Duane R. 'Ike' Bacher

Duane R. ‘Ike’ Bacher, age 78, of Merrill, passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at Mount View Care Center, Wausau, surrounded by his loving family. Ike was born June 28, 1938, in Merrill, son of Alice (Fruend) Bacher and the late Robert Bacher. He married Fern Zoellner on August 30, 1958. She survives. Ike retired from Wausau Papers, Brokaw Division, as a supervisor. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. Ike enjoyed deer hunting and ice fishing, and spending time with his ‘breakfast club’. Ike was an active member of the Lincoln County Sports Club. He was a member of the Merrill Silver M Club and had attained his Gold “M”. Survivors include his wife, Fern Bacher of Merrill; his mother, Alice Bacher of Merrill; two sons, Gregory (Lori) Bacher of Mountain Home, Idaho and Daniel Bacher (Tia Raddatz) of Merrill; and one grandson, Joshua Bacher. Ike was preceded in death by his father, Robert Bacher; an infant son, Michael Bacher; a sister, Joyce Taylor; and a brother, Donald Bacher. The funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 28, 2016, at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Joel Hoelter will officiate. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. Sunday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 10:00 A.M. Monday at the church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family.