Marion Buntrock

Marion Stella Ethel Schmidt – Buntrock, nee; Weber, age 88, of Merrill, was called to her heavenly home on Friday, February 12, 2021, while she was in the rehab unit at Pine Crest Nursing Home.  She was born on March 4, 1932 to the late Harry and Bertha (Gehrt) Weber Sr. in Merrill.  Marion married James H. Schmidt on May 24, 1952.  Sadly, James passed away in 1985.  Marion then met Milton H. Buntrock, and the two exchanged marriage vows on December 15, 1990.  He survives.

At a young age, Marion worked for Dr. & Mrs. Kyle Morris as a maid.  She then went to work at Weinbrenner Shoe Factory and Merrill Manufacturing Corporation, along with working for Harold and Marge Bauman.  In 1980, she became disabled, but she continued to try different things and learned to do them different with her disability.  She was an excellent housewife and homemaker.  Marion was not only a remarkable mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to her own family, but to many others who also called her Mom or Grandma .  Marion loved her family and looked forward to spending time with each and every one of them.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing, baking, canning, cooking and puzzles.  She liked to play a variety of card games, and board games, with her children, grandchildren and friends.  Marion was known for her “Alleycatting” where she would take her grandchildren around and look at all types of things in the alleys and side streets.  She is remembered by her family as a strong woman who had a loving and caring soul.  Marion had a strong faith in God and instilled that faith in her family.  Marion also enjoyed fishing, picnics, walks and music.  She loved reading and listening to her grandchildren, step- grandchildren and great- grandchildren.  Marion was a member at St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill, where she helped with the newsletters and bulletins, and assisted the finance committee.   When her children were growing up, Marion was a Den Mother and a 4-H leader, and also enjoyed volunteering when she could.  She will be sadly missed, but in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

Marion is survived by her husband: Milton Buntrock of Merrill, sons: Barry (Treva) Schmidt of Merrill and Randy (Jeanne) Schmidt of Gleason, daughters: Karen (Gary) Paul of Athens, Sharon (Phil) Kotschi of Merrill, her foster nephew: Michael (Sue) Plautz of Palm Bay, FL, step-children: Debbie (Gary) Radtke of Waukesha, WI, Sheri (Joe) Bell of Cambridge, WI, John (Cheryl) Christianson of Brantwood, WI, Pam (John) Leist of Tomahawk, Laura (Mike) Heller of Merrill, Peter Buntrock of Merrill and Rebecca (Scott) Rajek of Merrill.  In addition, Marion is survived by 8 grandchildren, 16 step- grandchildren, 17 great- grandchildren, 15 step-great grandchildren, sister-in-laws: Selma Weber, Merrill, Ruth Weber of Irma, and Honey Weber of Merrill, and many special godchildren, and nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband: James Schmidt, brothers: Leslie, Earl, and Harry Weber Jr., sisters: Elaine, Dorothy (Dimple) and Joan Joyce, and stepdaughter: Mandy Buntrock.

Funeral services for Marion will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021 at 11am at St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill.  Pastor Matthew Bless will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021 from 9am until the time of the service, also at the church.  Burial will take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery in the town of Scott immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marion’s name to St. John Lutheran Church.  Sympathy cards may be sent to the funeral home in care of the family.

Family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Aspirus Wausau Hospital and to the staff in the Rehab Unit at Pine Crest Nursing Home for their excellent care and compassion shown to Marion and her family.

Social distancing and masks will be required at the church.  Seating will be limited.  For those who want to attend virtually, we will live stream the service beginning at 11am.  It will be under her obituary on the funeral home website.

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.