Alida M. Ercegovac (nee Ekster), 94, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, Oct. 29, 2012. Her family was at her side.
She was born on July 31, 1918 in Chicago, IL. In 1945, she married Charles Ercegovac in Chicago. He preceded her in death in 2005.
Together, they had 3 children, Vicky Virant, Merrill, Michael (Catherine) Ercegovac, Winneconne, and Charles Ercegovac, Jr., Merrill. She is survived by her children, 2 grandchildren, Peter Buckmaster, Wausau, and Meghan (Brian) Keller, Winneconne. There are 3 great grandchildren. Alida is also survived by a sister, Mary Simonton, Chicago, and nieces and nephews.
Alida worked as a book keeper in Chicago until her marriage. She and her husband moved to Merrill in 1947 where together they managed the Merrill Airport until 1960. In 1965, she began working as a book keeper in the Merrill School District where she stayed until the early 1970s.
Alida was a dedicated member of St. Stephen’s Church in Merrill for many years. She taught Sunday School, Bible School and volunteered for many other roles there over the years. She worked as a Red Cross volunteer at Pine Crest in Merrill and also volunteered at the local food pantry.
Alida was a longtime member of Beta Sigma Phi where she developed many great friendships and experienced numerous wonderful times that she looked back on often and shared with others.
Her passion was traveling and she traveled extensively through the U.S., Canada and Europe. She will be sadly missed by her family and many friends.
Per her instruction, her body has been donated to the University of Wisconsin Medical School for research. A memorial service will be held in the future.