Ralph H. Schulz

Ralph H. Schulz, 86, of Merrill, passed away at his home on Saturday, March 28, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Ralph was born March 25, 1940, in Merrill, son of Harry and Erna (Berndt) Schulz. He graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 1959. He married Bernice Christine Schult on June 19, 1965. She preceded him in death on January 26, 2025.

Ralph enjoyed cooking and baking, camping and in his younger years, fishing. His love for these things is evident in the jobs he had in his adult life.

Ralph’s work history included working as a cook and bartender in Boulder Junction, WI and at Club Modern in Merrill. He worked at Wausau Homes in Wausau and then Seeger’s Dairy in Merrill. He then took a position in maintenance with the Merrill Housing Authority in 1988 and retired in 2005.

In his younger years, Ralph worked on the Fromm Farm and his father-in-law’s mink farm, and sold shoes for Mason Shoe Company and housewares for Miracle Maid.

Ralph enjoyed working part-time at Eddie’s Bakery and J&J Baking both in Merrill. He also cooked for various occasions for the V.F.W. in Fremont, WI. He spent several summers at North Forest Campground in Tomahawk working as the assistant maintenance man. In his 70’s, Ralph worked as a dishwasher at Ike’s Café in Tomahawk. Ralph had also worked for Meunier’s Carpet Cleaning. Ralph served as chairman of Snow Hill Cemetery for over 35 years and stepped down from that position in 2025.

Ralph was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill. He enjoyed spending time cooking and baking for the Church fair stand and assisting with the funeral luncheon group at church. He enjoyed making pies for the fair stand, neighbors, and friends.

He loved watching his grandkids and spending time with them. He loved his cats and dogs.

Survivors include his children, Gary (Vicki) Schulz and Christine Brown (Randy Springer) both of Merrill; grandchildren, Haley (Daleth) Jacobsen and Zachary T. Brown both of Merrill; sisters, Elaine Hoff of Merrill, Dorothy Hagedorn of Merrill, and Barbara Turner of Florida; and brother, Jerome Schulz (Mary Buksyk) of New London, WI.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Schulz; parents, Harry and Erna Schulz; infant son; sister, Ruth (Lloyd Sr.) Buck; brothers, Lylas Schulz and Edgar Schulz; and brothers-in-law, Donald Hoff, Milton Hagedorn, and Arthur Turner; and sister-in-law, Dorothea (Lawrence) Baneck.

The funeral service for Ralph will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, April 10, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Neely Owen will officiate. Burial will take place at Snow Hill Cemetery, Town of Scott, Lincoln County. The visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 903 E. Third St., Merrill and after 10:00 A.M., Friday, April 10, 2026 at the church.

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