Miriam E. Salefske

Miriam E. Salefske, age 91, formerly of the Town of Merrill, died Saturday, February 13, 2016, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill, with her husband by her side. She spent the last 16 years of her life battling Parkinson’s Disease. Miriam was born September 30, 1924, in the Town of Corning, daughter of the late Emil and Esther (Henrichs) Berndt. She married Elgart Salefske on July 10, 1948, in the Town of Corning. He survives. Miriam had worked at the former Merrill Candy Company, and also at the former Merrill Woolen Mill, retiring in 1970. Miriam and Elgart enjoyed fishing very much, especially ice fishing on Trout Lake near Boulder Junction. Together they caught many Whitefish and Lake Trout there. Miriam enjoyed playing the ‘Button Accordion’, an instrument she played since she was 7 years old. After she retired, Miriam continued doing crafts and sewing at home. She always worked side by side with Elgart peeling poplar and making firewood. They spent 30 years at their mobile home in Arbor Vitae close to all their fishing spots. Miriam loved ‘red’ cars, snowmobiling, and her pet cat ‘Fuzzy’. Survivors include her husband, Elgart Salefske, Merrill; one brother, Carlos (Dorothy) Berndt, Merrill; three nieces, Janean Larson, Sharon Woller, and Kathy Case; and three nephews, Norman Berndt, Daryl Berndt, and Terry Berndt. Miriam was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Esther Berndt; two brothers and their spouses, Norman and Adeline Berndt, and Lylas and Bernice Berndt; and a brother-in-law, Norman Salefske. The funeral will begin at 11:00 AM Thursday, February 18, 2016, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. The Rev. Missy Holdorf will officiate. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Thursday at church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.