Marie M. Skic

Marie Magdalena Skic, of Merrill, Wisconsin, entered into eternal rest with her Lord and Savior on Oct. 17, 2026, at age 98.

Marie was born on Oct. 30, 1927, in Merrill, Wisconsin, to Gottlieb and Marie (Voegli) Wirz, both of whom immigrated from Switzerland. She was baptized later that year and confirmed on June 23, 1940, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Pine River.

On April 15, 1948, Marie married the love of her life, Anthony “Tony” Skic. Together, they began farming in Bryant, Wisconsin, before purchasing a farm in Marathon County that later became known as Skic’s Inc. Following Tony’s passing on Dec. 9, 1979, Marie continued to lead a life marked by faith, determination, and service to others.

Throughout her lifetime, Marie was actively involved in numerous organizations, including Trinity Lutheran Church Ladies Aid, Associated Milk Producers Inc., the Wisconsin Business and Professional Women’s Association, the Wisconsin Ginseng Board, the State Auctioneer Board, the NTC Board, and Wisconsin Women for Agriculture. In recognition of her dedication to farming and agriculture, she was honored as Wisconsin Farm Wife of the Year in 1982.

Despite having only an eighth-grade education, Marie never allowed that to limit her achievements. Her strong work ethic, leadership, and commitment to serving others touched many lives. She was a devoted member of VFW Auxiliary Post 1638, where she held numerous offices and earned many awards and recognitions. She ultimately served as president of the Department of Wisconsin Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary from 1991-1992.

From 1997 through 2024, Marie faithfully visited nursing home residents and shut-ins throughout the Merrill and Wausau areas, offering companionship, encouragement, and Christian fellowship. She found great joy in playing cards with friends, attending chapel services, and cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events. She especially loved the natural beauty surrounding her home, where she delighted in feeding and watching birds, as well as welcoming visits from neighborhood cats and wild turkeys.

Faith was the cornerstone of Marie’s life. Christian education was her highest priority, and all 11 of her children attended Trinity Lutheran School in Merrill. More than anything, she wanted her children to grow up knowing God, His love, and His Holy Word.

Marie developed a love for hunting after marrying Tony, and together, they passed that tradition on to their children. Over the years, she enjoyed countless hunting and outdoor adventures with family and friends. Her adventures included successful ice fishing trips, hunts in Canada, and a memorable moose hunt in British Columbia, with her brother, Fritz Wirz, serving as her guide. Annual turkey, bear, and deer hunts provided lasting memories and trophies proudly displayed in her home.

Her generosity extended far beyond her own family. Marie fostered children and welcomed foreign exchange students into her home. One student, Yulia from Russia, lived with her for two years while attending NTC. Marie later traveled to Russia as part of a business delegation, helping mentor and equip local citizens as they adapted to new economic opportunities.

Marie is lovingly survived by her children, Mary Jean Calmes, Stanley (Julie) Skic, Carol Hein, Rose (Calvin) Wilson, Matthew (Holly) Skic, Mark (Nina) Skic, Walter (Brenda) Skic, Louise (Mike) Hackel, and Luke (Michelle) Skic; her sister, Nathalie Fromfeld; and many nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by 27 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom were blessed by her faith, strength, wisdom, and unwavering love.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Gottlieb and Marie (Voegli) Wirz; her beloved husband, Anthony “Tony” Skic; her sons, Anthony Skic Jr. and John Skic; and her sons-in-law, Bruce Calmes and Bruce Hein.

Marie will be remembered for her deep Christian faith, servant’s heart, dedication to family, and remarkable life of perseverance and generosity. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the generations of family members who continue to be inspired by her example.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill and will continue from 10-11 a.m. on Friday until the funeral service begins at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow at VFW Post 1638, with a graveside service afterward at Faith Lutheran Church Cemetery South (located approx. 1 mile south of Faith Lutheran Church on the west side of Hwy. K).

For those unable to attend the funeral service in person, it will be live streamed and available for viewing on the funeral home website under her obituary, and will be posted as a recording for future viewing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Trinity Lutheran School Tuition Assistance Program.

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