Lee P. Wardall, 51, of Merrill, died Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center, Merrill.
Lee was born May 1, 1964, in Merrill, son of Thomas and Betty (Gryskiewicz) Wardall. He married Janet Fruend on May 21, 1988 in Merrill. She survives. Lee participated in the scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America and earned his Eagle Scout. He graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 1982. Lee attended UW-LaCrosse and played football. He played for the Division 3 championship team, and was also named to the Division 3 All American Football Team.
Lee began his teaching career in Gwinn, Michigan. While teaching in Gwinn for two years, he also coached football, track and swimming. Lee took a job with the Merrill Area Public Schools in 1989. He was a Phy. Ed. teacher and also coached football and track. Lee was a member of the Wisconsin Teachers Union and served as an officer with the local union.
Lee enjoyed watching his children’s sporting events and coaching them. He was an avid Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers fan. Lee also enjoyed watching old westerns, golfing, camping, water skiing, and having campfires at home. Lee was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill.
Lee is survived by his wife, Janet Wardall of Merrill; his parents, Thomas and Betty Wardall of Merrill; two daughters, Aubrey Wardall and Morgan Wardall both of Merrill; one son, Jared Wardall attending UW-River Falls; one brother, Alan (Marie) Wardall of Schofield and their children, Aleysa and Ryan; his in-laws, Peggy Klammer of Windsor, Colorado, Alice (Terry) Pruesser of Gleason, and Sally (Louis) Yellstrom, Barb (Greg) Spoehr, Deanna Fruend, Lucy Callahan and Brian (Peggy) Fruend all of Merrill; and many nieces and nephews. Lee was preceded in death by one sister, Baby Girl Wardall; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lester ‘Fritz’ and Doris Fruend; and two brothers-in-law, Jesse Callahan and Wayne Klammer.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 8, 2016 at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. David Szeto will officiate. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Cemetery, Merrill. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday at St. John Lutheran Church and after 9:30 A.M. Friday also at the church.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com