Hattie Emma (Lange) Parobek, age 92, of Merrill, was called to her heavenly home on Saturday, October 11, 2014.
Hattie was a resident of Woodland Court, Merrill, for the past several years, where she passed away peacefully under the care Woodland’s staff and hospice care.
Hattie was born August 12, 1922, in Merrill, daughter of the late Bryan and Eleanora (Meyer) Lange. Hattie was married to Vincent Smith in 1941, and he preceded her in death. She then married John Parobek on November 6, 1965, in St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. Hattie and John spent 22 wonderful years together traveling, rock hounding, and enjoying family. The marriage ended with his death in February of 1988.
Hattie was the head cook at St. John Lutheran School, Merrill, for many years, and former students still mention her great meals. She also cooked at the former Hinz’ Cork & Dyne, Merrill, and had also cooked meals at Camp Luther. It was at Camp Luther that she met husband John. Hattie was a life member of St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill, was a former member of the Ladies Aid, and was a former member of the Mission Circle.
Hattie was a member of one of the first ‘Red Hatters Club’ in Merrill. She was a member of the Merrill Central Homemakers, and enjoyed belonging to several card clubs. One of Hattie’s favorite pastimes was reading, a hobby that she continued to the end. Hattie was proud of her family and enjoyed spending time with them, especially visits from grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include four sons, Gerald (Barb) Smith, Plymouth, WI, and Robert (Patricia) Smith, David (Susan) Smith, and Dennis Smith, all of Merrill; eight grandchildren, Peter (Susan) Smith, Pewaukee, Alison Smith, Plymouth, Matthew (Julie) Smith, Grand Rapids, Michigan, David (Christine) Smith, Merrill, Todd Smith, Kerry (Scott) O’Connell, and Debbie (Daryl) Merkel, all of Merrill, and Deanna (Steve) Smith, Oak Creek; and thirteen great grandchildren; one sister, Trudy (Norman) Kriewald, Merrill; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and loving husband, John, Hattie is preceded in death by her daughter in law, Dawn Smith; two sisters, Ethel Tranetzke and infant Marion Lange; and a brother, Richard Lange.
Hattie will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
The funeral will be at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 16, 2014, at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Nathan Kramer will officiate. Burial will follow in Snow Hill Cemetery, Town of Scott. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 11:00 A.M. Thursday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill, Camp Luther, Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill-Radio Ministry, or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com