Gayle I. Kulawinski, 92, of Merrill, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill.
Gayle was born August 29, 1921, in Merrill, daughter of the late John and Ida (Hartwig) Severt. She married Chester Kulawinski on April 12, 1947, in Merrill. He preceded her in death on November 20, 1989.
Gayle will be remembered by those who loved her (and continue to love her) as one who enjoyed her home in the country. It was there that she and husband, Chet, started a life together, including a family- one girl and four boys.
Gayle put family and home ahead of herself. She didn’t gad. She rarely bought items for herself. She would sacrifice to make sure her family was well cared for. In Gayle’s heart, family and home were most important…as well as her pets.
Over the decades, a number of pooches were welcomed into the household by Gayle, including Peppi (the Pug-nosed Pekingese), Paco (Chet’s truck buddy), and two Pomeranians, Zha Zha and Sheba. When Gayle, then in her 70’s, would take her daily walk(s) to the back forty, Paco and Sheba would be right with her – enjoying the walk, the scenery, and each other’s company.
As Gayle approached her ninth decade in life, a fall at home resulted in a move to Pine Crest Nursing Home. Even though she received wonderful care and attention, she want oh so much to go home…and her wish was fulfilled. On May 29, 2014, Gayle was welcomed back home – to the Home of our Father. There to greet her were Chet, daughter Kristine, grandson Erik, and many other loved ones. She made it! Welcome Home, Gayle, Welcome Home!!
Survivors include her four sons, Michael (Cheryl) Kulawinski, Patrick Kulawinski, and Tony Kulawinski, all of Merrill, and Scott (Denise) Kulawinski, of Birnamwood; five grandchildren, Brad (Tonya) Kulawinski, Michelle Anderson, Nicole (Jesse Lusher) Gruett, Kimberly (Mike Brewer) Kulawinski, and Kristin Kulawinski; six great-grandchildren, Tyler, Hailey, Dalton, Alyssa, Jersey, and Zachary; one sister, Dorothy Rahlf, of Merrill; one son-in-law, Edward Gruett, of Merrill; two sisters-in-law, Lois Severt and Helen Severt, both of Merrill; and numerous nieces and nephews. Gayle was preceded in death by her husband, Chet Kulawinski; her parents, John and Ida Severt; one daughter, Kristine Gruett; one grandson, Erik Gruett; one sister, Helen Jaeger; two brothers, John ‘Jack’ Severt and Donald ‘Bud’ Severt; and two brothers-in-law, Wesley Rahlf and Alfred Jaeger.
A private service will be held. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com