Kathryn R. Samuelson

Kathryn R. Samuelson, 85, of Merrill, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2026, surrounded by her family at Woodland Court Elder Services, Merrill.

Kathryn was born March 3, 1941, in Merrill, daughter of Reinhard and Adeline (Tesch) Woller. She married Leon Samuelson on August 20, 1960, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. Soon after marriage, they moved to Racine for Leon’s job. They did another move to Merrill and then back to Racine over the years but eventually retired to a lake house in Rhinelander. They returned to Merrill about five years ago.

While in high school, Kathryn worked in the kitchen at the former Holy Cross Hospital in Merrill. After moving to Racine, she stayed home and raised their five children.

Kathryn found great joy in quilting and was especially talented at creating beautiful quilts, each one lovingly hand-stitched by her. Quilting was one of her greatest creative passions, and her work was truly special. Her love will live on for generations, as they are wrapped in her quilts. She also loved making Halloween costumes and working on crafts, where her creativity and talent shone through. Kathryn enjoyed baking as well and created many elaborate, beautifully decorated birthday cakes for her family and loved ones. When time allowed, Leon and Kathryn traveled. They visited Yellowstone National Park and Florida. Their most memorable time on the road was their trip to Alaska.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Leon Samuelson of Merrill; daughters, JoAnn Johnson of Racine and April (Jason) Kemen of Racine; sons, Jeff (Trinci) Samuelson of Norwich, Kansas, Brian (Shari) Samuelson of Merrill, and Allan (Meri) Samuelson of Anchorage, Alaska; eleven grandchildren, Louis Johnson, Riley Johnson, Nick Kemen, Ashley (Matt) Joseph, Kyley (Lucas) Warwick, Teja Samuelson, Jate Samuelson, Kally (Eric) Jehn, Brianna (T.J.) Morris, Rachel (Russ Kezeske) Samuelson, and Alex Samuelson; nine great grandchildren; one great grandchild on the way; sister, Sharon (Wayne) Kirby of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and good friend, Kathy Winnen of Racine.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, Reinhard and Adeline Woller; siblings, Margaret Sense, Sylvia Zoellner, Dorothy Merkel, Alice Roberts, Jack Peter Woller, Robert Woller, Lane Woller, and Pat Woller; and good friend, Rita Conway.

The memorial service will take place at 12:00 P.M., Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 301 Eagle Dr., Merrill. Rev. Michael Southcombe will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kathryn’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association – Wisconsin Chapter.

The family would like to thank the staff at Woodland Court and Aspirus Hospice for the wonderful care they provided Kathryn.

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