Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral and Cremation

09/25/2025

Fern H. Langhoff

Fern H. Langhoff, age 84, of Merrill, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 24, 1941, in Merrill, the daughter to the late Leo and Lillian (Boetcher) Leistikow. Fern attended and graduated from Lincoln County Normal Teachers College in Merrill and went on to UW-Stevens Point to earn her bachelor’s degree. It was in Merrill that Fern met the love of her life, her soul mate -- and the only man who was as stubborn as she was -- Reinhard Langhoff. It was love at (almost) first sight and the two exchanged marriage vows on January 26, 1963, in Merrill. Sadly, Reinhard passed away on July 11, 2024.

Fern was a natural teacher, sharing her wisdom and grace with her family, friends and her nearly four decades of students. She had a kind and fierce spirit, whose persistence was only matched by her patience. From admiring the wonder of the woods to basking in the glory of the night stars to the flower gardens she surrounded herself with, Fern found joy and beauty in everything. Each morning, no matter what the day or the weather, she would look out her window and say, “Isn’t it beautiful.” Fern enjoyed adding to that beauty through painting, crafting, sewing, and gardening. Fern shared her loving spirit with all. Everyone was welcome in her home, and she would lend a helping hand to those who needed it. Most of all, Fern loved her family. She shared in as many of their adventures and accomplishments as she could, filling multiple scrap books with proof of her pride and love. Fern’s quest for life was mirrored in Reinhard and they did everything together: thousands of miles on cross-country motorcycle trips, hunting and trapping in the outdoors they loved and building the home they dreamed of. Fern will be sorely missed but her love and joy for life will never be forgotten.

Fern leaves behind her son: Daniel (Bonnie) Langhoff, daughter: Rebecca (William) Kludy, granddaughters: Sasha (Blake) Everett and Myria Kludy, great grandsons: Ezekiel and Daxon Everett and nephew: Doug (Pam) Iwen. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister: Barbara (Donald) Iwen.

A Celebration of the beauty and wonder of Fern’s life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at her son Dan’s home at N3543 County Road K, Merrill.

A special thank you goes out to the compassionate and supportive staff at Marshfield Medical Center – Weston and to Compassus Hospice.

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

View Fern H. Langhoff's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/24/2025

Monika Anna Lenk

Monika Anna Lenk, age 73, of Merrill, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born on Christmas Day 1951 in Germany and was the daughter to the late Hans & Maria (Lotte) Mondani.

View Monika Anna Lenk's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/23/2025

Mildred M. 'Millie' Burrows

Mildred ‘Millie’ Burrows, 94, of Merrill, passed away Monday, September 22, 2025 surrounded by her family.

Millie was born May 7, 1931, in the Town of Pine River, Lincoln County, daughter of August and Margaret (Jaeger) Schleif. She married Stuart ‘Sam’ Burrows on July 1, 1950, in Merrill. He preceded her in death on September 9, 2022. Millie worked as a sewer at Hanson Glove, Fox Point, and Merrill Woolen Mills. She worked at County Market in the bakery as well.

Millie enjoyed cooking and baking, especially making potato dumplings, homemade bread and baked goods. She also enjoyed doing laundry and ironing. Millie enjoyed traveling and camping. In younger years, she also enjoyed snowmobiling. Millie was an animal lover and especially loved her dogs and birds. Millie always had the radio on and loved listening to Polka music.

Survivors include her children, Keith (Cathy), Mary (Tom) Maluegge, Cindy (Bruce) Pankow, Tim (Judy), Jay (Rhonda), Jolene (Joe) Nowak, and Amy (Donny) Gehrke; daughter-in-law, Roxanne; 20 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and 8 great great grandchildren. Millie is further survived by many in-laws. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stuart ‘Sam’ Burrows; sons, Randy and Greg; Greg’s wife, Marvis and their son, Matthew; parents, August and Margaret Schleif; siblings, Ted (Lila) Schleif, Rudolph ‘Butch’ (Emily) Schleif, Alfred Schleif, and Ruth (Raymond) Grell; and numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

The funeral service will be held at 3:00 P.M., Sunday, September 28, 2025, at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill. Rev. Michael Southcombe will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 P.M. Sunday at the church. Burial will take place 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 Mildred M. 'Millie' Burrows's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/22/2025

John Howard Payne

John Howard Payne, age 98, of Merrill, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill. He was born on August 6, 1927, to the late Elmer and Ella (Taylor) Payne in Merrill. John had joined the United States Navy and bravely served his country from 1945 until 1949, when he was honorably discharged.

