Ronald M. Vachavake

Ronald M. Vachavake, 89, of Merrill, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill. 

Ronald was born June 15, 1936, in Merrill, son of Marvin and Minnie (Schmidtke) Vachavake. He graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 1954. Ron went on to work at R.O.W. in Merrill. He then began his career in the paper industry first taking a job at Ward Paper Company in Merrill and later Wausau Paper Company in Brokaw. He retired in 1998 at the age of 62. 

On June 2, 1956, Ron married JoAnn Ament. They enjoyed many years together traveling extensively around the United States. They also enjoyed attending the Hodag Country Music Festival in Rhinelander for many years. JoAnn preceded him in death on October 4, 2024. 

Ron loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, trapping, and fishing. He especially enjoyed fly fishing for trout. He loved spending time at his cabin in Irma. Ron loved watching the kids and grandkids sporting events and watching sports on T.V. often watching and listening to several events at the same time. He also enjoyed playing cards, especially Cribbage and Sheephead. Ron was a member of St. Stephens United Church of Christ in Merrill. 

Survivors include his daughters, Sue (Mark) Baumann of New Franken, WI and Kathryn (Carl) Hass of Merrill; sons, Mark Vachavake of Merrill, David (Darla) Vachavake of Merrill, and Jim (Sandy) Vachavake of Wausau; daughter-in-law, Sharon Vachavake of Wausau; 25 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and sister, Sandra Dunn of Conyers, GA.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Vachavake; parents, Marvin and Minnie Vachavake; son, Richard ‘Rick’ Vachavake; brother, Dennis Vachavake; sisters-in-law, Elaine (Howard) Alexander and Joyce (George) OKray; and brother-in-law, James Dunn.

The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, March 27, 2026, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. Rev. Michael Southcombe will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M., Friday, March 27, 2026, at the church.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed and available for viewing on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. and posted for future viewing under his obituary on the funeral home website.

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