Erma C. Brandenburg, age 93, of Merrill, passed away Sunday, October 28, 2012, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born in Waupaca on March 22, 1919, the daughter of the late Peter and Mabel (Hurd) Peterson. She married Earl C. Brandenburg in Merrill on December 23, 1939. He preceded her in death on January 8, 2004.
Erma worked at Adams Resort in Merrill where she met her husband, Earl. She later worked for Merrill Candy Company. Erma then moved to Three Lakes where she worked for the Chanticleer Inn. After marriage, she and her husband ran the bar at the Wausau Hotel and later they owned and operated Terrace Gardens in Wausau. They then purchased the family farm in the town of Maine where they farmed until retiring and continued to live there until their death. While farming, Erma worked for Merrill Woolen Mills for a time. Erma was a member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Merrill. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, embroidering and gardening.
Erma is survived by her children; Judith (Jerry Fiebke) Reich and Roger (Marilyn) Brandenburg, both of Merrill. Eight grandchildren; Jay (Peggy) Reich, Patti (Reid) Hoerter, Shellie (Joe) Normand, Ross (Michael Leah) Reich, Greg (Denise) Brandenburg, Lisa (Paul) Piikkila, Jodi (John) Juhlke and Scott (Jena) Brandenburg. 22 great-grandchildren and 5 great great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Earl, two sisters; Eva Swanson and Eunice Krause and one brother, Charles “Bud” Peterson.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, October 31, 2012, at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ. The Rev. Linda Kuhn will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 to 11AM Wednesday at the church. Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in the town of Maine. The Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.
Online tributes may be made at www.waidfuneral.com .