Florence Amanda Barnia, 96, of Merrill, died Monday, January 14, 2013 at Pine Crest Nursing Home.
She was born in the Town of Rietbrock, Marathon County, Wisconsin on July 7, 1916 to Albert and Bertha (Riemer) Heidemann. Florence completed 8th grade at the age of 12. She married Ervin Bunge in 1932 and divorced him in 1960. Florence then married Gordon Barnia in 1963. He preceded her in death on February 10, 2001. She worked at Weinbrenner Shoe Co. from 1952 to 1964 and upholstered furniture for many years.
Florence is survived by her children: Norma Hanke (friend Jerry Sciano), Alvin (Delores) Bunge, Marianne Bunge, Betty (Phillip) Zastrow, all of Merrill; stepchildren: Linda King of White Swan, WA, James Barnia, Seattle, WA, Russell Barnia of Post Falls, ID, LaVerne Barnia of Kent, WA and Susan Riemer of Spokane, WA; 3 sisters; Irene Curtis of California, Ruth Heldt of Athens and Joyce Prose of West Bend. 17 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and 37 great-great- grandchildren. She is predeceased by both her husbands, daughter, Janet Krueger,son-in-law Mayward Krueger, stepson, Kenneth Barnia, five brothers, two sisters, three grandsons, two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be 11:00AM Saturday, January 19, 2013, at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Nathan Kramer will officiate. Friends may call from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM Saturday at the church. Burial will take place at Snow Hill Cemetery this spring.
The Waid Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com