Robert 'Bob' D. Alft, Sr.

Robert D. ‘Bob’ Alft, Sr., age 92, of Merrill, passed away Friday, November 4, 2016 at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill. Bob was born March 6, 1924 in Merrill, son of the late Paul and Lillian (Sonnenberg) Alft. He married Shirley J. Hoff on August 30, 1947 in Tomahawk. She preceded him in death on November 30, 2004. Bob served in the United States Army Air Corp and was stationed in the South Pacific. He served as a radioman aboard a B-24 Bomber and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was the last surviving member of the flight crew that completed 50 missions over China, the Philippines, and Japan. After his honorable discharge, Bob returned to the Merrill area and worked at the former Ward Paper Company. After 47 years, he retired as the assistant general manager. Bob was member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill. At St. Stephens he served on the Church Council, Ushers Club, and the Building Committee. With his wife Shirley, they delivered Meals on Wheels on a regular basis. Robert was a long time member of the Lions Club. He enjoyed fishing and building the family cottage on the Somo River. He and Shirley enjoyed daily walks through the Council Grounds, and after his wife of 57 years passed away he took daily drives with his dear friend Mary Jane Weege. Survivors include his daughter, Julie Alft (friend, Ralph Heil) of Wausau; son, Robert D. Alft, Jr. (wife, Margaret LaFond) of Voorheesville, New York; three grandchildren, Nathan, Thomas and Aurora; and one sister, Betty Hanson of Merrill. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Alft; his parents, Paul and Lillian Alft; and two brothers, Melvin Alft and Raymond Alft. A memorial service for Bob Alft will be held at 11:30 A.M. Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill. The Rev. Kyle Carnes will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com The Alft family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the wonderful and dedicated staff of Pine Crest Nursing Home. In his last years they made every effort to keep him safe and comfortable. He was cared for and loved by them and always made our family feel welcome and at home.