Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral and Cremation

02/25/2026

https://www.taylorstinewaid.com/obituaries/carolyn-whitaker

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02/25/2026

Sister Dorothy Niemann

Sister Dorothy Niemann, a Sister of Mercy of the Holy Cross, age 82, died February 23, 2026, at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, Wisconsin.

Dorothy M. Niemann was born November 8, 1943, in Breese, Illinois, to John and Annie (Wolters) Niemann. She entered Holy Cross Convent in Merrill, Wisconsin, on August 12, 1962, and professed her vows on August 22, 1964. Sister Dorothy was in her 62nd year of ministry at the time of her death.

She attended Mater Dei High School, Breese, Illinois, graduating in 1961. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1968 from Alverno College, Milwaukee. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing degree in 1977 from Catholic University in Washington, DC. In 2001 she completed one year of Clinical Pastoral Education Residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Sister Dorothy served as a nurse at Holy Cross Hospital in Merrill WI for seven years and at St Joseph’s Hospital and Health Center in Dickinson, North Dakota for eight years. She was a charter member of Heartland Hospice. She served as a nurse educator at Dickinson State University in Dickinson, North Dakota from 1985 to 1999. While teaching she also served as a parish nurse at St Wenceslaus parish in Dickinson.

Following her Clinical Pastoral Education, she served as Director of Pastoral Care at St. Joseph Hospital in Breese, Illinois for twelve years. In 2013 she moved to Merrill Wisconsin and served as a chaplain at Bell Tower Residence until 2017.

Sister Dorothy has also served the Holy Cross Sisters as a Provincial Councilor several times and as a trustee of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross Community Support Charitable Trust.

She played guitar and enjoyed singing in choirs. She was an avid reader. Other pastime activities included walking outdoors and line dancing.

After her diagnosis of lung cancer, she had surgery in 2020 and in 2023 started 1 ½ years of various treatments, then chose to discontinue treatment for a better quality of life and entered hospice.

Preceding her in death are her parents John and Annie, her sister, Betty, and spouse, Paul Bruns.

She is survived by her family of Holy Cross Sisters and associates, as well as her sisters, Dolores (Ted) Richter of St Rose, IL, Marge (Henry) Schaefer of Atlanta, MO and brother, John (Karen) Niemann of Breese IL and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

The Holy Cross Sisters would like to thank Interim Healthcare Hospice Team and Caregivers, Bell Tower Staff and the Holy Cross Sisters’ Companions for their care, compassion and support that was shown to Sister Dorothy.

A Funeral Mass for Sister will be held at 11:00 am on March 4, 2026, at Holy Cross Chapel in Bell Tower Residence. Father Charles Hoffmann will officiate. Visitation will be held at 10:00 am until time of the liturgy. Burial will follow in the St Francis Catholic Cemetery, Merrill, WI.

For those unable to attend the Funeral Mass for Sister Dorothy, it will be live streamed and available to watch under her obituary on the funeral home’s website on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. and then will be posted for future viewing.

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

View Sister Dorothy Niemann's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/25/2026

Carolyn Whitaker

Carolyn Whitaker, 78, of Merrill, passed away on February 23, 2026, at Bell Tower Residence.

Carolyn Bryant White was born to William and Nellie White on October 14, 1947, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She married Jim Whitaker on June 16, 1968.

Because of school and employment changes, they lived in 15 different homes in 4 different states over their 57 years of marriage. Due to health issues, they moved to Wisconsin for the last 6 years of her life.

Carolyn got her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education at Radford University in 1969. She was a teacher of young children, and most enjoyed teaching them how to read. After more than 20 years of teaching, Carolyn retired in 2005.

Carolyn committed her life to Jesus Christ and became a devoted follower. She was a wonderful ministry partner to her husband, playing the piano and teaching women’s Bible studies in several church settings.

Carolyn was a loving mother and grandmother. Carolyn and Jim had two children, Brian (Kristin) Whitaker and Beth (Robert) Brightup; and six grandchildren, Katie Whitaker, Alex Whitaker, David Whitaker, Emily Whitaker, Nathan Brightup, and Chloe Brightup Firestone (dec.).

