Thomas Schwartzman

Thomas Gene Schwartzman, age 88, of Merrill, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2017, at the Veterans Hospital in King, WI, while under the care of Heartland Hospice.  He was born on August 3, 1928 to the late Ray and Sophia (Johnson) Schwartzman in Merrill, WI.  Thomas proudly served his country by joining the U.S. Army in 1948.  He fought in the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska.  He was honorably discharged in 1952.  After his service to the country, Thomas met and fell in love with Laurice Mary Ann Severt, and the two exchanged vows on August 29, 1953 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill.  She preceded him in death on September 29, 2016.

Thomas worked as a police officer for the city of Merrill for 6 ½ years, before working at the Holy Cross Hospital in the maintenance department in Merrill for 10 years.  Thomas then was employed by Wausau Concrete in the maintenance department for 17 ½ years , which he retired from in 1985.  Thomas enjoyed building things in his spare time, whether it was remodeling, painting, or building something from scratch.  He was a very knowledgeable handy man.  Thomas would enjoy a trip to the casino to play the slot machines every now and then.  He loved company, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Thomas was a great storyteller and always had a fun sense of humor.  He always talked of how he missed Alaska and wished he could go back.  Thomas enjoyed the outdoors; he was an avid deer hunter.  He would also enjoy spending time with his German Shepherds.  Thomas would look forward to Laurel cooking her peanut butter cookies for him, but his wife’s cooking was always his favorite.

Thomas will be sadly missed by his children: Bruce (Michelle) Schwartzman and Laurel (Kelly) Streich, both of Merrill, grandchildren: Ryan (Stephanie) Schwartzman, Erin(Chris) Swan and Michelle Schwartzman,  great grandchildren: Mitchel, Cooper, Renlee, Wyatt, Matthew, Christopher(Karen) Streich, Amanda, Melissa, Michael and Michele(Andy) Geiss, Josilynn, Madilynn and Lucas, brothers: Donald(Gayle), James(Kathy), Wally(Bonnie) Schwartzman, all of Merrill  and Harry (Angel) Schwartzman of Phoenix, AZ , sister: Joan Beyer and daughter-in-law: Barb Schwartzman, both of Merrill. He is preceded in death by his parents: Ray and Sophia Schwartzman, wife: Laurice Schwartzman, son: Kim Schwartzman, brother: Robert Schwartzman, sister: Marlene Woellner and brother-in-law: Robert Beyer.

Funeral Services for Thomas will be held on Monday, July 31, 2017 at 10am at Waid Funeral Home.  The Rev. Kyle Carnes will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2017 from 4pm-8pm and again on Monday, July 31, 2017 from 9am until the time of the service, all at the funeral home.  Military honors will be performed by the Merrill VFW Post # 1638 immediately following the service, at the funeral home.  Entombment at Restlawn Memorial Park in Wausau will follow.  Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.