Woodrow L. Ek
Woodrow L. Ek, age 91, of Merrill passed away March 12, 2015 at Pine Crest Nursing Home surrounded by his family.
Woodrow was born July 25, 1923, in Rhinelander, son of the late Paul and Anna (Anderson) Ek. He married Audrey Peter on April 5, 1952, in Rhinelander. She survives. Woodrow enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 and was a shipmate aboard the USS Bearss DD-654 when it was commissioned in 1943. He was the last living member of the original crew. Woodrow served his country stationed in the Pacific during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1945. Woodrow belonged to the USS Bearss DD-654 Club. In 2011, Woodrow and his son-in-law, Denny Marchel, flew to Washington D.C. on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight.
Woodrow returned to Rhinelander and worked for Wisconsin Public Service as a lineman. He and his wife, Audrey, then moved to Merrill and he continued working for Wisconsin Public Service as a meter reader. Woodrow was a hockey player while in Rhinelander and played many local teams as well as teams from Michigan. He enjoyed watching N.H.L. games on television, and followed the Detroit Red Wings. Woodrow enjoyed hunting and spending all the time he could outdoors. He was a charter member of Northern Wisconsin Houndsmen Association. Woodrow was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill. He especially enjoyed his spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Audrey Ek of Merrill; two daughters, Juli (Denny Marchel) Ek-Marchel of River Falls, and Marcia Ek of Merrill; one son, Mitch (Mary) Ek of Merrill; three grandchildren, Seth Marchel, Xander Harrell, and Jadzia Harrell; four step grandchildren, Brian (Jenny) Genrich, Kris (Tracey) Marchel, Joshua Marchel, and Kara (Steven) Bradford; four step great-grandchildren, Dylan and David Genrich, and Kylie and Kaybri Marchel; and many nieces and nephews. Woodrow was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Anna Ek; and his siblings, Mildred (Erling) Rustad, Emroy Rohde, Ferlie (John) Jacobson, Kermit (Beatrice) Ek, and Russell (Hilda) Ek.
The funeral service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Monday, March 16, 2015, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. The Rev. Dr. Dennis Creswell will officiate. Military Rites will be conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill. Visitation will begin at 1:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com