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 301 Eagle Dr., Merrill. Pastors Dan Shields and Adam DeBroux will officiate. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 A.M., Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the funeral home.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed and available for viewing at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, March 3, 2026 under Carolyn’s obituary on the funeral home website, and will be posted there for future viewing.

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

02/18/2026

Russell "Russ" D. Radloff

Russell (Russ) D. Radloff, age 65, passed away on February 16, 2026 at home after a long battle with cancer. He was born on October 24,1960 at Holy Cross Hospital in Merrill. He was baptized (12/4/60) and confirmed (5/18/75) at Trinity Lutheran Church and a graduate of Merrill High school in 1979. After years of searching, he found the love of his life and married Theresa Garcia on August 12, 2017. Early in life he went to Trinity Lutheran School and played Little League for many years. He enjoyed playing kick the can, riding bikes, playing street football and sledding at Alice Hill on Superior Street. He also enjoyed many family trips to Buffalo Lake Campground by Minocqua. In high school he was on the football team, manager of the baseball team and later played slow-pitch with his buddies as the Yard Apes.

Later in life he enjoyed time with his grandchildren, watching Packer and Brewer games, NASCAR races, listening to classic rock and watching movies. He worked at Dave’s Red Owl in the meat department, Merrill Manufacturing, 29 Super and for 31 years at Greenheck Fan. Once he was no longer able to work, he enjoyed learning different arts and crafts.

He is preceded in death by his father, Donald Radloff; paternal grandparents, Florence and Alvin Radloff and maternal grandparents, Elsie and Ray Klug.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa; mother, Karen Radloff; mother-in-law, Carol Garcia; five children, Robin (Cody McKinnon) Radloff, Ryan Radloff, Katie (Ryan) Tomajcik, Alex (Brittany) Perez, Seth (Nichole) Garcia; 13 grandchildren, Bianca, Aidan, Izabella, Grayson, Evelyn, Connor, Royce, Kaden, Zayne, Jasmine, Luna, Walter and Edith. He is also survived by his sister Cheryl (Doug Freeman) Radloff, sisters-in-law, Linda (John) Bergh, Anita (Kenny) Holzemer, Cindy Dill, Susie Garcia; uncle Ken Klug, niece, nephew and several cousins.

The family would like to thank Dr. Asquith and the staff at the Aspirus Cancer Center and Aspirus Hospice for all their hard work and dedication.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations in Russ’s name to either the Trinity Lutheran School or the Lincoln County Humane Society.

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

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 Russell "Russ" D. Radloff's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/17/2026

Wayne R. Grubb

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Wayne Richard Grubb, age 66.

Wayne faced many personal challenges, including Guillain Barré Syndrome, throat cancer, and the loss of his young son. Challenges he met head on with strength and stubbornness. His strength finally left him on Monday, February 9th and he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Milwaukee on October 15, 1959, his family later moved to Ladysmith, WI then Brokaw (Wausau), WI where he graduated high school. He spent over 20 years working at Merrill Millwork, perfecting the “perfect” patio door.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, one of his favorite pastimes was fishing for one of the biggest Sturgeon on the “river up north” as well as camping with family and friends. He was also known of his “green thumb” and knowledge of nature taking joy and satisfaction in sharing this wisdom with his family and friends.

Wayne is survived by his partner of thirty years, Kelly Patton; daughters, Samantha Balczik (Pete) and Amanda Trudeau (Jeremiah); step son, Dakota Patton; father, Harold Grubb; six grandchildren, Alexis, Cameron, Amelia, Elianna, Penelope, and Carmynn; sisters, Dawn Thorwaldson (Len) and Virginia Cihlar (Jim); brother, Mark Grubb (Linda); and many nieces and nephews.

Wayne was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Grubb; and mother, Ann Grubb.

There will be a celebration of life in March at Schult’s Country Inn. A date and time will be announced.

