Kenneth 'Ken' Stolz

Kenneth ‘Ken’ M. Stolz, age 71, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at his home in the town of Texas, Marathon County.  Ken was born on March 21, 1950, to the late Martin and Adela (Neitzke) Stolz in Wausau, WI.  He attended and graduated from Wausau High, before furthering his education at NCTI for agriculture and farming training.  Ken and Karen Schepp grew up going to the same church, and eventually, they exchanged marriage vows on May 22, 1971, in Merrill, a union that lasted just over 50 years.  She survives.

Ken owned and operated a 3rd generation dairy farm in the town of Texas until 2012. He continued with field work and went to work as a bus driver for First Student in Wausau in 2002.  Ken loved his job as a bus driver and looked forward to seeing the kids every day, he truly cared for them, and they seemed to enjoy him as well!  Ken is remembered as a guy that had a great sense of humor, loved to visit, and liked to attend family gatherings and holiday events.  Ken cherished his 2 grandsons and enjoyed his time with them.  When he was younger, he liked to participate in tractor pulls; once he was older, he liked to be a spectator for his 2 grandsons.  Ken also would enjoy going deer hunting and fishing when he was younger.  He will be truly missed but will live in the hearts of his family and friends.

Ken is survived by his wife of 50 years: Karen Stolz, sons: Jim Stolz and Mike (Angie) Stolz, with their sons: Brandon and Eric, sister: Laura Benz, brother-in-law: Fred Schepp, sister-in-law: Jean Schepp and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, mother, and father-in-law, 3 brothers-in-law and 2 sisters-in-law.

No public funeral service will be held for Ken.  A small family gathering will be held at a later date.

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