Veronica D. Koch, 90, of Merrill, died Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Pine Crest Nursing Home under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice Services.
She was born on April 2, 1921 to the late Frank and Ida (Tomajcik) Duginski. She married Elmer Koch on July 6, 1944 in Merrill. He died on October 31, 1993.
Veronica was a 1939 graduate of Merrill Senior High School. She worked as a beautician at Lil Parent’s Salon in Merrill and retired in that profession at Milo’s Beauty Box in 1976. Veronica was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the Altar Society and headed the Harvest Dinner for many years at the church and was also in charge of funeral dinners. She also was a member of Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary. Veronica was featured in local newspapers for baking and making Christmas stockings for newborns during the holiday season. She enjoyed playing cards and especially spending time with her family.
Veronica is survived by her son, John (Lucy) Koch of Eagle River; her daughter, Mary (Rick) Laabs of Merrill; 7 Grandchildren; 7 Great-grandchildren; her brother, Frank Duginski of Merrill; and her sisters, Monica Stimers of Merrill and Elizabeth Ecklund of Tomahawk. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, 1 brother, Sam and 1 sister, Marion Meyer.
Funeral mass will be on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 11:00 AM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. The Reverend Mike McLain will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 until time of services at the church. The family requests memorials be given to The American Cancer Society or Ministry Home Care Hospice Services. The Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.waidfuneral.com.