Elma M. Gruetzmacher

Elma M. Gruetzmacher, 76, of Merrill, passed away Friday, December 6, 2019 at Ascension Good Samaritan Hospital, Merrill. Elma was born September 11, 1943, in Merrill, daughter of the late Elmer and Mabel (Voight) Klug. She married Gary Gruetzmacher on October 22, 1966 at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. Elma attended the Milwaukee School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. She worked at the former Milwaukee County Hospital, the former Holy Cross Hospital, Merrill, and Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill. Elma and her husband, Gary, also farmed in the Town of Pine River, Lincoln County. She participated actively at the state level of AMPI and served on the FSA board for several years. She was a 4-H leader and a member of Homemakers Club. Elma was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. She enjoyed working on cross stitch, needle point and embroidery. Elma was an avid football fan and enjoyed watching her kids and grandchildren’s sporting events over the years. As a farmer’s wife, she loved cows and had an extensive collection. Survivors include her husband, Gary Gruetzmacher of Merrill; daughter, Tracy (Michael) Renn of New Richmond, WI; sons, Todd (Jessica) Gruetzmacher of Eau Claire and Troy Gruetzmacher of Merrill; grandchildren, Alyssa (Robert) Real, Alex (Tatiana) Renn, Jaxon Renn, Katelyn Renn, Abdel Gruetzmacher, Ava (Matthew) Reinhardt and Eve Gruetzmacher; sister, Carol (Mark) Pankow of Merrill; brothers, Richard ‘Dick’ (Betty) Klug of Frederick, MD and Bruce (Mary) Klug of Merrill; and brother-in-law, Michael (Marilyn) Jirovec of Merrill. Elma was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Mabel Klug; and her sister-in-law, Sandy Jirovec. The funeral service for Elma will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, December 13, 2019 at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. David Szeto will officiate. Burial will take place in St. James Cemetery, Town of Pine River. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Friday at the church. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.