worked at Employers Insurance in Wausau, having to ride the bus back and forth. She retired from the Lincoln County Forestry Department.
Faye was an active, life-long member of the former Bethlehem Lutheran Church. At an early age, her mother Ellen taught her how to play the piano and organ. Using her allowance, she was excited to purchase her first piece of piano sheet music. Around age 15, she played her first service at a German church just west of Merrill. Faye played for approximately 40 years at Bethlehem, missing only one service. She played for weddings, funerals, accompanied their choir, served on the church council and did other volunteer work there. She also accompanied three choirs for her mother Ellen’s annual Christmas and Easter programs at St. Stephen’s UCC. Faye treasured time spent with family and enjoyed playing the piano, listening to music and collecting paper dolls, miniature shoes and birds. Each day started with drinking coffee and reading the daily newspaper as she watched for birds and squirrels at the feeder.
Faye was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Ellen Anderson, sisters Jeanne (Robert) Sipple, Mary(Rev. John) Freed, Judith(Thomas) Janusevic, brother Rev. Wilton Anderson, daughter Denise, son Brian, son-in-law Gerhardt Graap, brother-in-law Ron Brachle and Eugene Marsceau.
Faye is survived by her children; Mark Marsceau, Marlene Graap, Matthew(Joanne) Marsceau, Michael(Kathleen) Marsceau, Nicole Krause and Jennifer Knight; sister Juliann Brachle; grandchildren Christopher and Aaron Graap, Derek(Brittany) and Erik Krause, Ryan(Brianna) Marsceau, Danielle(Bryn) McAllister and Luke, Matthew, Benjamin and Rachael Knight; great-grandchildren Alexis and Austin Graap, Caleb and Brody Krause, Jude and Graham Marsceau, a great-great-grandson Bennett Graap and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Faye will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered for her generosity and always putting other people’s needs before her own. Her faith guided her life, and leading by example, she passed that on to her family. A memorial service will be held Sat., Oct. 24, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill, with visitation from 9 a.m. until the start of the service at 11 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.
Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com
