Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral and Cremation

02/04/2026

Neil 'Butch' Tesch

Neil B. ‘Butch’ Tesch, 78, of Merrill, passed away Monday, February 2, 2026, at his home under the care of his family and Interim Hospice.

Butch was born April 23, 1947, in Gleason, son of William and Alvina (Hintze) Tesch. He grew up on the family farm and learned many things as a child that he carried into adulthood. Butch married Sally Matthiae on June 17, 1967, in Gleason. He and Sally enjoyed polka dancing together. They also enjoyed fishing, camping, swimming, and riding side by sides and ATVs with the grandkids and great grandkids.

Butch worked for the Lincoln County Highway Department for 21 years. After retirement, he worked for the Town of Merrill plowing snow, mowing shoulders, and patching roads. Butch was a jack of all trades and enjoyed working on roofing and in mechanics. He helped everyone and loved being the ‘crew chief’ of his grandson, Zach’s, racing team.

Butch enjoyed hunting and fishing and looked forward to smoking the game he harvested and the fish he caught. He also enjoyed working in the woods. Butch looked forward to Friday night “Union Meetings” in his garage. He had a lead foot, a trait he passed down to some of his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Sally Tesch of Merrill; daughters, Michele (Mike) Rahlf of Irma and Jenny Tesch (Dave Bienfang) of Merrill; grandchildren, Brandon (Amanda) Woller, Ashley (Zach) Boyd, and Zach (Chelsey) Degner; step grandchildren, Krystal (Greg) Thacker and Riley Bienfang (Tatiana); great grandchildren, Hailey, Corbin, and Luke; step great grandchildren, Sophia, Elizabeth, Abby, Noah, Oaklynn, and Olivia; sisters, Darlene (Floyd) Albright of Gleason and Janet Tesch of Merrill; brother, Alvin ‘Buck’ Tesch (Donna Woller) of Merrill; and sister-in-law, Susan Tesch of Gleason.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents, William and Alvina Tesch; and his siblings, Helen Tesch, Hazel (Franklin) Raatz, Carol (Emil) Rosenau, Ed (Lorraine) Tesch, Hilbert (Florence) Tesch, Florine (Stuart) Taylor, Harold (Phyllis) Tesch, and Gary ‘Chummy’ Tesch.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 301 Eagle Dr., Merrill. Rev. Greg Laska will preside. The visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday, February 9, 2026, and after 9:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 10, 2026, all at the funeral home

Butch’s family would like to thank Kelly, Amanda, and Jill of Interim Hospice for their compassion and care.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com

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02/02/2026

February is National Cancer Prevention Month—a time to focus on early detection, healthy choices, and supporting those impacted by cancer. Let’s work together to raise awareness and build a healthier future.

01/30/2026

Sally Lenore Oberg

Sally Lenore Oberg, passed away Monday, January 26, 2026, under the care of Compasses Hospice and Pinecrest Nursing Home. Sally was 87 years old. Born on August 5, 1938, in Merrill, Wisconsin to Elmer C. “Omi” Krueger and Lenore Krueger. Sally lived a life filled with love, kindness, and dedication to her family and community. Sally was a proud graduate of Merrill High School and enjoyed a successful career as a bookkeeper with M&G Plumbing and many other Merrill businesses. Her professional life was complemented by her commitment to service, including her role as County Board Supervisor and Secretary of the Friends of Council Grounds. Her life was a testament to nurturing connections, community involvement, and concerns of the church.

A lifelong member of St. Stephen's United Church of Christ, Sally's gentle spirit and independent nature shone through in all her endeavors. She married the love of her life, Gay Oberg, on October 5, 1957, in a ceremony at St. Stephen's United Church of Christ. Together they shared many fond memories and a passion for traveling across the United States. Sally's love for her family was immeasurable; she cherished her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As a child, Sally loved to read comic books and Nancy Drew Mysteries, and continued to read thrillers, mysteries and science fiction throughout her life. Sally found joy in simple pleasures; knitting, baking, gardening, sudoku puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and watching the Green Bay Packers.

Sally is survived by her daughter, Lynn (Jeff Hinz) Oberg-Hinz; son, Scott (Julie) Oberg; Grandchildren, Adam Dotter, Elly (Troy) Hanson, Sheena (Ty) Zimmerman, and Kathleen (Steve) Rauchle; Great-grandchildren, Finn and Kane Hanson; brother, Dr. Charles (Maripat) Krueger, her in-laws, Nancy (Jerry) Kunkel and Sharon (James) Garski, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Sally is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer C. Krueger and Lenore Elhert-Krueger, her husband Gay Oberg, as well as her mother and father-in-law, Ernest and Gladys Oberg, and brothers-in-law Jerry, David, Richard, and Ronald Oberg.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at St. Stephen's United Church of Christ, visitation from 9:00-11:00am and service will follow. Entombment will be at Merrill Memorial Park following the service.

