Phyllis Mae Osterbrink

Phyllis M. Osterbrink, 90, died on Friday, August 28 peacefully in her sleep at the Woodland Court Elder Services in Merrill.

The former Phyllis Greil was born Jan 27, 1936 in Tomahawk, WI to the late Philip & Alice (Draeger) Greil. She lived most of her adolescent years in Tomahawk until graduation from Tomahawk High School. She moved to Wausau where she worked as a clerk for the Wausau Chamber of Commerce. It was during her time in Wausau that she met and married Keith Osterbrink, who she was married to for 52 years until his passing in 2009. Following the birth of their first child, she spent the remainder of her years as a homemaker and mother to their 4 children. She prided herself on her cooking, knowing how much her family enjoyed all the meals they shared together. Music was a big part of her life. She loved the old country singers, especially Hank Williams, but also enjoyed listening to polka music and John Philip Sousa marches. She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church. Her faith was more than just a statistic for her. She read extensively and spoke often in her last years of spirituality and many of her conversations were on this topic. She firmly believed in a glorious afterlife to be shared with the Lord and being reunited with her family. She felt that we should live our lives in a manner that allows us to reach that goal, when our spirit is made whole, and ultimately, to see God.

Survivors include 3 sons, Mark & Charles (Kerry) both of Merrill, William of Tomahawk, and 1 daughter, Dawn (Douglas) Woodrick of Fairfield, OH, 3 grandchildren, Jessie (Dustin) Moore of Fairfield, OH, Jacob & Eric Osterbrink of Merrill, and 2 great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Corinne Moore, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, 2 brothers, Richard & Raymond, and an infant sister.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept 25 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 at the Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home at 301 South Eagle Drive, Merrill, WI 54452. Burial will be in the St. Francis Cemetery, Merrill.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Lincoln County Humane Society.

The family would like to thank the staff at Woodland Court and St. Croix Hospice for the care they provided.

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