William E. Fehrmann

William E. Fehrmann, 94, of Merrill, died Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Artisan Assisted Living where he had resided the past four years. William was born July 20, 1921, in Milwaukee, son of the late William C. and Frieda (Roeming) Fehrmann. He married Betty Jane Gilson on February 12, 1949, in Merrill. She preceded him in death on August 21, 2011. During his high school years, Bill played football and basketball. In 1936, the Tomahawk basketball team he played on made it to the state tournament. Bill enlisted in the United States Navy on April 16, 1941. He spent about 3 ½ years on the USS Indianapolis and 2 ½ of those years were at sea. He was honorably discharged on April 14, 1947. Bill’s working career began when he took a job with John Reynolds Heating in Merrill. He went on to work at the former Quality Furnace, Merrill, then at Singer, Wausau. He eventually took a job at Merrill Manufacturing and retired after more than thirty years with the company. Bill was an active member of St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill, where he was involved with the church council and the church choir. Bill was also a Boy Scout Leader. He enjoyed attending his grandkids events and loved spending time with all of the kids. He took great pride in maintaining his lawn and enjoyed tinkering with various things. Survivors include his sons, William D. Fehrmann and Raymond ‘Buzz’ (Marjorie) Fehrmann of Merrill; five grandchildren, Katrina (Geoffrey) Depies of Merrill, Maxine (Peter) Schuetze of Merrill, Chester (Megan) Fehrmann of Anchorage, AK, Carrie Fehrmann of Hubertus, WI and Corey Fehrmann of Stevens Point; seven great-grandchildren, Cody, Tanner, Ryder, Austin, Ian, Kekoa and Siobhan; and one sister, Mardell Koehler of Merrill. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jane Fehrmann; his parents, William C. and Frieda Fehrmann; one sister, Shirley Fichtner; and one brother-in-law, Earl Koehler. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, March 11, 23016 at St. Stephens Untied Church of Christ, Merrill. The Rev. Kyle Carnes will officiate. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Friday at the church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com