Elaine E. Rutell, age 98, of Merrill, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2015, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, under the care of her family and the nursing home staff.
Elaine was born January 13, 1917, in Merrill, daughter of the late Joseph and Ella Van Slate. She married Ralph Rutell on September 16, 1938, and he preceded her in death on February 11, 1983. She then married Chet Rutell on July 8, 1989. He preceded her in death on February 13, 2003. Elaine had previously been employed with Weinbrenner Shoe Company, Merrill. Her and Ralph also owned and operated “Rutell’s Grocery” on Merrill’s southwest side. At the time of her retirement, Elaine was with the claims department at Wausau Insurance. Elaine enjoyed fishing and spending time at their cottage on Hixon Lake in the Rhinelander area, an occasional casino trip, the Green Bay Packers, and both the Milwaukee Braves and the Atlanta Braves. Elaine had been an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill and was a member of the Ladies Aid.
Survivors include her daughter, Gay (Dick) Baumgart, Merrill; her son, Merrill (Mary) Rutell, Milwaukee; four grandchildren, Jessica (Joao) Rutell-Basilio, Milwaukee, Mark (Amber Leverich) Baumgart, Merrill, Aaron (Hannah) Rutell, Milwaukee, and Ethan (Megan) Rutell, Montgomery, Alabama; four great-grandchildren, David Baumgart, Caleb Rutell, Houston Rutell, and Kaia Rutell-Basilio; twin great-grandchildren on the way; and three step great-grandchildren, Erik, Alex, and A.J. Elaine was preceded in death by her husbands, Ralph Rutell and Chet Rutell; her parents; Joseph and Ella Van Slate; a daughter and son-in-law, Glory and Robert Klanderud; an infant daughter, Rachel May Rutell; and seven brothers, Ellsworth, Stanley, Roland, Ivan, Elroy, Woodrow, and Merlin Van Slate.
The funeral service will be held at 12:00 P.M., Noon, Wednesday, October 7, 2015, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. The Rev. R. Brian Stolarczyk will officiate. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM Wednesday at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorials be directed to H.A.V.E.N. or the Lincoln County Humane Society.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com