Richard A. Cole

Richard A. Cole, 94, of Merrill, passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2020 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Richard was born May 11, 1926 in Rhinelander, son of the late Oscar and Lucille (DesPens) Cole. He married Phyllis E. Zimmerman on October 9, 1943 in Merrill. She preceded him in death on June 23, 1986. Richard had been an equipment operator for the Merrill Street Department. He enjoyed sports of all kinds and was an avid reader. Richard also enjoyed having breakfast every morning at “Kozy Korner Restaurant” with his buddies. Richard honorably served in the U.S. Navy at the end of WWII, and was stationed in Florida. Survivors include two daughters, Kathleen (Roger) Meunier of Merrill and Sandy Rhyner (with, Joe Jilk) of Fountain City, Wisconsin; four grandchildren Dusty (Sara) Meunier of Merrill, Scott (Michelle) Meunier of Weyerhaeuser, Timothy (Kim) Rhyner of Houston, Minnesota and Daniel Rhyner of St. Charles, Minnesota; and four great grandchildren McKenna, Reese, Cole, and Gage. Besides his parents, Richard is preceded in death by seven siblings. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Entombment will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Mausoleum. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.