Obit: Koula, Merna J. (1944 - 2010) 
 

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 
 

Surnames: Koula, Scharpf, Feathers, Preuss, Cowell, Martin, Harring, Hayner, Cohee, Schuelke, Bersagel, Melhus, Moioffer 
 

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) June 2, 2010 
 

Koula, Merna J. (6 November 1944 - May 2010) 
 

Dennis M. Koula, 68, and Merna J. Koula, 65, both of Barre Mills, and formerly of Neillsville, who happily shared their lives together, tragically lost their lives together in May of 2010 in their home.  
 

Dennis was born Nov. 17, 1941, in La Crosse to Milo and Eileen (Scharpf) Koula.  Merna was born Nov. 6, 1944, in Iola, to Carl and Leopla (Feathers) Preuss.  They were married Dec. 16, 1967, and together they have celebrated over 42 years of marriage. 
 

After serving in the United States Navy, Dennis graduated from UW-Madison, receiving a pharmaceutical degree becoming a board certified registered pharmacist.  Merna graduated from UW-Stevens Point before furthering her education at UW-La Crosse, receiving her master’s degree in physical education.  Dennis, along with his partner, Mike Moioffer, owned and operated various pharmacies in Wisconsin, where Merna worked with them prior to substitute teaching in Neillsville and West Salem. 
 

Dennis was a member of the Neillsville Lions Club and also the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 of La Crosse.  Merna was a city council member in Neillsville and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Dennis and Merna enjoyed being together traveling, attending musical concerts and theater productions, taking walks and gardening, but especially spending time with their grandchildren.  Dennis will be remembered for his love of golf and for having a sweet tooth while Merna will be remembered for her love of flowers and birds.  
 

Sadly left behind with broken hearts are their two children, Eric (Christine) Koula of West Salem and Cynthia (Patrick) Cowell of La Crosse; three grandchildren, Dexter, Hadley and Jossalyn; a step-granddaughter, Kylie; Dennis’ sisters, Sally (Doug) Martin, Mary (Roger) Harring and Kathy (Tom) Hayner; Dennis’ brothers, Leroy "Pete" (Marlene) Koula and Gilbert "Gib" Koula (Dr. Janine Buffo); Merna’s sisters, Donna (Don) Cohee and Carol (Arthur) Schuelke; Merna’s brothers, Calvin (Jeri) Preuss and Larry (Kathy) Preuss; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends who loved them dearly. 
 

Funeral services for Dennis and Merna will be held Thursday, June 3, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 359 N. Leonard St., West Salem. Rev. J. David Bersagel and Rev. Melinda Melhus will officiate.  Burial will be in Neshanic Cemetery with military honors for Dennis to be performed by the La Crosse American Legion Post 52 and the U. S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard. 
 

Friends may call at the church Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and also Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred in order to establish an education fund for their grandchildren. 
 

Jostad-Jandt Funeral Home, West Salem, is in charge of arrangements.