Ruth M. Krugler

Ruth M. Krugler, age 93, of Merrill, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born on March 1, 1932 in Merrill to the late Julius and Marie (Schwartz) Kuckhahn. She was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in the Town of Berlin and later confirmed on April 14, 1946. She grew up on the family dairy farm in the town of Corning where she attended Corning School and then graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 1950. She married Leroy H. Krugler on September 2, 1951, a union lasting 56 years. He passed away on November 25, 2007. In 2011 she met William Frederick, and they exchanged marriage vows on June 30, 2012 at St Paul Lutheran Pine River. He passed away on July 23, 2015.

Ruth worked as a bookkeeper for Knispel & Latzig John Deere dealership for over 20 years, until her retirement. Ruth was passionate about her family genealogy, self-publishing several books documenting the family tree.

She was a woman of strong faith and dedication to her Lord, being very active in her church bible study, ladies aid, and helping at the fair stand. Ruth was a very faithful, loving, and generous woman. She was known to play cards, work on puzzles, and enjoy live music and plays in the area.

Ruth is survived by her children: Bonnie Wilkum of Kiel, WI, Julie (Michael) Henrichs of Merrill, Steven (Stacia) Krugler of Junction City, WI and David (Tina) Krugler of Marshfield, WI, grandchildren: Jason (Sue) Breitzman, Robyn (Luke) Titel, Erin (Alex) Tyink, Shawn (Kathryn) Henrichs, Scott (Melissa) Henrichs, Andrew Krugler, Allison (Brandon) Westholm, Justin Krugler, and Samantha Krugler, great grandchildren: Olivia, Cosette, Jayden, Marissa, Elora, Travis, Talon, Jesse, Jordan, Odin, Otto, Daniel, Ameliah, Wallace, and Wesley, her stepson Mark Fredrick (Chansa) and 2 step grandchildren. She is further survived by her sister: Rosemarie Given, brother-in-law: Art (Lu) Krugler. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands: Leroy Krugler and William Frederick, son-in-law: Craig Wilkum and brother-in-law: Fred Krugler.

The funeral service for Ruth will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. Pastor Neely Owen will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the church. Entombment at Merrill Memorial Park will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Ruth’s memory be directed to St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill.

A special thank you to the staff at Bell Tower Residence and Aspirus Palliative Care in Wausau. The care and compassion shown to Ruth and her family was much appreciated.

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.