Mary K. Lagerbloom, 95, of Merrill, passed away Monday, October 6, 2025, at her home.
Mary was born January 24, 1930, in Wisconsin, daughter of Gust and Esther (Franke) Skofronick. She graduated from Our Lady of the Holy Cross High School in Merrill. She married Carl Lagerbloom on July 9, 1949, in Merrill. He preceded her in death on June 27, 2008.
She and Carl liked to hike the Ice Age Trails and to drive around the state at the search for waterfalls. Mary and Carl joined friends for trips around the country from east to west, north to south. She would do most of the research to find the interesting places to visit, eat and sleep. Carl would be the co-pilot. Mary liked to camp with Carl and their dog either in a tent on the shores of Lake Bobidosh or in their cabin in the woods in Harrison, WI.
She and her sister Jean spent countless hours digging in the records of the State Historical Society looking for the history/genealogy of the Franke and Skofronick families. Together they compiled several books full of copies documents, photos and other vital knowledge. In the process, they found out that their great-grandmother had lied about her age by three years so she would not be older than her husband on their wedding day.
Mary worked for many years at T.B. Scott Library in Merrill. Most of her years were spent in the children’s department of the library. Mary was a founder of the Lincoln County Humane Society and the Merrill Historical Society. She was a Girl Scout leader for more than ten years. Mary enjoyed gardening. She also loved to read and was a member of a book club for over 50 years. Mary was an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bloomville.
One thing that Mary was well known for was her self-discipline. Every morning before breakfast, she would go for a one mile walk on “her” road or around her house. She was very proud of this way to start her every day rain or shine.
Survivors include her sister, Jean Klebenow of Sparks, NV; sisters-in-law, Lise Skofronick of Madison, Lucy Skofronick of Eagle River, and Dorothy ‘Dot’ Skofronick of Tallahassee, FL; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins; and several close friends. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Lagerbloom; parents, Gust and Esther Skofronick; brothers, Richard Skofronick, Bruce Skofronick, and Dr. James Skofronick; brother-in-law, Donald Klebenow; and several close friends.
The memorial service for Mary will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, October 17, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Bloomville. Fr. John Long will preside. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30 A.M. Friday at the church. Burial will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery, Town of Schley, Lincoln County.
Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.
