Gregory A. Zoellner

Gregory A. Zoellner, of Merrill, entered eternal life early the morning of October 31, 2026, while residing in the Hospice House in Wausau.

He was united in marriage to Carol Kreie Natzke on October 5, 1985.

Greg was born on November 22, 1947 to Earl and Sylvia Zoellner. The family lived in Irma and spent many hours enjoying life as a kid in a small town. One of his favorite memories was sledding down the famous “Irma Hill” during the winter. Earl put a stop to that once he found out about it! He also enjoyed talking about the camping trips the family took when Mom and Dad and all six kids piled into the car and away they went!

As a “country kid”, Greg attended the Schulz Spur and Irma Grade School and then Merrill High School, graduating in 1965.

Immediately after graduation, Greg and several buddies took a trip to Alaska. Looking back, he didn’t know how they survived the trip, but they sure had a good time! They nearly ran out of gas and money, returning to Merrill with only change in their pockets.

Greg’s first job after high school was at a print shop in Steven’s Point. He then worked at Ward Paper Co., as a realtor in Merrill, and at Greenheck Fan in Schofield.

Greg served in the National Guard from January, 1965, until January, 1971.

Greg’s faith was an important part of his life. He was confirmed at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Irma, Wisconsin and belonged to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Merrill. In his younger years, he served on many committee boards. He enjoyed working at the St. John Church stand during the Lincoln County Fair, where he helped serve hot dogs, hamburgers, French fries, and cheese curds. He was a good and faithful servant of the Lord.

Greg loved to spend time at the Natzke family hunting shack in New Wood, where he harvested many deer. Although, he had many deer antlers mounted, Carol firmly refused to hang them on the living room walls. He loved to fish and play golf, although he was the first to admit he wasn’t a very good golfer. He enjoyed attending the veterans’ get-togethers every Thursday morning and getting up at the crack of dawn to have coffee with “the guys” at the Friendship House. He also enjoyed volunteering at Council Grounds State Park.

Greg is survived by his wife, Carol and his stepchildren, Kim Zielinski and her daughter, Kate, of Eau Claire; Doug Kreie (Chris Hartson), of Merrill, and his daughters Alex (David) Yang and their sons, River and Ezriel, of Pulaski; and Olivia (Cole) Malke of Green Bay.

He is also survived by his sisters, Sandy (Roger) Monti, of Merrill; Debby (Ron) Langer, of Janesville; his brother, Rick (Patti), of Wausau; sister-in-law, Jean Zoellner, of Merrill; and many nieces anad nephews and their families.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Sylvia Zoellner; his brother Dick Zoellner; and his sister and brother-in-law, Bruce and Carol Severt.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 14, at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill, with visitation to begin at 9:00 am. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, or other clothing from their favorite sports teams.

The family wishes to thank the Aspirus Merrill Hospital, Howard Young Medical Center of Minocqua, the Aspirus Hospice House in Wausau, and Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home for their care and compassion while Greg was under their care.

Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church, Friends of Council Grounds State Park, or the charity of your choice.

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