Irene Schepp

Irene Josephine Schepp, age 80, of Merrill, passed of natural causes and went to be with her husband of 50 years on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill, WI. She was under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.

A private family service will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church on Monday, December 21, 2020. Pastor Tryphine Olson Schruba will officiate and it will be streamed live at 10:30am at https://www.waidfuneral.com/obituary/Irene-Schepp  . A public committal burial will take place at 12:00 pm at Calvary Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Hewitt. Social distancing and masks are required. Irene’s family and friends will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Irene was born in Wausau on July 9, 1940, daughter of the late Raymond and Anna (Dault) Breunig. Irene married Wayne Schepp on July 19, 1958, in Merrill, WI. He preceded her in death on September 17, 2008. Irene attended Wausau East High School. She and her husband Wayne were the third generation to farm the original Schepp Homestead in the Town of Pine River, until retiring in 2005. Irene had an amazing family antique collection which she passed on to her children and grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.

Throughout the years, Irene was very active in the community. She was involved in: 50/50 Homemakers, served as a leader in the Pine River Sunrise 4-H Club, on the Market Animal Show & Sale Committee, a member of the Lincoln County Farm Bureau Council/Women’s Chair, taught Sunday School, was Vacation Bible School Superintendent and member of the Ladies Aide for Calvary Lutheran Church.

Survivors include: daughter Laurie (Scott) Heidemann, and their sons Ross Heidemann (Missy Gilbert) and Dirk Heidemann (wife Jessica and children Tavin and Brynlee), all of Merrill; son Dale Schepp of Merrill; daughter Dawn (Edward) Vruwink of Rudolph, WI, and their children Jena Skerven (husband Trevor and daughter Odette), of Merrill, and Erik Vruwink (wife Rebecca and son Anderson ‘Anse’), of Maiden Rock, WI; daughter Terri Jo (Paul) Schmidt of Pelican Lake, WI, and their children Levi (wife Elizabeth and children Lola, Lucas and Lyla Jo), of Saint Johns, FL, Jacob Litke (wife Demi and daughters Autumn and Delaney Jo) of Rhinelander, WI, Andrew Litke (wife Amanda) of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Kristy Neumann (husband Rick and son Alexander), and Katie Kufahl (Eric Meyer and her children Lily and Malayna), all of Merrill; and daughter-in-law Stephanie Schepp and her daughters Holly Jo (husband Brad and daughter Kennedy Jo) both of Merrill, and Kassie Schepp, of Wausau.

She is also survived by a sister, Delores Bonkoski; a brother David (Maria) Breunig, all of Merrill; and many in-laws, relatives and dear friends.

Irene is preceded in death by her husband; a son, Kerri Schepp; her parents; a sister, Barbara Renken; and two brothers, Robert Breunig and Maynard Breunig.

Irene’s family would like to thank the staff at Pine Crest Nursing Home for the excellent care she received.

Waid Funeral & Cremation Service assisted the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com .

Please practice social distancing and a mask at the church & cemetery.

If you are meeting us at the cemetery please do not block the entrances.  We will be processing from church and need access to the grave.  Thank you.