Cover photo for Iona M. Fleischman's Obituary
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1930 Iona 2025

Iona M. Fleischman

December 16, 1930 — January 13, 2025

Merrill

Iona M. (Forster) Fleischman, 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2025, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill.

Born on December 16, 1930, to Albert and Minnie (Schulte) Forster in the town of Schley, Iona grew up in Schley and the town of Harding before graduating from Merrill High School. 

On February 18, 1950, Iona married the love of her life, Floyd Fleischman, Sr. Together they had five children, Linda Fox, Floyd Fleischman Jr., Judy Damp, Geraldine Fleischman, and Robert Fleischman. Floyd preceded her in death on September 25, 1989. 

Iona was a gifted cook and a familiar face in the Merrill restaurant scene. She worked at many local establishments, including Skippers, Kathy and Cal’s, Dick’s Riverside, Bellevue, and Hinz’s Cork and Dyne, before opening her own restaurant, The Chicken Kettle. Iona’s specialties, including homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, Fried Chicken, and Chicken à la King, earned her a loyal following, and she always cherished the friendships she made with her customers.

In addition to her love of cooking, Iona enjoyed bowling, playing cards, and Bingo. She treasured family gatherings, particularly at Christmas and Thanksgiving, where her delicious meals were the highlight. A true Wisconsinite, she loved Friday night fish fries and also enjoyed going out for breakfast. Above all, Iona adored her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and her passing leaves a hole in their hearts. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her daughters, Linda Fox of Merrill and Judy Damp of Florida; son, Floyd Fleischman of Gleason; daughter-in-law, Cindy Fleischman of Wausau; grandchildren, Becky (David) Teeples, Jamie (Jason) Jablonski, Corey Fox, Jennifer (Corey) Meyer, John Fleischman, Cheryl (Rick) Erickson, and Cassidy Fleischman; twelve great-grandchildren; and eleven great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her sisters, Helen Leavitt and Delores (Jim) Heiser; brother, Walter (Mary Jane) Forster; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Forster; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Iona was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Minnie Forster; husband, Floyd Fleischman; daughter, Geraldine Fleischman; son, Robert Fleischman; son-in-law, Alfred ‘Jim’ Fox; grandson, Jesse Fleischman; sisters, Evelyn (William Sr.) Frazier and Martha Winkelman; brothers and sisters-in-law, Emil (Erna), Earl (Betty), Gilbert (Eunice), Donald, Alvin (Donna), and Myron (Wilma) Forster; and brother-in-law, Thomas Leavitt. 

The memorial service for Iona will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Justin Smoot will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church. 

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, CNA's, and staff at Pine Crest Nursing Home and Aspirus Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided to Iona during her final days. 

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

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Iona M. Fleischman, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church

300 Logan Street, Merrill, WI 54452

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Memorial Service

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church

300 Logan Street, Merrill, WI 54452

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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