Michael J. 'Mickey' Dietzler

Michael J. ‘Mickey’ Dietzler, 83, of Merrill, passed away Friday, April 11, 2025, at his home.

Mike was born October 17, 1941, in Rhinelander, son of Alexander and Virginia (Haenel) Dietzler. After graduating from Rhinelander High School, he enlisted in the United States Army on August 4, 1960 and was honorably discharged on August 2, 1963. Mike married Karen Johnson on March 6, 1965. Karen passed away on April 7, 2011. Mike worked for more than thirty years as a heavy equipment operator at the Merrill Street Department.

Mike was a jokester and had a great sense of humor. He loved playing cribbage and had several perfect hands. He also enjoyed bowling and had a few perfect games. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing, and spending time at his cabin in Parrish. Mike also liked gardening and in younger years, spending time with his family on the island on the Wisconsin River. He enjoyed golfing and woodworking. Mike was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagle’s – Merrill Aerie #584. Mike was also a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill.

Survivors include his children, Jay (Heidi) Dietzler, of Wausau and Beckie (Blake) Kufahl of Wausau; grandchildren, Jayson Dietzler, Jordyn (Missy) Dietzler, Alexia Kufahl, Alivia Kufahl, and Brock Kufahl; great grandchildren, Jaymes, Dawson, Howard, and Elaine; siblings, Dan Dietzler of Rhinelander, Sue Krook of Green Bay, Marlene Heath of Rhinelander, Cindy (Vern) Lowther of Rhinelander, Doreen ‘Dory’ (Roy) Moor of Colorado, and Kathy (Dave) Matthews of Fort Collins, Colorado; and his in-laws, Bonnie (Jim) Gass of Neenah and Florida, Marian Gatterman of Merrill, Judy Johnson of Eau Claire, Robert (Trina) Johnson of Merrill, and Peter (Nancy) Johnson of Mountain. Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Dietzler; siblings, Joyce Kolb and Kenny Dietzler; brothers-in-law, Howard Krook and Bill Heath; and Karen’s siblings, Darlene (Marvin) Hinz, Lucille (Bruce) Zander, Randy Gatterman, and George Johnson.

The funeral service for Mike will be held at 11:00 A.M, Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Justin Smoot will officiate. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638 - Merrill. The visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 903 E. Third St., Merrill, and after 10:00 A.M., Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the church.

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