Kirby F. Monti

Kirby F. Monti, 75, of Merrill, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Marshfield Medical Center, Weston.

Kirby was born November 5, 1950, in Merrill, son of Frank and Evangeline (Bushar) Monti. A lifelong Merrill resident, he graduated from Merrill High School and went on to work at the Wausau Paper Mill in Brokaw. As a millwright and journeyman machinist, Kirby built a career defined by skill, reliability, and pride in hard work, remaining with the mill until its closure and his retirement. On August 13, 2021, he married Tammy Engel, beginning a new chapter grounded in love and companionship.

Kirby’s life was shaped by his love of the outdoors. An avid snowmobiler, he rode 3,000 to 5,000 miles a season. He also loved riding his motorcycle and attending the annual Tomahawk Fall Ride. In his younger years, Kirby shared his passion for motorcycles with his son, Eric, spending countless weekends traveling across the state so Eric could compete in motocross races. Those long drives and shared adventures reflected Kirby’s quiet dedication, shared passion, and pride as a father, forming memories and a bond that lasted throughout their lives. Kirby also looked forward each year to the Hodag Country Music Festival.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Kirby enjoyed deer hunting at his shack and pursued hunts out west and in Canada. Among many successful seasons, he harvested a mountain lion out west and a lynx in Canada. In earlier years, he also found joy in camping, fishing, and snowbirding in Arizona and Florida, always drawn to time spent outside and shared with others.

For many years, Kirby played baseball for several different leagues. When he ‘retired’ from playing baseball in his early 60’s, he and Tammy played volleyball together. Kirby also enjoyed golfing.

Kirby is survived by his wife, Tammy Monti of Merrill; son, Eric (Johanna) Monti, grandchildren, Isabella, Brooks, and Evangeline Monti of Colfax, CA; step daughter, Molly and step grandchildren, Lexa Teske and Everley Schouweiler of Merrill; sister, Beverly Crass of Rhinelander; father-in-law, David (Ann) Olivotti of Baraboo; sister-in-law, Nancy Olivotti of Hot Springs Village, AR; and brother-in-law, Willie Kimmons of Merrill. Kirby was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Evangeline Monti; Tammy’s daughter, Melissa Zimmerman; mother-in-law, Sharon ‘Tootie’ Olivotti; sister-in-law, Cindy Kimmons; brother-in-law, Lonny Crass; and his favorite dog, Ginger.

A celebration of life will be held at The Rock at a later date.

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