Christine M. Peck

Christine Marie Peck met her loving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 3, 2025, at the age of 83, peacefully at home with her family by her side.

She was born on November 24, 1942, in Merrill, Wisconsin, to Lawrence (Larry) and Pearl Schield. Christine was baptized on December 30, 1942, and confirmed on March 25, 1956, at St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill—a church that would remain the cornerstone of her faith and life.

Christine attended Franklin Elementary School and St. John Lutheran School in Merrill, later graduating from Merrill High School, where she excelled in vocal and performance music. Her lifelong dream was to become a teacher. After high school, she graduated from Lincoln County Teacher College and UW–Stevens Point. She also completed professional development coursework through UW–Madison. Christine went on to teach as an elementary school teacher with Special Education certification at Newbold Elementary in Rhinelander WI, and at Lincoln, Washington, and St. John Lutheran Schools in Merrill.

In 1962, Christine married the love of her life, Howard Peck, at St. John Lutheran Church. Together, they raised three children and shared 63 years of love, partnership, and faith. As Howard lovingly writes: “To my lovely Christian wife, best friend, partner, and soulmate for 63 years. Thank you.”

When her children were born, she stepped away from her full-time teaching career to dedicate her time to her family. She was so proud to be a full-time mother. She later returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher—quickly becoming known throughout the Merrill schools as the beloved “Super Sub.” She cherished her students, and they adored her in return.

Christine’s life was built upon her deep faith in Jesus Christ and her devotion to her church community. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She found joy in many things: her family and friends; flowers—especially geraniums and marigolds; making cookies with Howard; eating fresh crappies caught by Howard; fishing with her husband, children, and grandchildren; shopping; family time at Camp Luther; traveling to New York, national parks, Nashville, and Graceland (as she and Howard were lifelong Elvis fans). Their favorite song, Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” was their dance together at Christine’s 70th birthday celebration at their hunting cabin. Christine also delighted in home decorating, polka music and dancing with Howard, and staying connected with family and friends through Facebook.

Christine saw the good in everyone and brought light into every room. She had a remarkable gift of empathy, an infectious laugh, and a spirit that encouraged others, even in difficult times. At the end of her journey, her faith remained unwavering. She comforted her family with her joyful confidence in eternal life, saying: “Don’t worry about me. I know I’m going to see Jesus. I’m only changing my address!”

Christine had the rare gift of making every person she knew feel deeply loved. She showed sincere interest in the lives of her family and friends, celebrating their joys, supporting them through challenges, and reminding them of their worth.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Howard Peck of Merrill; her children, Dr. Brad (Lisa) Peck of Wausau, WI, Sarah Koskey of Verona, WI, and Tasha (Troy) Schmidt of Green Bay, WI; grandchildren, Trevor (Megan) Peck of Duluth, MN, Tyler (Anneliese) Koskey of Menomonee Falls, WI, Dr. Molly Peck (fiancé Morgan Rode) of Kronenwetter, WI, Christian Schmidt of Carmel, IN, and Ava Schmidt of Green Bay, WI; great-granddaughter, Aoife Pearl Peck of Duluth, MN; sister, Stephanie (Mark) Cooper of Verona, WI; sister-in-law Janice Peck; brother-in-law Todd (Cheryl) Zimmerman of Merrill, WI; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Pearl Schield; sister, Patricia Krombholz; brother-in-law Roger Peck; grandson, Christopher Koskey; son-in-law Pete Koskey; mother and father-in-law Vera (Peck) and Jack Zimmerman; and grandparents, Herman and Minna Schield and Reinald and Emelia Krause.

Funeral services for Christine will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church. Rev. Neely Owen will officiate. The visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at Noon. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Christine’s memory may consider a donation to St. John Lutheran School Library in Merrill, WI.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Aspirus Hospital; Interim Hospice staff and nurses Kelly and Brittany; Goddaughter Miriam Hefty; Polly and Joel Schneider; Cheryl and Todd Zimmerman, and Rev. Neely Owen of St. John Lutheran Church for the incredible compassion and support they provided Christine and her family.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.