Helen Marie Smith

Helen Marie Smith, 96, of Merrill, passed away at Pine Crest Nursing Home on Sunday, December 2, 2018. Helen was born on May 23, 1922, in the Doering area of Lincoln County, daughter of the late Otto and Hedwig (Klein) Frick. She married Paul Smith on June 28, 1947, in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Irma. Pastor Natzke officiated the wedding. Helen and Paul resided in Merrill. They were members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill, and later joined St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. Helen was a homemaker. She enjoyed crocheting and playing cards. Survivors include her children, Dennis (Joann) Smith of Mt. Pleasant, Lynette (Tom) Schill of Auburndale, Colleen Huxley (Dave Peters) of Madison, and Gregory Smith (Jane Mattias) of Adell; six grandchildren, Angela Anderson, Jason Schill, Karen Smith, Michael Smith, Jennifer Knecht, and Archana Huxley; eight great grandchildren, Emily and Matthew Anderson, Amelia Smith, Skylar and Tavin Schill, Arianna and William Knecht, and Talia Huxley Godden; and her sister, Florence Schaupp of Merrill. Besides her parents and husband, Helen is preceded in death by her infant daughter, Shirley Jean; sisters Henrietta Kysley and Lena Polak; and brothers, Raymond, Otto, Bernhardt, and Elmer Frick. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to The Lutheran Hour radio broadcast, or St. John Lutheran Church and School, Merrill. Special thanks to Dr. Rezwan Islam and Dr. Krohn-Gill, the entire staffs at Pine Crest Nursing Home and Good Samaritan Health Center, and Ascension Hospice. The Celebration of Helen’s life will begin at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 6, 2018 at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. The Rev. Joel Hoelter will officiate. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM Thursday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.