Carol J. Pester

Carol Jean (Gille) Pester, 88, of Merrill, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Aspirus Merrill Hospital.

Carol was born December 27, 1935, daughter of Peter John and Mabel (Lee) Gille. She graduated from Merrill Senior High School in 1953. After graduation, she worked for her parents in the cab business. In 1954, she went to work in the office at Livingston’s Department Store in Merrill for three years. Carol was married in 1957, a union that lasted until 1975. In 1975, Carol went to work at the Family Medical Clinic as a Medical Assistant until 1990. On January 6, 1978, she married Fred J. ‘Fritz’ Pester. He passed away on June 7, 2020.

After their retirements, Carol and Fritz traveled extensively during the winter months in their motor home. Carol belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association and served as the Regional President in 1997-1998. She also belonged to the Navy Club and was a member of the V.F.W. She worked as a volunteer for the Ladies Auxiliary of Good Samaritan Hospital. She was a member of the Rosemaling Club, Women’s Connecting, and Red Hat Mama’s. Carol was also involved in bible study.

Carol leaves her five children, Laurie (Michael) Germain, Michelle ‘Mickey’ (Howard) Sczygelski, Jean (Thomas) Kouba, Polly (Jay) Koebe, and David Bienfang (Jenny Tesch); son-in-law, Randy Baguhn; one step son, Art (Debbie) Pester; ten grandchildren, Ryan (Jessica) Baguhn, Heather Lutze, Tony (Tyler) Ecklund-Kouba, Alex Germain, Ashton (Josh) Osness, Mallory Sczygelski, Ian (Elizabeth) Koebe, Sam (Jourdyn) Koebe, Noah Koebe, Riley Bienfang; one step grandson, Zach (Chelsey) Degner; and eleven great-grandchildren. She also leaves nine step grandchildren; fifteen step great-grandchildren; one sister, Gay (Kenneth) Baumann; and one brother, Lee (Nancy) Gille. Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Fred ‘Fritz’ Pester; parents, Peter and Mabel Gille; daughter, Sharon Baguhn; son, Gary Lee Bienfang; and granddaughter, Anne Germain.

In memory of Carol, memorials may be directed to St. Jude’s or the Lincoln County Humane Society.

The funeral service for Carol will begin at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. The burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:30 A.M. Thursday at the church. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com