Cheryl L. Plautz

Cheryl L. Plautz, 63, of Merrill, passed away at home on Friday, September 11, 2026, surrounded by the loving company of her family. Born on July 31, 1963, in Merrill, Cheryl was the daughter of Norman and Rita (Steinfest) Koch. 

Cheryl graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 1981. Cheryl married Ryan Plautz on August 2, 1986, in Merrill. Recently, they marked an impressive 40 years together. Over the years, Cheryl worked at various places, including Pine Crest Nursing Home, spent nearly three decades at Reindl Printing as a costing assistant, and was an administrative assistant for the City of Merrill for nine years. 

Cheryl absolutely cherished her time with her grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life. She loved traveling with Ryan, visiting their daughter Ashley and her family in Colorado and Virginia Beach. Together, they created beautiful memories with trips to Disney World and a special cruise where Cheryl even went parasailing and swam with sting rays! 

An outdoor enthusiast, Cheryl loved snowshoeing, spending time in the woods, cutting boughs, and birdwatching. She fondly remembered sitting in the deer stand with her son, Andrew. The family also cherished their camping trips up north to Clear Lake and enjoyed Cheryl's vegetable gardening and canning days. Wineries became a favorite outing for both Cheryl and Ryan, and they delighted in raising Labrador puppies together. 

Survivors include her husband, Ryan Plautz of Merrill; daughter, Ashley (Steven) Sanford of Virginia Beach, VA; son, Andrew (Amber) Plautz of Merrill; grandchildren, Sebastian, Stella, Aidan, Addison, and Anderson; sister, Dawn (Steve) Hintze of Merrill; brothers, David (Lisa) Koch of Wausau and Steven Koch of Merrill; and several nieces and nephews. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Rita Koch.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, September 18, 2026, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 301 Eagle Dr., Merrill. Rev. Greg Laska will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M. Friday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com