Erich H. Paul, age 96, of Merrill, died Saturday, October 20, 2012, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, under the care of his family, Bell Tower Residence staff, and Interim Hospice and Palliative Care.
Erich was born in the Town of Hamburg, Marathon County, to Gustav and Anna Paul (nee Zastrow) on April 28, 1916. He worked at Fromm Brothers, Hamburg, WI, as a young adult. He married his sweetheart from across the road, Avila Kleinschmidt, on May 28, 1938, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Hamburg. They celebrated their 73rd anniversary on May 28, 2011. In 1940, they bought a farm in the Town of Scott where he and Avila farmed for forty years, until 1971.
Erich was also well known in the surrounding communities for “dehorning cattle” in addition to farming. He did that until 2007, well into his 90’s. He was also the Town of Scott Supervisor from 1957 – 1961.
Erich was an active member of the former St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Town of Scott, where he served as an Elder and Trustee of the church, as well as, in many other capacities. Later, he and Avila became members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill, where he was a current member.
Erich was always very active and “puttering” with something. He could repair almost anything. Erich was always proud of his large, well kept yard and beautiful bountiful garden that he and Avila tended to each summer. Together with the help of God, they harvested many wonderful fruits and vegetables and shared them with family and friends.
Until just a few years ago, Erich loved to dance. He also enjoyed listening to polka CD’s and radio shows usually available on the weekends. He and Avila attended many polka festivals and dances. They were also former members of the Merrill Polka Club. They also enjoyed traveling within the states, Hawaii, and Europe.
Erich’s other passions were hunting and fishing. Each November, he looked forward to deer hunting with his son-in-law, Doug, and grandson, Ken. He taught both his grandsons, Dale and Ken, the art of fishing and enjoyed every minute of it. Every spring, together, Erich and Avila would cook maple syrup. He loved his family and was so gentle, fond, and proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include two daughters, Marion (Geno) Hackbart, of Merrill, Mavis (Doug) Bloom, of Wausau; five grandchildren, Kaye (Scott) Annis, of Merrill, Dale (Cher) Hackbart, of Wausau, Ken (Jessica) Bloom, of Wausau, Ann (Tim) Kiesow, of Helotes, TX, and Krista (Nick) Giller, of Cambridge, MN; six great-grandchildren, Kurt and Jordan Annis, Gavin and Carlee Bloom, and Natalie and Noah Kiesow; four step great-grandchildren, Ryan Annis, Jennifer (Dan) Brezovar, Christy (Dan TerMatt) Beyer, and Michelle (Rick) Gleason; nine step great-great-grandchildren, Courtney, Matthew, Kaitlyn, Brayden, Lilly, Laney, Myla, Liam, and Everett; and one sister, Ada Doering, Merrill. Erich was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Avila; one sister, Norma Bucks; and one brother, Martin Paul.
The funeral will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 24, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Burial will take place in Snow Hill Cemetery, Town of Scott. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, and after 10:00 A.M. Wednesday at the church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com
The family wishes to thank the staff at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, and Interim Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill.