Gerald Arthur Muschinske, age 89, of Merrill, formerly of the Town of Pine River, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill.
Gerald was born February 23, 1926 in Merrill, the son of the late Walter and Anna (Rusch) Muschinske. On June 2, 1951, Gerald married Lorraine Hagedorn at the former St. Luke’s Church in the Town of Pine River. Gerald graduated from Merrill High School in 1944. Following graduation he enlisted in the Merchant Marines – Maritime Services (1945-1947). Later he enlisted in the United States Army (1955-1957) serving in Germany. Gerald was a milk trucker for the Center Co-Op Dairy in Pine River (1950-1967). He served as secretary and treasurer of the dairy during this time. From 1967-1989, he was a consignee for the Mobil Oil Company, retiring in 1989.
Gerald was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill, and was active on the Church Council, Usher’s Club, Property and Maintenance Committee, Fair Stand, Lenten Fish Fries, and Lutheran Men in Mission. He was secretary and treasurer of the St. James Cemetery Association for 40 years (1971-2011). Gerald was a member of the Merrill Evening Lion’s Club since 1989 and was the recipient of the Birch-Sturm Fellowship Award. He was an associate Member of the Lincoln County Retired Educators and the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association. He was a member of the Merrill Historical Society and was an active participant in the program of work at the Brickyard School Museum.
Sports of all kinds were of great interest to Gerald, especially baseball. He played for Henrich’s Club in the Lincoln County League and coached Little League for many years. He enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Senior Bowling League. He loved doing volunteer work and was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. He was an avid traveler which took him to all 50 states and 67 countries in all seven continents. He and his wife, Lorraine, enjoyed sharing their travel experiences by presenting travelogues to various clubs and organizations.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Lorraine Muschinske of Merrill; brothers, George Muschinske of Rice Lake, and Walter (Nathalie) Muschinske of Weston; sister, Doris (Gerald) Schield of Stevens Point; brother-in-law, Richard Hagedorn, Sr. of Merrill; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Anna Muschinske; two sisters-in-law, Mae Muschinske and Dolores Hagedorn; one niece, Beth Schield; and one nephew, Richard Hagedorn, Jr.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Dr. Dennis Creswell will officiate. Burial will be in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 9:30 A.M. Tuesday at the church.
The family suggests that memorials be directed to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill, or the Merrill Historical Society.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com