Elaine D. Riesinger

Elaine Dorothy Riesinger May 10, 1935 – July 25, 2022 Elaine Dorothy Riesinger, age 87, of Merrill, passed away on July 25th, 2022, at Aspirus Merrill Hospital with her children at her side. She was born on May 10, 1935, to Fred and Lillian Friedl. They precede her in death. She was raised, alongside her sister Lillian, in Gleason. Upon her graduation from Merrill Senior High School in 1953, Elaine married Delore Deau of Rhinelander. Together, they had three beautiful children. Elaine would later marry John Riesinger on September 9, 1978. He preceded her in death after 11 years of marriage in 1989. Elaine enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and later, her great grandchildren. Elaine adored the company of her terrier-mix, Molly, her best four-legged friend. She loved her dearly. Elaine was a huge fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks and Green Bay Packers. She rarely missed a game on television. Elaine enjoyed the beauty of her gardens from her back porch with Molly. It was not uncommon to see her sitting there, enjoying the warmth of the sun. She was proud of her home, her flowers and the decorations that would adorn her front porch throughout the year. Elaine will be remembered for her sass and witty humor, her love for shopping and a good craft fair, gameshows and soap operas. She will be missed by her friends and family. Our mother is survived by daughters, Kathy Deau and Jane (Mark Jahnke); and son, Patrick (Connie) Deau. She is further survived by her grandchildren, Shawn McDougall, Sheena McDougall (Ben Lemmer), Marie (Chris) Peterson, Carrie (Spiro) Avouris, Hannah Deau, Patrice Deau (Evan Hughes), Katie Sweeney (Cameron McGraw), and Mike (Brenna) Sweeney; and great-grandchildren Greta and Garik Peterson, Ava and Hennessey Sweeney, Lila and Evangeline Avouris, and Aiden McDougall. Elaine is further survived by her extended family and dear friends Twig, Candy and Deb… and many more. A private burial service will be held at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery on Friday, August 12, 2022. Deacon Jim Arndt will officiate. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com