Honorary street sign recognizes Patsy Woller, Merrill’s first woman mayor

The city of Merrill honored one of its trailblazers Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, as Mayor Steve Hass and the Historic Preservation Committee dedicated an honorary street sign recognizing former Mayor Patricia “Patsy” Woller.
Many members of Woller’s family joined community members for the ceremony, held at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Division and Wright streets. It was the first of three honorary street sign dedications planned by the city for 2026. The location was a fitting one, right in front of the ice cream shop that Woller and her husband, Denvert, opened years ago and that is still in operation today under new ownership.
Mayor Hass spoke with fondness of his memories of Woller, saying he remembers her for more than just her time in public office.
“I have my own memories of Patsy, not so much as a public official but more when she had the bookstore and Merrill Courier,” Hass said.
A North Carolina native, Woller came to Merrill in 1962 after meeting Denvert while he was serving in the U.S. military at Fort Bragg.

The couple married and raised their children in Merrill. Afterward, she returned to the workforce as a sales consultant for the Merrill Foto News, where she developed an interest in local politics. In 1986, she was elected Alderperson for the 6th Ward, a seat she held for six years. During that time, her fellow Council members elected her Council President. Although the role is typically ceremonial, Woller was called on to serve as acting Mayor when the sitting Mayor was sidelined by health issues.
“To me, Mayor Woller was always attentive and listened to concerns, which is what a good leader does,” Hass said. “She definitely made her mark in the city, whether it was by being involved in local government or bringing business ideas to life. I bet she never expected to become Mayor when she ran for the Alderperson position, but she saw a need and stepped up and filled the need.”
In 1992, Woller was elected Mayor of Merrill, the first woman to hold the office. She served a total of six years.
“Not only Mayor, but the first woman to become Mayor [in Merrill],” Hass said.
After leaving City Hall, the Wollers turned their attention to new ventures. They transformed an old gas station into the Grand Stand ice cream shop, and Patsy, believing Merrill should have its own legal newspaper, founded the Merrill Courier with Denvert. She later published two books, co-owned a bookstore in Merrill, and satisfied her sweet tooth by opening Patsy’s Candy Tree.
Her public service continued, as well. Woller served 17 years on the Lincoln County Board, representing Merrill’s 6th District, before retiring from politics.
Beyond business and government, Woller was active in Trinity Lutheran Church and in the Merrill Flower Program, an effort that grew into the beautification groups that continue to brighten the city each year.
“Patsy always had a smile on her face and was very active, not only in the community but in Trinity Church and local flower and beautification efforts for Merrill,” Hass said. “I sure wish more people today would make half the effort Patsy did to better our community.”