Sally B. Leistikow

Sally B. Leistikow, 87, of Merrill, passed away Monday, May 1, 2023, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill.

Sally was born July 23, 1935, in Merrill, daughter of the late Marvin and Mildred (Speas) Ingersoll. She married Gerald ‘Jerry’ Leistikow on January 7, 1956, at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. Sally was a lifelong member of the church and was baptized, confirmed and married there. She had also attended St. John Lutheran School.

In 1961, Sally and Jerry relocated their family to Fort Lewis Military Base in Washington when Jerry was called to serve in the National Guard during the Berlin Crisis. Thankfully, they only spent a year away from the Merrill area and returned home as soon as they could. Sally worked at Krambo’s Grocery, Dave’s Red Owl/County Market. She worked primarily as a cashier and in her retirement years she did personal shopping at the store.

Sally enjoyed sewing and baking. Camping with her family and friends was always a highlight. She loved living on the Wisconsin River where watching the wildlife and tending to her plants and flowers gave her joy. Sally and Jerry sought many opportunities to travel. They had been to Tennessee, Florida, Colorado, Arizona, California, and Alaska. Their trips also included Germany and Switzerland. Sally lived a life of care and connection. Her everyday life exemplified her core values of faith, family and friendship; leaving behind a lasting legacy of love.

Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Jerry Leistikow of Merrill; children, Vicki (John Kilgust) Leistikow of Merrill, Randy (Ann Bohun-Leistikow) Leistikow of Barron, WI, and Shari (Brian) Samuelson of Merrill; four grandchildren, Kally (Eric) Jehn of Weston, Brianna (T.J.) Morris of Scott AFB, IL, Krista Leistikow (Logan Wardean) of Eau Claire, and Ryan Leistikow of Mankato, MN; five great-grandchildren, Boone, Ryker, Ember, Marceline, and Jeremiah; sister, Cynthia (Mark) Leubner of Superior; sister-in-law, Lavera Hildebrand of Merrill; and brothers-in-law, Stanley Rothmeyer of Merrill and Clarence Leistikow Jr. of Merrill. Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Mildred Ingersoll; sister, Sandra Rothmeyer; and brother, James Ingersoll; and sisters-in-law, Dawn Leistikow, Geraldine (Lyndon) Oelke, and Verna (Edlor) Kleinschmidt.

The funeral service for Sally will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. David Szeto will officiate. Interment will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the church. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com