John worked for many years as a supervisor at both Anson & Gilkey and WCA (Woodworking Corporation of America). When he wasn’t working, he would enjoy going for a walk and hiking some beautiful scenic areas, and enjoy the wildlife around him. John also looked forward to traveling. He would like to relax and listen to some country western music or polkas. John loved taking car rides with his son, watching the Packers and Brewers and collecting all types of Betty Boop treasures! He was a well-liked man that had a kind and gentle spirit. John made friends wherever he went. John will be always remembered, never forgotten.

John is survived by his son: Michael ‘Mike’ Payne of Merrill. He was preceded in death by his parents, ex-wife: Sylvia and daughter: Michele.

Per John’s request, no services will be held.

John’s family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to the caring and support staff at Pine Crest Nursing Home and to Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.

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 John Howard Payne's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/22/2025

Autumn is here! The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and it’s the perfect time to embrace all the cozy things this season!

09/21/2025

Darlene Mae Bade

Darlene Mae Bade, age 80, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born on April 25, 1945 to the late Leonard and Leona (Barttelt) Howard in Merrill. Darlene grew up on the family’s dairy farm. She attended and graduated from Merrill High School. Darlene met the love of her life, Roger Bade, and the two were united in marriage on September 1, 1973 in Merrill. He survives.

Before starting her family, Darlene worked at Church Mutual Insurance Company. She and Roger enjoyed many years of traveling with good friends to various locations around the United States, as well as Europe and Ireland, and going to numerous Packer games around the country. They bowled together for over 50 years with their teammates, Bob and Marlene Schlag. From its beginning, they were active members of the Devils Creek Stump Jumpers Snowmobile Club and continued attending meetings and events throughout the years. Darlene found joy tending her flower gardens and shared plentiful harvests from her vegetable garden. As a skilled seamstress she filled their home with quilts, blankets, clothing, and crafts. She earned many awards and recognitions for both her flowers, needlepoint and sewing projects at the Lincoln County Fair. In 2016 she was honored as an Outstanding Fair Volunteer. She also loved pan fishing with Roger. Darlene was an amazing grandma and was always there to help with the kids and cherished her time with her beloved grandchildren. She was a member of the Homemakers Club and the St. John Lutheran Church altar guild. Darlene was a kind and loving spirit and was a blessing to her family. She will be missed dearly.

Darlene is survived by her husband: Roger Bade of Merrill, son: Darren (Irina) Bade of Rootstown, OH, with their child: Liliya, daughter: Kimberly (Eric) Pozorski of Wausau, with their twins: Aaron and Mikayla and brother: Lowell Howard. She was preceded in death by her parents.

The funeral service for Darlene will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill. Rev. R. Neely Owen will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Taylor -Stine-Waid Funeral Home, at 903 East 3rd Street, Merrill, and again on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service, at the church. Burial will immediately follow the service and take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery in the town of Scott.

The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff of the Mount View Care Center Services in Wausau for their support and professionalism that they had shown to Darlene 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 Darlene Mae Bade's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/21/2025

Darwin Wayne Kufahl

Darwin Wayne Kufahl, age 68, of Tomahawk, formerly of Merrill, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Tomahawk Health Services. He was born on May 22, 1957, to Wayne and Marceda (Thompson) Kufahl, in Merrill. He attended and graduated from Lakeland Union High School in Minocqua.

Darwin went to work at Lincoln Industries in Merrill for many years. He looked forward to snowmobiling during the winter months and spending time fishing during the warm months. Darwin loved animals, going for walks, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers, and rarely missing a game! He would often enjoy watching westerns, especially John Wayne, and listening to country music and Elvis. Darwin was a great protector to the ones he cared about and was lovingly remembered for his witty humor, kind heart and a great memory. He was a smart and loving man that will be missed dearly.

Darwin is survived by his mother: Mareda “Marcy” Strasburg, sisters: Connie (Dave) MacClennan, Debbie Stough and Julie Steg, brother: Scott (Ada) Steg, sister-In-law: Tammy Steg, and nieces, nephews, good friends, and kind caregivers. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Harold (Leona) Kufahl and Melvin (Clara) Thompson, father: Wayne Kufahl, brother: Danny Steg, niece: Nicole Dare, nephew: Lance Stough and uncles: Rueben (Louise) Kufahl and Delwaine (Shirley) Baumann.

