12/01/2025
Barbara A. Golisch
Barbara A. Golisch, age 82, passed away peacefully at Pine Crest Nursing Home on Wednesday, November 25, 2025. She battled dementia and Alzheimer’s disease for the last four years.
Barb was born in Merrill to Charles Graap Sr. and Dorothy (Mittag) Graap. On November 9, 1963, she married Kermit Golisch. Their union lasted 42+ years until his death on June 6, 2006. Barb worked picking beans as a youth and as a carhop at the Pink Top. As an adult, she worked at the Hanson Glove Factory. She also worked at Merrill Manufacturing and sold Sarah Coventry jewelry on evenings and weekends. Barb was an outstanding saleswoman. She earned several trips due to her excellent sales record. In addition, she worked as a server at area restaurants. Barb retired early due to an injury. She worked as a demonstrator at several different grocery stores. She was proud of the job she did at these locations. She typically sold out all of that product.
Barb was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was very involved with her children and grandchildren’s activities. Dad and Mom drove baseball players during the legion season to area cities for baseball games. Her injuries from her accident made it difficult to sit or stand for a long time but when it was too hard to walk, she would watch games from her van.
Barb worked hard her whole life. This was a trait she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She was known to do anything for her children and grandchildren. Barb was very involved in our church, St. Stephens United Church of Christ. She received a lifetime Faith Award for her devotion and dedication. Her children and grandchildren continue to be active at St. Stephens United Church of Christ.
Barb leaves behind her children, Clint (Melanie) Golisch, Kevin (Jodi) Golisch, Kyle Golisch, Heidi (Chris) Stevenson, and Kenyon Golisch, all five of Merrill; grandchildren, Michael Golisch of Wausau, Luke (Jess) Golisch of Merrill, Hope (Jake Cooper) Golisch of Wausau, Ryan (MaKayla) Golisch of Merrill, Bailee (Cody) Dobson of Green Bay, Emma Golisch of Merrill, David Golisch of Merrill, and Ryleigh Golisch of Merrill; great-grandchildren, Nora, Isla, Ruby, Jameson, Rayla, Whitley, Mailey Cooper, Bailey and Cole Stevenson with two on the way; and sisters, Eunice Schubert of Merrill and Virginia McElhaney of Wausau.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kermit Golisch; brothers, Charles Graap Jr., Kenneth Graap, and Dennis Graap; sisters, Audrey (Vernon) Heuser and Lucille Graap; brothers-in-law, Kenwood Schubert and Marvin McElhaney; and sister-in-law, Kathleen Graap.
The funeral service for Barb will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, December 12, 2025, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. Rev. Michael Southcombe will officiate. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. The visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 903 E. Third St., Merrill, and again after 10:00 A.M., Friday, December 12, 2025, at the church.
Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com
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