Dayton R. 'Tony' Frederick

Dayton R. ‘Tony’ Frederick, 24, of Merrill, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Tony battled heart cancer at age 20 and showed immense strength and courage through their recent year-long battle with spinal cancer.

Tony was born September 11, 2001, to Mary Frederick. They graduated from Merrill High School and attended UWSP - Wausau Campus. Tony worked at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau. Tony enjoyed arts in all pursuits, specifically gifted in painting and drawing, singing, and jewelry making. Recently, they enjoyed making chain jewelry for their loved ones.

Tony was full of life and a joy to be around. Tony was incredibly kind, funny, generous, and passionate about activism. They loved helping and fighting for LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities.

Tony is survived by their mom, Mary Frederick of Merrill; and countless other friends and family. They were preceded in death by their maternal grandparents, William and Roberta Frederick

The celebration of life will take place at 4:00 P.M., Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 301 S. Eagle Dr., Merrill. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 P.M.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed and available for viewing on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. and posted for future viewing under their obituary on the funeral home website.

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