Phyllis Ann Skarlupka, age 82, of Merrill, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on April 1, 1943, in Antigo, Wisconsin, to William and Caroline Wild, Phyllis grew up with a strong foundation of faith, family, and compassion. On August 26, 1961, she married Andrew Skarlupka, and together they shared 63 years of love, partnership, and devotion as they raised nine children and nurtured a close-knit family.
Phyllis was a woman of quiet strength and deep kindness. She found joy and peace in the natural world and was most content when outdoors. She enjoyed biking, cross-country skiing, canoeing, walks in the woods, gardening, and photography—capturing the beauty she saw all around her. She also loved music and dancing, and she was often the heart of family gatherings with her radiant energy and joyful spirit.
Phyllis was an avid reader, especially drawn to books that offered spiritual insight and enlightenment. Her love of learning was matched by her gift for nurturing others. She delighted in cooking and baking, and she passed down treasured family recipes that continue to bring comfort and joy to those she loved. She was always there to celebrate life’s momentous occasions—graduations, weddings, birthdays—but even more importantly, she was there in quiet, selfless ways, lending a helping hand whenever it was needed most.
She is survived by her loving husband, Andrew, and their children: Dwain Skarlupka, Randy Skarlupka (Deb), Bill Skarlupka (Ruth), Tony Skarlupka (Luann), Mike Skarlupka (Andrea), Luke Skarlupka (late Carmen), Rachel Zahn (Randy), Renita Skarlupka, and Zeke Skarlupka (Kelly).
She was a proud grandmother to Heath Skarlupka (Jessica), Jessica Lor, Kelsey Skarlupka, Grace Skarlupka, Leo Skarlupka, Nathan Skarlupka, Jenna Skarlupka, Amber Skarlupka, Brooke Skarlupka, Sloan Skarlupka, Fawn Zahn-Clark (David), James Zahn (Angela), Lance Gerbig, Houston Gerbig, Ellie Gerbig, Russell Gerbig, Hailey Gerbig, Bobbi Gerbig, Raphael Gerbig, Cecilia Gerbig, Charles Gerbig, Hazel Skarlupka, and Jillian Skarlupka.
She is also lovingly remembered by her great-grandchildren: Eliza Skarlupka, Lainey Skarlupka, Kadaj Lor, Willow Lor, Poppy Lor, and Violet Lor.
Phyllis is survived by her brother, Donald Wild. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Caroline Wild; her brother, Henry Wild; and her daughter-in-law, Carmen Skarlupka.
Her life was one of generosity, humility, joy, and quiet faith. Phyllis supported causes close to her heart, especially those that helped others in need. Her favorite organizations included:
- St. Joseph’s Indian School (https://www.stjo.org/)
- Maȟpíya Lúta Red Cloud (https://mahpiyaluta.org/)
- St. Labre Indian School (https://www.stlabre.org/about-us/)
- Paralyzed Veterans of America (https://pva.org/)
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any of the above in her memory.
At Phyllis’s request, no funeral service will be held. Her family invites loved ones to remember her in their own way—perhaps during a walk in the woods, in a blooming garden, through a favorite family recipe, or with a favorite song.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the Hospice Care Unit at Aspirus Health for their exceptional compassion, care, and support during Phyllis’s final days.
Phyllis will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing her.
Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is currently assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at MWCS.WS
