Wilbert H. Fruend, age 92, formerly of Merrill Wisconsin, died Tue, May 1, 2012 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Wilbert was born September 20, 1919 in Clinton County, IL to William and Lydia (Rennegarbe) Fruend.
He and his family moved to Merrill in 1921. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II from January 1942 until September 1945 when he was discharged with the rank of Corporal. He married Evelyn Karau on March 31, 1945 in Merrill. Wilbert was employed by Semling & Menke Co. for 45 years. He also served on the board of directors for the Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. He was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church, attended their parochial school and was confirmed there. He served on various church boards and committees and was a member of the Ushers Club. He was a member of the Lutheran Laymen’s League and served on its board of directors. He was a skilled cabinet maker and carpenter. He enjoyed playing cards and was a member of many Sheep Head card clubs over the years. In 2006 he and Evelyn moved to Sheboygan, WI to be closer to their daughter.
Survivors include his wife Evelyn, two daughters, Geraldine (Gerald) Plehn of Sheboygan, WI and Donna (Jerome) Heldt of Zenia CA. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 2 sisters, Ruffina Hagedorn and Alice Bacher, both of Merrill. Wilbert was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Hubert and Lester Fruend, and 2 sisters, Evelyn Zastrow and Helen Schenk.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wed, May 9, 2012 at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. Burial will be at Merrill Memorial Park.
Visitation will be Tue evening, May 8, 2012 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home and from 10:00 AM until the hour of service at the church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
The family requests that memorials be given to St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sheboygan WI.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com