Neil Hovind

Neil Hovind, 89, of Merrill passed away July 7, 2010. He was born on January 7, 1921 to the late Albert & Sadie (Karns) Hovind in Cedar Falls , Wisconsin . He married Marjorie Kandzora in Wausau on January 18, 1947. She survives.

Neil was a 1939 graduate of Eau Claire Sr. High School . He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 ? 1945 during WWII in the South Pacific. Neil participated in the capture and occupation of Guam, Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima . When the war ended, he returned home and worked for NCR (Nation Cash Register) Corporation until retiring in 1978. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill. Neil was also a member of V.F.W. Post 1638 in Merrill where he served on the Honor Guard. He enjoyed mechanical work and woodworking, having made a beautiful machinists tool chest, several clocks and many other beautiful objects throughout the years. In his youth he was a very accomplished baseball player and later in life an avid and gifted golfer.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 63 years, Marjorie Hovind, Merrill; one sister: Irene Kries, Eau Claire; three nephews: John R. (Pat) Kries, Haugen, WI, Robert (Kay) Kries, Eau Claire, and Greg Martin; two nieces: Amy (Phil) Otis, Malibu, CA and Ann (Todd) Anderson, Wausau; one sister-in-law: Mildred Martin, Merrill; one great niece: Amy Anderson, Wausau; two great-nephews; Whitman Otis, Malibu, CA and Richard Anderson, Wausau.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers-in-law: John L. Kries and Glenn Martin; and his mother and father-in-law: Frank and Edna Kandzora.

Services will be held Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church . The Rev. David Szeto will officiate. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM on Saturday before the service at the church. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park . The family requests memorial be given to St. John Lutheran Church , the Lincoln County Humane Society or the charity of your choice. Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com .