Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral and Cremation

03/22/2026

Thomas "Tom" W. Pagel

A full obituary is pending. Please check back later.

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03/20/2026

Ferne D. Isaacson

Full obituary is pending. Please check back later. Service details are below.

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03/20/2026

Spring is here! With blooming flowers and brighter days, it’s the perfect time for new beginnings. Let’s embrace the season and all the beauty it brings!

03/19/2026

Gary Robert Frisch

On March 19, 2026, we said goodbye to Gary Robert Frisch, at the age of 74. Gary was born on September 28, 1951, in Merrill, Wisconsin, to Bob and Betty Frisch. He was a true Wisconsinite through and through, with a heart as big as his love for fishing, hunting, and his family.

Gary and his high school sweetheart, Nancy, married on October 16, 1971. Together they built a life filled with adventure, love, and laughter. For over 20 years, Gary dedicated himself to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department as a corrections officer, a role he took great pride in. He was also known around town for owning Frisch's Bar for 25 years-a true gathering place for friends and family.

Gary was the ultimate outdoorsman, taking memorable hunting and fishing trips out west to North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Colorado, and Canada. A proud member of the Averill Creek Hunting Club and the Eagles Club. He was famous for his homemade pickles and teaching his kids the art of sausage-making. When he wasn't catching fish or hunting game, you could find him tending to his garden, cheering on the Brewers, Packers, or Badgers, or enjoying quality time with his family, especially his grandkids and great-grandkids.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, sons Andy (Coleen) Frisch and Rob (Denise) Frisch, as well as his cherished grandchildren: Avery Frisch, William Frisch, Sierra (Levi) Smith, Garrett Schulz, Christian (Victoria) Miller, Dakota (Kayla) Miller, and Bryce Miller, and great-grandchildren: Bentley, Warren and Kaysen. He is also survived by his triplet sister, Jean Henrichs, sister Sallie (Ted) Bachar, and many nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss him dearly.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Betty Frisch, his triplet sister Terry Frisch, and his in-laws, Dave and Shirley Krause, and brother-in-law Dennis Henrichs.

Visitation will be Monday, March 30, 2026 from 3:00 - 6:00 PM at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, 301 Eagle Dr, Merrill, WI, the Memorial Service will follow at 6:00 PM, where all who knew him are welcome to share their memories and celebrate the joy he brought to our lives. We invite friends and family to join us in honoring this remarkable man, whose impact on our lives will never fade.

Monetary donations will be used for a memorial to be decided 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 Gary Robert Frisch's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/19/2026

JoAnn Emma Sauer

On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, JoAnn Emma Sauer, age 90, of Merrill, was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior, while surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 8, 1935, to the late Paul and Leona (Berndt) Oestreich Sr., in the town of Corning, Lincoln County. JoAnn attended school in Merrill, and eventually attended vocational school. She met David Sauer Jr. and the two exchanged marriage vows in Merrill on June 16, 1956, a loving union of 68 years. Sadly, David passed away on April 19, 2024. Together they raised a beautiful family with their three daughters, and all worked together on the family farm.

Farming was a very important part of JoAnn’s life, as she did it for many years with David and the girls. They raised dairy cows, chickens, pigs, beef and even mink at one time. Along with farming, she worked at Anson Glove Factory for many years. JoAnn was very involved with the Merrill Farmer’s Market, always having an abundance of vegetables. She enjoyed fishing, making maple syrup and watching the birds at her feeders. JoAnn was a skilled crafter, making quilts, embroidering, and crocheting many items for her family and friends. She looked forward to playing cards with her friends and was a social butterfly! JoAnn was always a friendly and welcoming person, and would lend a helping hand every chance she had. No one left JoAnn’s house hungry – she always made sure you were well fed! She was very attentive to her family and made sure that she knew how everyone was doing; she was a caring soul. JoAnn had a steadfast faith in her Lord, and she was a longtime member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ. She will be missed dearly, but her spirit will live on in her loved ones.

