Richard Vignali, age 82, Wausau, formerly of Merrill, passed away Monday, July 14, 2014 at Mount View Care Center under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. He was born August 7, 1931 in Merrill to the late Angelo and Jennie (Ricci) Vignali. Dick and Barb Anderson were united in marriage on June 6, 1959 at St. Francis Parish in Merrill. They celebrated 55 years this June.
Dick, or as his close friends called him, “Schnee” attended Merrill Senior High School, class of 1949. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years during the Korean War. Schnee was a professional boxer with the “Golden Gloves”. He was a dairy farmer for many years before he became a brick layer and cement finisher. Schnee was a very hard worker and for a time tended the farm and did cement work on the side. He also kept honeybees and was known as an organic farmer for the large garden he kept. In his younger years, Schnee played softball and made many lifelong friendships during that time. He had a strong faith and loved the Lord with all his heart. Schnee enjoyed listening to 50’s and 60’s music, hymns and country music and loved singing at Pine Crest and Willow Springs. He loved his family dearly and was a wonderful grandpa, father and husband. Schnee was a member of St. Francis Parish, St. Francis Choir, Italian Men’s Club, Merrill Social & Sick and Silver M Football Team – which was very important to him.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Vignali, Wausau; daughter, Jenne (Jeff) Vignali-Martens, Wausau; son, Michael Vignali, Wausau; seven grandchildren, Daniel Vignali (Martens), Kathleen Vignali, Andrea Vignali, Vincent Vignali, Ryan Martens, Anasticia Martens, and Alyssa Martens; two brothers, Bob Vignali, Jupier, FL and Emil Vignali, Montana; two sisters, Marge Lambert and Jaunita Lambert, both of Arizona; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Fred and Leo Vignali.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at St. Francis Xavier Parish. Father Michael McLain will preside. Visitation will be 4-8 Monday, July 21 and again Tuesday from 10-10:30 before the Mass – all at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.