Phyllis Kay Fausch

The family of Phyllis Kay Fausch, age 80, of Irma, is saddened to announce her passing. She died peacefully on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Aspirus Hospital, Merrill. She was born on August 16, 1943, in Merrill, WI, the daughter of Harvey and Catherine (Wiegandt) Kriewald.  Phyllis was a member of the Merrill High School Class of 1961.

 On February 17, 1968, Phyllis was united in marriage to Harlan H. Fausch in St. Stephens United Church of Christ in Merrill, a union that would last for over 56 years. This marriage was blessed with two daughters, Julie and Amy.

 Phyllis had an adventurous spirit. She was a skydiver in her younger years. She traveled the world extensively and enjoyed taking road trips many places in the United States with her family, friends, and was especially fond of trips with her sister, June. Phyllis was a line dancer and attended many country music festivals, taking in the music and camping. She had a love of flowers and would decorate their Tug Lake home with a beautiful floral landscape every summer. Phyllis was a Packer fan and attended many games at Lambeau Field including the Ice Bowl Championship game in 1967. 

 A longtime resident of their home on Tug Lake, Phyllis enjoyed walking several miles daily, pontoon rides, bonfires and taking in beautiful sunsets. Phyllis and Harlan were fond of spending winters in Naples, Fl; enjoying the ocean and escaping the Wisconsin cold. 

 She was a life-long member of St. Stephens UCC in Merrill, was a former Sunday school teacher, delivered Meals on Wheels and volunteered in the Holy Cross Hospital Gift Shop. 

 Phyllis had a very caring nature. Her family is forever grateful for the care and devotion Phyllis gave to her mother, Catherine, in her final years. 

 She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Carol Nichols, brother-in-law, Robert Nichols, nephew, David Nichols.

 Phyllis is survived by her husband, Harlan, daughters, Julie (Bill) Ratajczyk of Reedsburg, Amy Wojtusik of Irma, sister, June Kriewald of Merrill, grandchildren, Katherine Ratajczyk of Crystal, MN, Rebecca (Alex) Hinz of Oshkosh, Sarah Ratajczyk of Menasha, Emily Wojtusik of LaCrosse, and Harlan Wojtusik of Rhinelander, great granddaughter, Elianna, nephews, Steven (Kim) Nichols, Thomas (Dena) Nichols, John (Mary Jo) Nichols and Matthew Nichols along with other relatives and friends.

 A memorial service for Phyllis Fausch will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 24, 2024, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill, with Reverend Michael Southcombe officiating.   Visitation will be held Friday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service, at the church. A private family burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park at a later date.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Lincoln County Humane Society or a charitable organization of your choice. The family extends a very heartfelt thank you to the staff of Aspirus Hospital, Merrill for the wonderful care and comfort given to Phyllis.

 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.