JoAnn will be missed by many, including her daughters: Gloria Myers, Julia (Jon) Wicke and Darcia (Bert) Hopp, six grandchildren: Matthew (Stephanie) Brock, Krystal Brock, Jeremy (Molli) Wicke, Justin (Symone Pero) Wicke, Kristina (Michael) Brown and Eric Hopp, eight great grandchildren: Marcus Brock, Elaina Brock, Mia Wicke, McKenzie Wicke, Jacob Wicke, Paisley Hopp, Jayden Wicke and Jarett Wicke. She is further survived by her brother: Paul Oestreich, sisters: Marion Fox and Betty Clark, sisters-in-law: Marge Oestreich, Sandy Oestreich and Bernice Sauer, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents: Paul and Leona (Berndt) Oestreich, in-laws: David Sr. and Elizabeth (Herdt) Sauer, husband: David Sauer Jr., sisters: Arlene (Jack) Rieckenberg and Elaine Oestreich, brothers: David and Daniel Oestreich, brothers-in-law: LaVern Sauer and Ned Fox, sisters-in-law: Meta (Glenn) Mootz and Georgene Oestreich and son-in-law: Patrick Myers.

The funeral service for JoAnn will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Merrill. Rev. Mike Southcombe will officiate. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 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.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed and available for viewing on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. and can be found under her obituary on the funeral home website. It will then be posted for future viewing.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations in JoAnn’s name to St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ.

The family wishes to thank all of the friends, family and caregivers that loved and cared for their mother.

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 JoAnn Emma Sauer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/18/2026

Ronald M. Vachavake

Ronald M. Vachavake, 89, of Merrill, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill.

Ronald was born June 15, 1936, in Merrill, son of Marvin and Minnie (Schmidtke) Vachavake. He graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 1954. Ron went on to work at R.O.W. in Merrill. He then began his career in the paper industry first taking a job at Ward Paper Company in Merrill and later Wausau Paper Company in Brokaw. He retired in 1998 at the age of 62.

On June 2, 1956, Ron married JoAnn Ament. They enjoyed many years together traveling extensively around the United States. They also enjoyed attending the Hodag Country Music Festival in Rhinelander for many years. JoAnn preceded him in death on October 4, 2024.

Ron loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, trapping, and fishing. He especially enjoyed fly fishing for trout. He loved spending time at his cabin in Irma. Ron loved watching the kids and grandkids sporting events and watching sports on T.V. often watching and listening to several events at the same time. He also enjoyed playing cards, especially Cribbage and Sheephead. Ron was a member of St. Stephens United Church of Christ in Merrill.

Survivors include his daughters, Sue (Mark) Baumann of New Franken, WI and Kathryn (Carl) Hass of Merrill; sons, Mark Vachavake of Merrill, David (Darla) Vachavake of Merrill, and Jim (Sandy) Vachavake of Wausau; daughter-in-law, Sharon Vachavake of Wausau; 25 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and sister, Sandra Dunn of Conyers, GA.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Vachavake; parents, Marvin and Minnie Vachavake; son, Richard ‘Rick’ Vachavake; brother, Dennis Vachavake; sisters-in-law, Elaine (Howard) Alexander and Joyce (George) OKray; and brother-in-law, James Dunn.

The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, March 27, 2026, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. Rev. Michael Southcombe will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M., Friday, March 27, 2026, at the church.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed and available for viewing on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. and posted for future viewing 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 Ronald M. Vachavake's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/17/2026

Wishing you plenty of luck and just the right touch of green today! May the spirit of the day bring a little extra joy to your heart!

03/16/2026

Paulina "Paula" H. Osness

Paulina “Paula” Helen Osness, age 72, of Merrill, “went out with her boots on”, on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Woodland Court Elder Services, Merrill. She was born on March 19, 1953, to the late Bernard “Ben” and Helen (Krueger) Winkelman, in Irma, WI. Paula attended and graduated from Merrill High School. She went on to work in an administrative / secretarial role at Howard Young Medical Center and Riverside Athletic Club in Merrill, as well as working in sales for WPS Health Insurance Company. Paula and her family would look forward to trips to Copper Harbor, MI, where she was able to spend quality time with her family. She adored and cherished her grandchildren, loved to visit with family and friends, playing games together and was overall the life of the party! Paula had a strong faith in God and her spirituality was steadfast. She enjoyed flower gardening, crafting all sorts of projects and listening to old country music, especially Johnny Cash. Paula was an amazing and driven woman that will be sadly missed by all knew and loved her.

