Lauretta M. C. (Wengeler) Koehler, 91, of Merrill, died Thursday, November 17, 2011 At Pine Crest Nursing Home, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice. Lauretta was born April 8, 1920, in Merrill , the daughter of the late Herman and Beretha (Buck) Karau. Lauretta attended Lincoln Elementary School and Merrill High School, graduating in 1938. She married Emil Wengeler in Merrill on April 29, 1939. He passed away in 1988. On September 12, 1996, she married Ervin Koehler. Erv passed away in 2004. Lauretta was employed at the Merrill Candy Company, she was a waitress at Hinz's Cork & Dine and was also a receptionist for Dr. Lewinnek. She enjoyed knitting, watching sports and attending family events. She also liked to play cards, read, make greeting cards and bake with her niece, Jan Rajek. Lauretta also loved to travel, including trips to Germany and other European countries. She was a long time Sunday School teacher at St. Stephens United Church of Christ and was the treasurer for the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and St. Stephens Ladies Aid. Summers were enjoyed in the Minocqua area where Emil & Lauretta maintained a trailer. Family and friends came to visit and enjoyed water sports and campfires. Lauretta was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Emil and Erv, 1 sister, Ruth Voelkman and 2 brothers, Erava and Sy Karau. She is survived by her daughter, Lauretta "Faye" Wengeler Huston,; her son, William (Joanne) Wengeler; 3 step children, Sherry (John) Lahti, Georgette (Larry) Sampo and John (Kathy) Koehler; grandchildren, Faye Lynn Yeager, Jami Huston, Chuck Huston, Michele Huston, Mike Huston, Bill Wengeler and Steve Wengeler; and many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Funeral services will be Monday, November 21, 2011 at 10:30 AM at St. Stephen's United Church of Christ. Pastor Missy Holdorf will officiate. Friends may call on Sunday, November 20, 2011 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the Waid Funeral Home Chapel and on Monday from 9:30 until the time of services at the church. Burial will be at Merrill Memorial Park in Merrill, Wisconsin. The family would like to thank all the dedicated and caring people at Pine Crest Nursing Home and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. The Waid Funeral Home of Merrill, Wisconsin assisted the family with arrangements. On line condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.
Previous Events
Visitation
Sunday, November 20, 2011
4:00 PM
- 8:00 PM
Waid Funeral Home
301 Eagle Drive
Merrill, WI 54452
St. Stephens will host Monday's visitation
Visitation
Monday, November 21, 2011
10:30 AM
St. Stephen's United Church of Christ
903 E. 2nd Street
Merrill, WI 54452