Sally Lenore Oberg leaves behind a legacy of warmth, strength, kindness and unwavering faith that will forever resonate within the hearts of her family and friends.

The family kindly requests that monetary donations be made in Sally's memory to St. Stephen's United Church of Christ.

The funeral service will be livestreamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person. It can be found under her obituary on the funeral home website.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com

View Sally Lenore Oberg's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/30/2026

https://www.taylorstinewaid.com/obituaries/bernard-berm-stiver

View Bernard "Berm" Stiver's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/26/2026

Kathleen "Kathy" Ann Klemp

Kathleen “Kathy” Ann Klemp, age 79, of Merrill, was welcomed into everlasting life with her Savior on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Tomahawk Health Services. She was born on September 6, 1946, to the late William and Signe (Stenman) Klemp in Merrill, WI. Kathy grew up in Merrill, moved with her family to Wisconsin Rapids, eventually moving back to Merrill. She attended St. John Lutheran School and graduated from Merrill High School.

Kathy worked at Lincoln Industries for the majority of her adult life, going to various local businesses to help out where she could. In her younger years, Kathy was quite the bowler, even winning some trophies! She looked forward to fish fries with friends and family, as well as playing cards, watching the Green Bay Packers and going out to eat and for ice cream. Kathy enjoyed going to the Lincoln County Fair, Merrill Bluejay football games and the Tomahawk Water Ski shows. Kathy also loved taking a road trip to Milwaukee over the Christmas season. She was a member at St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill and had a strong faith in her Lord and Savior. She is lovingly remembered by her family as a sweet lady and the best sister you could ask for. She will be missed dearly, but memories of her will remain with those that knew her.

Kathy is survived by her brother: Gary (Joyce) Klemp of Thiensville, WI, sister: Marie (Mark) Riebe of Merrill, WI, niece: Liz, nephews: Chris, Jonathan, Tim and Brandon, great nieces: Anna, Everly and Madison and great nephew: Carter. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother: Dan Klemp and many friends, neighbors and extended family members over the years.

Funeral services for Kathy will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill. Pastor Neely Owen will officiate. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the church. Burial at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery will immediately follow the service.

Kathy’s family wishes to sincerely thank the staff at Circle of Love in Weston and the Tomahawk Health Services, for their care, compassion and support that was shown to Kathy and her family.

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.

View Kathleen "Kathy" Ann Klemp's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/19/2026

On MLK Day, we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s call to build a more just and connected world. Let’s honor his legacy by serving our communities, lifting one another up, and turning his vision into everyday action.

01/15/2026

John D. DuFour

John D. DuFour, 46, of Weston, passed away Friday, January 9, 2026, at his residence.

Born on November 6, 1979, in Minnesota. He was raised in Bloomington, MN, where he was an avid hockey player and video game enthusiast. He loved being at the family cabin on Balsam Lake where he enjoyed racing his fishing boat, water skiing, jet skiing, and fishing.

In his youth, he was an avid hockey player. After graduating from high school in 1998, he relocated to Wisconsin, where he married and raised three children with his wife, Brandi. He dedicated the past eleven years to his role at G&B Moving.

John cherished his family, especially treasuring moments spent with his three children and his dog, Skol. At the cabin they enjoyed swimming, boating and trying to out fish his daughter, Addi. A devoted fan of the Minnesota Vikings, John was often seen sporting Viking’s apparel. He also loved gathering together to play games such as Sequence, Cribbage, and Uno Flip, and had a passion for listening to rap music.

He is survived by his children, Brielle DuFour, Addison ‘Addi’ DuFour, and Dax DuFour, all of Merrill; his mother, Patricia DuFour of Bloomington, MN; his sister, Michelle (Nate) Krell, along with their children, Tyler and Brynn, of St. Michael, MN; his aunt, Mary DuFour and her children, Nicole and Rick of Colorado; and Brenda Busterud of Merrill. John was preceded in death by his father, David DuFour; his former spouse, Brandelia ‘Brandi’ DuFour; and his uncle, Richard DuFour, Jr.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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

View John D. DuFour's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/15/2026

Roger W. Anderson

Roger W. Anderson, 94, of Merrill, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026, at his home under the care of his family and hospice.

