Wayne E. Kraetsch

Wayne E. Kraetsch, age 72, of Merrill, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 30, 2016, under the care of his family and Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. Wayne was born March 2, 1944, in Milwaukee, son of the late Arno and Ruth (Zimmerman) Kraetsch. He married Dawn Berdan on May 3, 1985. She survives. Wayne worked as a supervisor at G.T.E. Wayne enlisted in the United States Air Force on July 24, 1962, during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on October 23, 1967. Wayne was a life-member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion. Wayne enjoyed golfing, bowling, and following the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and traveling. Wayne also enjoyed the art of photography. He was a comedian with a delightful sense of humor. Survivors include his wife, Dawn Kraetsch of Merrill; his daughter, Rev. Missy Holdorf of Merrill; his son, Paul Kraetsch (Jackie Olund) of Merrill; his step-daughter, Sue (John) Matson of Merrill; his step-son, Ted Gallenberg of Stanley; three grandchildren, Landis Holdorf, Maggie Holdorf and Jerzie Kraetsch all of Merrill; six step grandchildren, Ashley Gallenberg of Wausau, Christian Matson of Merrill, Courtney (Dan) Osness of Merrill, Derek Diels of Merrill, Andy Matson of Wausau and Nicole (Alex) Campos of Texas; three step great-grandchildren, Cayden, Jabez and Jazmyn; his sister, Darlyn Klug of Merrill; his brother, Paul (Terri) Schmidt of Pelican Lake; and his sister-in-law, Barb Kraetsch of Pelican Lake. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Marvis Burrows; and one brother, Richard Kraetsch. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 7, 2016 at Merrill Bible Church. Pastor Freddy McMillen will officiate. Interment will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 10:00 A.M. Thursday at Merrill Bible Church.