The memorial service for Darwin will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home, 301 Eagle Drive, Merrill. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 2:00 p.m., until the time of the service, at the funeral home.

A sincere thank you goes to the staff of Inclusa, Lakeshore Assisted Living and Tomahawk Health Services for their care, compassion and support they provided to Darwin and his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Darwin’s name may be directed to the Lincoln County Humane Society or a charity of your choice.

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 Darwin Wayne Kufahl's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/20/2025

Darwin E. Erickson

Darwin E. Erickson, age 72, of the town of Pine River, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the Aspirus Merrill Hospital. He was born on February 27, 1953, to the late Robert and Beulah (Ney) Erickson in Merrill. He attended school in Merrill.

Darwin worked for many years at the Semco factory in Merrill, holding various positions there. He adored his dogs and cats. Darwin enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it was fishing, hunting or making firewood. He was great at “tinkering” with stuff and was very handy. He loved to dance and when there was music playing, you can bet that he would be dancing! Darwin was a member at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the town of Pine River.

Darwin leaves behind his siblings: Larry (Susan) Erickson, Donna Stenberg, Sharon Marmes, Dale (Darlene) Erickson, Crystal Hoeffler, Darrell (Cindy) Erickson, Carol (Norman) Hanson, Peggy (Mark) Kroening, Jeanne (Kyle) Schubring, Sandy (Jim Brannan) Leskey and Lori (Robert “Butch”) Giese, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and great great nieces and nephews and ex-wife: Tammy Erickson. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Mark, brothers-in-law: Bruce, Tom, Martin, Bob and John, as well as a niece, 3 nephews and a great niece.

A memorial service for Darwin will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the town of Pine River. Pastor Greg Laska will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 8:00 a.m., until the time of the service, also at the church. Burial will take place at the St. Paul’s Cemetery in the town of Pine River.

Darwin’s family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the first responders, Merrill EMT’s and the ER staff and doctors at the Aspirus Merrill Hospital, for their efforts and compassion.

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 Darwin E. Erickson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/19/2025

Adam R. Behm

Adam R. Behm, 44, of Gleason, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Adam gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.

Adam was born October 27, 1980, in Merrill, son of Ronald and Gail (Czerniak) Behm. He graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 1999. He then attended Diver’s Academy International in Camden, New Jersey and graduated at the top of his class. Adam worked for SeaView Diving in Green Bay for seven years. He worked as a welder inspecting, repairing, and building dams and power plants along with various other projects and facilities. In 2007, he took a job with Nicolet Lumber Building Company in Green Bay as a foreman and worked on building apartment complexes. In 2021, Adam moved back to Merrill and worked in maintenance for the Merrill Housing Authority and Pine Crest Nursing Home.

Adam adored his children, Aurralia and Owen. He loved making silly stories up with his daughter and throwing the football with his son. Adam enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and horsing around. He was always good for a stupid joke or a funny story. He enjoyed watching sports especially baseball and football. While in high school, he was part of the track team and excelled at pole vaulting. He also played football and participated in band. He enjoyed canoeing trips to the Boundary Waters and off-road racing in Crandon. He was always available to lend a helping hand. In 1992, Adam brought the love of dog sled racing to his family, a tradition that has carried on.

Survivors include his children, Aurralia Winn Behm and Owen Winn Behm both of Green Bay; parents, Ron and Gail Behm of Gleason; siblings, Virginia ‘Ginnie’ (Jim) Mootz of Wausau, Melissa ‘Mel’ (Keith) Omernick of Gleason, and Ryan (Brittany) Behm of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; nephew, Harvey Behm; niece, Ellie Behm; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Adam was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter and Mildred Behm, and Louis and Regina Czerniak; and uncles, Warren Behm, Jerry Oestreich, and Shane Klemm.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, September 22, 2025, at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Gleason. Rev. Greg Laska will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M., Monday at the church. Burial will take place at a later date at Gleason Cemetery, Town of Russell, 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.

View Adam R. Behm's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/17/2025

Call today to reserve your spot!

09/15/2025

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic communities. From art and music to science and leadership, their impact does not go unnoticed. Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month to all who celebrate!