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 Wayne R. Grubb's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/17/2026

Dayton R. 'Tony' Frederick

Dayton R. ‘Tony’ Frederick, 24, of Merrill, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Tony battled heart cancer at age 20 and showed immense strength and courage through their recent year-long battle with spinal cancer.

Tony was born September 11, 2001, to Mary Frederick. They graduated from Merrill High School and attended UWSP - Wausau Campus. Tony worked at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau. Tony enjoyed arts in all pursuits, specifically gifted in painting and drawing, singing, and jewelry making. Recently, they enjoyed making chain jewelry for their loved ones.

Tony was full of life and a joy to be around. Tony was incredibly kind, funny, generous, and passionate about activism. They loved helping and fighting for LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities.

Tony is survived by their mom, Mary Frederick of Merrill; and countless other friends and family. They were preceded in death by their maternal grandparents, William and Roberta Frederick

The celebration of life will take place at 4:00 P.M., Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 301 S. Eagle Dr., Merrill. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 P.M.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed and available for viewing on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. and posted for future viewing under their obituary on the funeral home website.

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

View Dayton R. 'Tony' Frederick's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/15/2026

Paul Louis Hibler

Paul Louis Hibler passed away on February 13, 2026, at the age of 76. He was born on March 24, 1949, to Leon and Alyce Hibler, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Paul was a beloved husband, dedicated teacher, and cherished friend.

Paul married the love of his life, N’Ette S. Hibler, in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 15, 1990. He devoted his life to education as a fifth-grade teacher in the Elmbrook School District, inspiring countless students with his passion for learning and nurturing their potential.

His commitment to education went beyond the classroom; he also taught karate, earning a 2nd degree black belt, and instilled discipline and confidence in his students.

Outside of his professional life, Paul was a proud lifetime member of the NRA and found joy in various hobbies such as cooking, archery, shooting pool, and etching and carving. His kitchen was often filled with delicious aromas, bringing together family and friends to share in laughter and good food.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, N'Ette S. Hibler. He is also survived by his step-sons, Mike (Becky) Gessler and Andy Gessler, grandchildren, Ashlyn and Landon Gessler, as well as his brothers, John (Kathy) Hibler and Carl (Sherry) Hibler, and a multitude of friends and nephews who will carry his memories forward.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Alyce Hibler.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Paul's name to the Lincoln County Humane Society.

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 Paul Louis Hibler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/14/2026

Today may feel especially heavy as you remember someone you love. Please give yourself the space to honor their memory and to care for your own heart. Love continues to live on in those who carry it.

02/12/2026

Thomas 'Tommy' Henrichs

Thomas ‘Tommy’ Scott Henrichs, age 47, of Merrill, WI, passed away at his home on February 10, 2026, with his daughter, Madelyn, by his side.

Tom was born September 14, 1978, in Merrill, son of Philip ‘Phil’ and Jacquelyn ‘Jaci’ (Armbrust-Hixon) Henrichs. He was a lifelong resident of Merrill and a 1997 graduate of Merrill High School. A dedicated “gear head” with a natural talent for mechanics, Tom spent his career as an auto technician. Most recently, at Breaman Merrill Ford, while completing school to be a Master Technician in December of 2025.

Tom was happiest when he was surrounded by his family, spending time outdoors, family camping trips, or sitting by a backyard fire. He was known for his kind heart and was always there to lean on for anyone who needed him. Tom’s greatest pride and joy were his children.

He is survived by Megan Voigt and their three children: sons, Carson Henrichs and Oliver Henrichs, and daughter, Madelyn Henrichs, all of Merrill. He is further survived by his parents, Philip Henrichs, Sr. and Jaci Henrichs of Merrill; his siblings, Philip Henrichs, Jr. of Minneapolis, Jennifer (Henrichs) Hamsing of Hamburg, and Harry Henrichs of Hamburg; as well as many extended family members and friends who will miss his steady presence.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tom’s name may be made to the Lincoln County Humane Society.

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 Thomas 'Tommy' Henrichs's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.