Warren E. Latzig, Sr.

Warren E. Latzig, Sr., 85, of the Town of Pine River, Lincoln County, passed away with his loving family by his side, on Monday, October 24, 2016 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Warren was born February 10, 1931, in Merrill, son of the late Walter and Elly (Krajewski) Latzig, Sr. He married Lois Bennett on June 18, 1955 at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill. She survives. This past July, Warren and his family were presented with the Merrill Historical Society Century Farm Award. While Warren operated his tree farm, he had also worked in construction and logging, was the owner of Warren Latzig and Sons Excavating, co-owner of Peterson and Latzig Company, and co-owner of Merrill Pavers. Warren worked hard, but he also played hard. Warren enjoyed camping and many people enjoyed his happy hour old fashioneds while visiting his campsite. He enjoyed pontoon rides, riding through his property on his U.T.V. and snowmobiling. Although Warren didn’t hunt much, he certainly enjoyed spending time with the hunting gang. Warren was a member of the former Northwoods Tree Dodgers. Warren enjoyed golfing and was quite entertaining on the golf course. In his younger years, he also enjoyed waterskiing. Warren and Lois traveled frequently. They had been to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Yellowstone National Park, Branson, Missouri and several other places throughout the United States. Warren and Lois spent many winters in Florida. Warren was a lifetime member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ. He was a member of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association and the Nation Christmas Tree Producers Association. Warren was also a member of the Merrill Fraternal Order of Eagles #584 and had volunteered many years at their Fair stand. Warren had a great sense of humor. He was very kind-hearted and always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Lois Latzig of the Town of Pine River; one daughter, Debra (Tony) Borelli of the Town of Pine River; two sons, Warren (Debra) Latzig, Jr. of Branson, Missouri and Douglas (Sara) Latzig of the Town of Pine River; six grandchildren, Brooke Borelli (Matt Wendorf), Todd Latzig (Rebecca Weddle), Caryn Franzen (Austin Crowder), Courtney (Eric) Petruzates, Rebecca (Jake) Becker and Annie (De) Johnson; nine great-grandchildren, Brandon, Maggie, Grace, Ashlyn, Addyson, Mason, Eliza, Coby and Phillip; one sister, Joyce Peterson of Merrill; one sister-in-law, Betty Latzig of Merrill; many nieces and nephews; and his special friends, Roy and Sandy Hoffman. Warren was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Walter Latzig, Jr.; his brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Millie Latzig, Sr.; and his brother-in-law, George Peterson. The funeral service was held at 12:00 P.M., Noon, Friday, October 28, 2016 at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill. The Rev. Missy Holdorf will officiate. Burial took place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation was from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, with a Merrill Fraternal Order of Eagles #584 memorial service at 6:45 P.M. Visitation resumed after 10:30 A.M. Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill or Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. The family would like to thank Dr. Kofi Asiamah and the Palliative Care Unit staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the excellent care they provided Warren and his family. “If you want to be happy for a year, plant a garden. If you want to be happy for a lifetime, plant a tree.” Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com