Paula leaves behind her daughter: Lea (Jeff) Marthaler of Goodrich, WI, son: Steve (Kendra) Osness of Merrill, WI, her beloved grandchildren: Ethan, Payge and Raya, sisters: Sally (Leonard) Smith of Michigan, Joey Powers of Ohio and Carol Caylor of Merrill, WI and brother: Larry Winkelman of Tomahawk, WI. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, good friends and her many fur-babies!

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Steven Osness Sr., brother: Ben Winkelman and sister: Linda Koob.

A Celebration of Paula’s life will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., at the Dugout Bar, N2472 County Road K, Merrill, WI 54452.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services for their care and support during this time. They also want to thank and acknowledge the wonderful staff at Woodland Court Elder Services, especially Amanda, Lindsey, Jasmine and Laurie. Your love and dedication will never be forgotten.

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 Pauline "Paula" H. Osness's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/11/2026

Carol R. Weber

Carol Ruth Weber, 88, formerly of Merrill, left this earth to begin her new life in Christ on March 3rd, 2026, at her residence in Middleton, Wisconsin.

She was born in Merrill on May 30th, 1937, to Selma (Beine) and George Henrich. She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister, three brothers, and nieces and nephews

She graduated from Merrill High School in 1955 and U.W. La Crosse with a Physical Education major in 1959.

Carol married Wilburn Weber in April of 1960. They were blessed with 65 years together as husband and wife.

Surviving family members include her husband, Bill, children, Ann (Greg) Engelstad, Pete (Courtney) Weber, Steve (Barbara) Weber and Katharine (John) Upson, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

A longtime Merrill resident she was devoted to her community and the world around her. She was an active member of St. Stephens UCC, the T.B Scott Library, P.E.O Sisterhood and the Merrill Area Concert Association.

She was a missionary with The Good News Project (West Indies) and the UCC, (Ghana). She co-founded The CROP Walk in Merrill and was actively involved in numerous projects with Habitat for Humanity.

Carol loved being at home on Silver Lake. Spending time there with family and friends brought her endless happiness. She was a loving caretaker of her family, extended family and all of God’s creation.

We will miss you, but we promise to live as you taught us to live with faith, commitment, and love,

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 21st at St. Stephens UCC in Merrill at 9:00 am followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Stephens UCC or The Good News Project in Wausau, WI

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 Carol R. Weber's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/11/2026

Sandra Kay Roman

Sandra “Sandy” Roman, age 78, of Merrill, passed away at her home on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Born on November 13, 1947, in Merrill, Sandy was the beloved daughter of Raymond “Ray” and Margaret “Marge” Baade. In 1966, she married the love of her life, Dale Roman, with whom she shared many beautiful years until his passing.

Sandy devoted much of her life to creating a warm and welcoming home for her family. She found joy in camping, cooking, and spending time with friends—often at her favorite local taverns, where her contagious laugh and bright spirit were known and loved by many. She also shared her talents in the kitchen during her many years cooking at Les & Jim’s.

Sandy is survived by her two sons, Todd (Tammy) Roman of Merrill and Chris (Paula) Roman of Antigo; her cherished grandchildren, Molly Roman, Nicolas Roman, and Wyatt Schielke; and her siblings Rick Baade, Butch (Rachelle) Baade, Larry (Sue) Baade, and Ted Bloomfield. She is further survived by several brothers- and sisters‑in‑law, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dale; her parents; her siblings Ray Bloomfield, Rudolf Bloomfield, and Carmen Ruder; her dear friend Mary Geiss; and several brothers- and sisters‑in‑law.

A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held on Friday March 27 at S&S Hall at 5:00 - 9:00pm. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor the remarkable woman she was.

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.

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03/11/2026

Funeral directors are often unsung heroes, working quietly with compassion, professionalism, and grace to ensure every detail of caring for loved ones and arranging meaningful services is handled with dignity. Their work allows families to focus on healing during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Today, we honor their steadfast dedication to supporting both those who have passed and the loved ones who grieve them. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the care and comfort they provide so many. Thank you for all that you do.