Beatrice Gilson

Beatrice R. Gilson, 84, of Merrill, died Monday, December 28, 2009 at Pine Crest Nursing Home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice. She was born July 16, 1925, in Merrill, to the late Edward and Clara (Geeraerts) Larson. Beatrice graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1943. She married Roger “Swede” Gilson December 11, 1944 in Merrill. Beatrice owned and operated Bea’s Cut and Curl Beauty Salon. She enjoyed fishing, reading, word games, crocheting and knitting. Beatrice was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Jaunita (David) Slavinsky of Bradenton, FL; two sons: Leroy (Marsha) of Merrill and Ron (Stacy) of Weston; four grandchildren: Rachel (Matthew) Beilke and Shannon (Jeff Butler Jr.) all of Merrill, Lee (Shirley) Slavinsky of Lake Tomahawk and Brad (Kris) Slavinsky of Arbor Vitae; seven great grandchildren: Michaela Kienbaum, Noah Beilke, Isaiah Beilke, Brett Slavinsky, Brandon Slavinsky, Sydney Slavinsky and Jamie Slavinsky; and one sister: Pauline (Erling) Scharbius of Santa Rosa, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and sister, Marian Larson.

Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, January 2, 2010 at Waid Funeral Home. The Rev. Joseph Kleinheinz will officiate. Visitation will be at 9:30 AM until the time of service on Saturday, also at the funeral home. Entombment will be at Merrill Memorial Park . Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com .