Roger was born November 1, 1931, in Galloway, WI, son of Otis and Lorna (Bestul) Anderson. Roger was baptized into Christian faith on December 17, 1931 at Christ Lutheran Church in Galloway. He was confirmed into his faith on April 14, 1946 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill. Roger grew up on a farm. During his childhood, his family moved out to Idaho and they eventually made their way back to the Merrill area. Roger enlisted in the United States Army on July 13, 1951, and served in Germany during the Cold War. He was honorably discharged on June 19, 1953.

Roger married Marion Winter on June 2, 1956, in Hamburg, WI. She preceded him in death on November 11, 2020. Roger worked for the Lincoln County Highway Department as a heavy equipment operator and also ran an asphalt plant. He enjoyed his job working with all of the equipment shaping the earth. Roger took great pride in his work and eventually retired in his 80’s. He learned his great work ethic from his father.

Roger was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill, where he was involved in the Ushers Club. He also belonged to the Lion’s Club and the Old Timers. Roger and Marion were members of the Valley Bummers Camping Group and loved camping with family and friends. More recently, Roger and his daughter became involved in Food for Kids, a summertime lunch program.

Roger enjoyed spending time with family, playing Sheephead, working on word find puzzles, and taking the occasional casino trip. His nightly bit of “tea” (blackberry brandy) was an evening ritual…never to be missed. At the same time, he read “the good book” and his daily devotion book.

Roger is survived by his daughter, Barbara (Scott) Fraser of Merrill; grandchildren, Jared (Vaneta) Maahs of Wausau and Mandi (Brian) Schmidt of Merrill; step grandchildren, Joshua Fraser and Lilliana Fraser; step great grandchildren, Reba, Tyler, Katelyn, Jayden, Tamara, Aubree, Addilynn, Klairabelle, Rowen, and Silas; step great great grandchildren, Beau and Kashtyn; brother, Marvin (Mary) Anderson; and sisters-in-law, Halena Anderson of Merrill and Shirley Winter of Riverside, RI.

Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Marion Anderson; parents, Otis and Lorna Anderson; grandson, Jessub Maahs; step great granddaughter, Amber Schmidt; sisters, Beulah Gorman, Joyce (Harlan) Bamgartner, and Estelle (Lyle) Klemp; and brother, Lyle Anderson.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Justin Smoot 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. Monday, January 19, 2026 at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 903 E. Third St., Merrill, and after 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the church.

The funeral service will be livestreamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person. It can be found under his obituary on the funeral home website.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com

View Roger W. Anderson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/15/2026

Ruth M. Krugler

Ruth M. Krugler, age 93, of Merrill, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born on March 1, 1932 in Merrill to the late Julius and Marie (Schwartz) Kuckhahn. She was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in the Town of Berlin and later confirmed on April 14, 1946. She grew up on the family dairy farm in the town of Corning where she attended Corning School and then graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 1950. She married Leroy H. Krugler on September 2, 1951, a union lasting 56 years. He passed away on November 25, 2007. In 2011 she met William Frederick, and they exchanged marriage vows on June 30, 2012 at St Paul Lutheran Pine River. He passed away on July 23, 2015.

Ruth worked as a bookkeeper for Knispel & Latzig John Deere dealership for over 20 years, until her retirement. Ruth was passionate about her family genealogy, self-publishing several books documenting the family tree.

She was a woman of strong faith and dedication to her Lord, being very active in her church bible study, ladies aid, and helping at the fair stand. Ruth was a very faithful, loving, and generous woman. She was known to play cards, work on puzzles, and enjoy live music and plays in the area.

Ruth is survived by her children: Bonnie Wilkum of Kiel, WI, Julie (Michael) Henrichs of Merrill, Steven (Stacia) Krugler of Junction City, WI and David (Tina) Krugler of Marshfield, WI, grandchildren: Jason (Sue) Breitzman, Robyn (Luke) Titel, Erin (Alex) Tyink, Shawn (Kathryn) Henrichs, Scott (Melissa) Henrichs, Andrew Krugler, Allison (Brandon) Westholm, Justin Krugler, and Samantha Krugler, great grandchildren: Olivia, Cosette, Jayden, Marissa, Elora, Travis, Talon, Jesse, Jordan, Odin, Otto, Daniel, Ameliah, Wallace, and Wesley, her stepson Mark Fredrick (Chansa) and 2 step grandchildren. She is further survived by her sister: Rosemarie Given, brother-in-law: Art (Lu) Krugler. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands: Leroy Krugler and William Frederick, son-in-law: Craig Wilkum and brother-in-law: Fred Krugler.

The funeral service for Ruth will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. Pastor Neely Owen will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the church. Entombment at Merrill Memorial Park will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Ruth’s memory be directed to St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill.

A special thank you to the staff at Bell Tower Residence and Aspirus Palliative Care in Wausau. The care and compassion shown to Ruth and her family was much appreciated.

