Obit: Merlak, Donna Louise (1939 - 2016)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Merlak, Criskie, Boss, Sackmann, Mitby

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 10/19/2016

Merlak, Donna Louise (8 January 1939 – 13 October 2016)

Donna Louise (Boss) Merlak of Sun City, Arizona passed away on October 13, 2016, surrounded by her family. A Memorial Service was held on Monday, October 17, 2016, at Menke Funeral Home, 12420 N. 103rd Avenue., Sun City, Arizona, at 11 a.m. with a viewing at 10:00 a.m. and a brunch following.

Donna was born in Ladysmith, Wisconsin on January 6, 1939, to Peter and Muriel (Criskie) Boss. Donna was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed cooking and food preparation for her family, friends and neighbors. Love and a sense of caring could always be felt in Donna’s kitchen. Selling Avon brought a great sense of pride for Donna. She received many recognitions for her sales and appreciation from her devoted customers who soon became friends. Donna enjoyed spending time with her husband, LeRoy, of 52 years. Site-seeing and traveling back to Wisconsin to spend time with their children and their families and staying connected with friends was something they looked forward to.

Donna is survived by daughters: Lynnette (Merlak) Sackmann (Bob), Lisa (Merlak) Mitby from Wisconsin; sons: Steven (Connie) Merlak of Ohio, and Dean Merlak (Lauri) from Wisconsin. Donna adored her grandchildren: Laura, Alan, Matthew, Robert, Jennifer, Kaylyn, Dillon, Kristopher, Ciara, Tyler, Michael, Mathew, Sawyer, Meredith and Josie; great-grandchildren: Nathan, Mason, Abigail, Jackson, Jett, Emma, Elli and Madison.

The family is finding comfort in knowing that Donna will be accepted in this blessed journey by her husband, LeRoy; son, Mark, sister, Shirley, brother, Leonard, and mother and father.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association, in memory of Donna Merlak, would be sincerely appreciated.

Family would like to thank their many friends for their spiritual and emotional support during this very difficult time.

“Time marches on and change is inevitable. But the one thing that is right and sure in this world is family to remind us of where we’ve been, to watch where we’re going, and to be with us in the end for comfort and to carry on.”