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(Tuesday - November
03, 2020) - Robert Walter Merhalski, age 85, a lifelong resident of
Florence, passed into Eternal Life on Tuesday, November 3, surrounded by
his loving wife and son.
Robert was born October 27, 1935, in
Florence, son of the late Frank and Norma (Cretors) Merhalski. He was a
1953 graduate of Florence High School where he won many sports honors.
Throughout high school, he was active in football, basketball, and
baseball.
Robert married Gloria Steen on October 10, 1963, at St.
Mary's Catholic Church in Florence. Together they raised three children.
Robert served in the United States Navy for four years. He served on
the ship USS Twining where he was part of the US Fleet Sonar School. He
was honorably discharged in 1957.
Robert worked for the Milwaukee
Gas Company in the late '50s and early '60s. He moved back to Florence
and worked as a millwright at Hanna Iron Ore for several years until
they closed. Robert then worked for the Florence Highway Department
where he retired in 1997.
Robert was a lifelong member of St.
Mary's Catholic Church and a 4th degree Knights of Columbus. He was a
member of the NRA and an avid hunter and fisherman for most of his life.
Robert was an active member of the VFW Post #3635 in Florence, and a
Florence Volunteer Fireman. He had a love for the Green Bay Packers,
gardening, picking berries, canning, and cooking. He especially enjoyed
making beef jerky, cookies, and candies for his grandchildren.
Robert also enjoyed going for rides in the country where he looked for
wild mushrooms and wild animals. He liked playing cards, especially
cribbage. When he was younger Robert enjoyed bowling, golfing,
snowmobiling, ice fishing, and boating. He was very much an outdoor's
man who loved nature and camp life.
He is survived by his loving
wife of 57 years, Gloria; one son Darren (Natalie) Merhalski of Suamico,
Wisconsin; two daughters, Lynn (Marc) Beauregard of Munith, Mich., and
Lori (Brad) Balza of St. Paul, Minnesota; thirteen grandchildren,
Mitchell, Maxwell, Maison, Micah, Claire, Rose, Noah, Blase, Sam, Anne,
Mary, Joseph and Michael; and his brother John Merhalski of Florence.
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his two
sisters, Loraine Kusmitch and Carol "Honey" Olin.
The family
would like to express their thanks and gratitude to Jill of Dickinson
Home Health for her care and compassion.
Visitation will be held
on Thursday, November 12, from 9:30 until 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic
Church in Florence. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at
11:00 AM at the church. Rev. Fr. Michael Lightner will officiate. Burial
will be in St. Mary Cemetery in Commonwealth.
You may leave a
condolence or tribute for Robert's family online at:
www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com
The family has chosen the Jacob-Lundholm Funeral Home and Crematory
of Florence to honor Robert's legacy of life. |
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