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.

View Ruth M. Krugler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/13/2026

Todd M. Josiger

Todd M. Josiger, 59, of Merrill, passed away at his home on Sunday, January 11, 2026, under the care of his family and hospice, after a long, courageous battle with brain cancer.

Todd was born July 22, 1966, in Merrill, son of Karen Abraham and the late Michael Josiger. Todd was a 1984 graduate of Merrill High School. He was employed by Wendorf Bus Services and Wendorf Construction for over 40 years.

Todd married Pam (Sickler) Jardine on June 4, 2004, in Merrill. She survives. Todd loved his kids and Grands with all his heart and soul. He loved playing jokes on them, having a great time, and teaching them all he knew. He enjoyed rifle and bow hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, and watching and participating in all kinds of sports. He loved golfing and playing softball with his friends and family for his dad (Henrichs Club) in the bar league. He loved wrestling with his sons but oftentimes would cheat a little bit to win. Todd was very involved in local athletics and drove bus for away games and tournaments for the Merrill Bluejay athletic teams.

Todd would always be there for family, friends, and even strangers, if they needed anything, anytime, anywhere. He could fix just about anything, and truly loved helping people.

Survivors include his wife, Pam Josiger of Merrill; children, Jessica Jardine, Kaisi (Brad) Stevens, Jacob (Amanda) Josiger, Dakota (Alli) Ress, all of Merrill, and Tara Josiger (Brady Kluck) of Stevens Point; Grands - Cameron and Ryan Wallin, Landon Sowinski, Addison and Lillian Josiger, and Lincoln and Paisley Ress; with one grand on the way; mother, Karen (Chuck) Abraham of Wausau; brother, Craig (Nicole) with nephews Connor and Andrew of Merrill; sister-in-law, Cheryl (Krishna) Swamy of Marshfield; brother-in-law, Kevin Sickler of Merrill; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Todd was preceded in death by his father, Michael (Crystal) Josiger; grandparents, Grace and Clifford Wendorf and William and Irene Josiger; In laws George (Joan) Sickler, and several aunts and uncles.

The visitation and funeral for Todd will be held at the Merrill High School Auditorium (use door #16). Wednesday, January 21, 2026, visitation 5-10 PM. Thursday, January 22, 2026, visitation begins at 9 AM the funeral will follow at 11 AM. Rev. Greg Laska will officiate. Burial will take place in Springbrook Cemetery, Town of Pine River, Lincoln County.

The funeral service will be livestreamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person. It can be found under his obituary on the funeral home website.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com

View Todd M. Josiger's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/12/2026

Janet "Jeanne" H. Krause

Janet “Jeanne” H. Krause, age 83, entered her Heavenly home on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at her granddaughter’s home, surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. Jeanne has been reunited with the love of her life, Milt, and is once again dancing in his arms. Jeanne was born on July 19, 1942, to the late Ambrose and Aurelia (Laufer) Neuens in Green Bay, WI. She met and fell in love with her best friend, dancing partner and soul mate, Milton Krause, and the two exchanged their marriage vows on August 9, 1959, a union lasting 55 years. Milt entered his heavenly home on May 21, 2015.

Jeanne was a prankster and always kept life interesting. She was a very busy and fun-loving person who could light up any room. Her true joy was found in her family and friends. She enjoyed a clean floor and a lucky slot machine. She will fondly be remembered by many names, “Red Crow, Nana Banana, Chief and Lady Luck” just to name a few. Jeanne was a member at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill, WI. She will be sadly missed, but memories of her will live on (and maybe some of her “pranks” will get passed on, as well).

Jeanne is survived by her daughters: Brenda (Jamie) Barrone of Shawano, WI and Linda Krause of Merrill, WI, grandchildren: Peter (Michelle) Staroska, Tucson, AZ, Eric (Jessica) Hansen of Sobieski, WI, Heather Phelps (David Tinker) of Merrill, WI and Bryce Barrone of Arizona, six great-grandchildren: Nevaeh, Eden, Creed, Shiloh Hansen and Aurelia and Reegan Phelps, sisters: Marilyn Seitzer (“Farmer”) and Collette Neuens, and many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family members, and those that became family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband: Milton “Milt” Krause, brother-in-law: Rick Seitzer and nephew: Cole Seitzer and many others that will be there to greet her with open arms.

The funeral liturgy for Jeanne will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home at 903 East 3rd Street, Merrill, WI, 54452. Deacon John Bourke will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 2:00 p.m., until the time of the liturgy, also at the funeral home. A private burial will take place at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services staff, as well as the people and staff at Bell Tower Residence who truly knew and loved Jeanne.

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.

View Janet "Jeanne" H. Krause's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.