Colleen J. Golden, age 82, passed away on April 26, 2015 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. She was the fourth child of William and Florence Sullivan, born on May 5, 1933. She attended and graduated from the Holy Cross High School. She then went on to further her education with a Liberal Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin – Steven’s Point. Colleen married John Patrick Golden on August 21, 1954 in Merrill, WI. He preceded her in death.
Colleen loved nothing more than to be in the wilderness of her cabin on the Prairie River. It was here that she seemed to find the peace that so often eluded her. She also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Colleen also loved helping train and spending time with their hunting and field trial dogs over the years, with the latest being “Max”.
She will be remembered as a spirited Irish lass who lived up to her name. Colleen was a bright and talented, creative woman who dealt with numerous hardships in her life, but managed to struggle on.
Colleen is survived by her 1 son, Greg (Brenda) Golden of Rhinelander; 2 grandchildren, Kaitlyn Golden and Kasey Golden of North Carolina; 2 step grandchildren, Matthew Dessellier and Amanda Dessellier of Rhinelander; her very special great niece and nephew, Jennifer and Jason Cohrs and great great nephews, Jordan and Justin Cohrs, all of Merrill.
She was preceded in death by her parents and 3 sisters, Mary Ann Peterson, Dorothy DeSalvo and Kathleen Sullivan.
A Funeral Mass will be held on at 11:30AM on Thursday, April 30 at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. Father Michael McLain will officiate. Burial will take place at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery following the Mass. Visitation will be held from 9:30AM until 11AM on Thursday, April 30, at Waid Funeral Home.
If wishing to contribute or make a donation in remembrance of Colleen to help with final expenses, please do so by mailing it to Greg Golden, 2434 County C, Rhinelander, WI 54501.
Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.waidfuneral.com.