Avila H. Paul, age 98, of Merrill, died Tuesday, October 18, 2011, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, under the care of her family, Bell Tower Residence staff, and Asera Care Hospice.
Avila was born March 20, 1913, in the Town of Hamburg, Marathon County, daughter of the late Gustav and Anna (Mueller) Kleinschmidt. She married Erich H. Paul, on May 28, 1938, in St. John Lutheran Church, Town of Hamburg. He survives. Avila, along with her husband, dairy farmed in the Town of Scott, and she was also a proud homemaker. She was an excellent cook and baker. No one ever left her home without having an excellent “home cooked” meal. She also enjoyed gardening, raising both vegetables and flowers. Avila also enjoyed crocheting, making crafts, and quilting. Many years ago Avila served as the church organist at St. John Lutheran Church, Hamburg, and was also a substitute organist at the former St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Town of Scott. Avila was currently a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. Avila also volunteered for many years at Bethesda Thrift Store in Wausau.
Survivors include her husband of 73 years, Erich H. Paul, of Merrill; two daughters, Marion (Geno) Hackbart, Merrill, and Mavis (Douglas) Bloom, Wausau; five grandchildren, Kaye (Scott) Annis, Merrill, Dale (Cher) Hackbart, Wausau, Ken (Jessica) Bloom, Wausau, Ann (Tim) Kiesow, Helotes, Texas, and Krista (Nick) Giller, Cambridge, Minnesota; six great grandchildren, Kurt and Jordan Annis, Gavin and Carlee Bloom, and Natalie and Noah Kiesow; four step great grandchildren, Ryan (Lisa) Annis, Jennifer (Dan) Brezovar, Christy (Dan TerMatt) Beyer, and Michelle (Rick) Gleason; and seven step great great grandchildren, Matthew, Kaitlyn, Brayden, Lilly, Laney, Myla, and Everett. Avila is preceded in death by one brother, Norman Kleinschmidt.
The Funeral Service will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 22, 2011, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Burial will take place in Snow Hill Cemetery, Town of Scott, Lincoln County. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Friday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 9:30 A.M. Saturday at the church.
The Paul Family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Bell Tower Residence and also Asera Care Hospice for the care provided to our wife, mother, and grandmother.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com