Gayle M. Plautz, 89, Merrill, died Thursday, March 17, 2011, in the Special Care Unit at Pine Crest Nursing Home under the comfort and care of Asera Care Hospice.
Gayle was born on April 6, 1921 in Merrill to the late Otto and Mary (Glasl) Achterberg. She graduated from Merrill High School in 1939. On May 15, 1941 she married George L. Plautz. He preceded her in death in 1987.
Gayle had worked for over 25 years at Livingston’s Department Store in Merrill and kept the books for her husband’s business; George’s Super Service. At the time of George’s retirement, they moved to Minocqua and Gayle continued to work part-time for Ross Sportswear until she returned to Merrill in 1987.
Gayle loved to travel and be on the go. Gayle and her companion, Elroy “Heinie” Lemke, traveled extensively in the continental US, spending many winters as “Florida Snowbirds” in Panama City Beach. Gayle’s other love in her life were her dogs; especially her “Muffin”.
Survivors include her loving and caring companion, Elroy “Heinie” Lemke, Merrill; one daughter, Laurie (Bryan) Stimers, Merrill; one grandson, Andy (Melissa) Stimers, Baileys Harbor, WI; one great-granddaughter, Andrea Stimers; Heinie’s daughter, Kathy (Terry) Timmerman, Green Bay and their children, Tammy (Kip) Anderson, Green Bay and Tim (Melissa) Timmerman, Duluth, Minnesota.
The funeral service will be at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 21, 2011, at Taylor-Stine Funeral Home. Rev. Scott Hawker will officiate. Burial will be in Merrill Memorial Park. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM on Monday at the funeral home. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Special Care Unit at Pine Crest Nursing Home, where Gayle received wonderful and compassionate care.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com