Herbert Allen Schotz

Herbert Schotz, age 85, died at home in Irma. His durable heart hung on a long time and is at rest after a long illness . The Merrill native and 1955 graduate taught biology at the opening of Lincoln Hills School and retired as the Merrill School Forest Director. This pioneer of the Ice Age Trail found happiness at his lucky rock and Newwood cabin near his childhood hunting grounds. He was a dedicated husband and father who put the aspirations of others before his own whether building an art studio, coaching football, founding a bike race or letting a grandson have the best deer stand. This self-taught carpenter, gardener and stained glass artist was always there to guide a hiker and pull a car out of the snow. He taught his two children a deep love of adventure and nature. He was preceded in death by siblings Charlotte (Zimmerman), Laurence, Kenneth, Tom, Richard, Margaret (McClellan), Clarence and grandson Elliott. He is survived by his wife Louise (Leifheit); children Christopher of Gleason and Eric of Minneapolis; and grandchildren Jordan, Riley, Fiona, and Oliver and siblings Jeanne, John and Phil. The family will announce a private memorial at a future date and thanks all who visited his beer and ice cream gathering in August. Memorial donations may be made to the Northwoods Chapter of the Ice Age Trail so that all can continue to explore the forest of Lincoln County that Herb loved. The family sends special thanks to the caring staff of Aspirus Hospice Care. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com