Gerald R. Duwe

Gerald Roland Duwe, 87, of Merrill, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

Gerald was born August 24, 1936, in Merrill, son of the late Sylvia (Utech) and Roland Duwe. He grew up in the Town of Berlin in Marathon County. Gerald married Carol Seehafer on May 7, 1960, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. He graduated in 1955 from Wausau High School and earned his degree in Mechanical Drafting from Northcentral Technical College. Gerald worked at Fromm Brothers, R.O.W. Cash and Carry Store, and retired from Lincoln Wood Products. He was a part-time driver for Stark Automotive after retirement.

Gerald played church dart-ball for many years. He ushered at church, served on the Medical Ministry team, and also helped decorate the church at Christmas time. Gerald was an Eagle’s Club member in Merrill and Wisconsin Rapids and held many offices in the club. He was a charter member of the Devil’s Creek Stump Jumpers snowmobile club and a member of the Lincoln County Snowmobile Council. Gerald was a charter member of Pommerscher Verein of Central Wisconsin. He was brought up in a German-speaking home.

Gerald loved sports, especially the Merrill Bluejays, Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and NASCAR racing. He enjoyed television, playing cards with the same group of friends since 1960, and drinking coffee with friends. He enjoyed all his travel experiences with his wife and family. Most of all, Gerald loved his family and was generous to them in many ways.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Carol Duwe; sons, Brent (Crystal) Duwe and Matt (Tammy) Duwe; granddaughter, Heather (Chris) Renzelmann; grandson, Tanner Duwe; great-grandchildren, Allie, Aubrey, and Joe Renzelmann; sister-in-law, Judy Seehafer; and brother-in-law, Dennis Seehafer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvia and Roland Duwe; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Wilma and Ed Seehafer; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joyce and David Knospe; sister-in-law, Carol Seehafer; brother-in-law, David Seehafer; and grandson, Tyler Holbach.

The memorial service for Gerald will take place at 11:00 A.M., Monday, November 27, 2023, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. Rev. Michael Southcombe will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M. Monday at the church. The burial will take place at a later date in Snow Hill Cemetery, Town of Scott, Lincoln County. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.