Gary L. Zernicke, 62, Merrill, Wisconsin passed away at his home on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 surrounded by his family.
Gary was born Nov. 27, 1958 in Wausau to Maynard and Ruth (Haut) Zernicke. Gary was baptized into the Christian faith on Dec. 14, 1959. He married Lori Brandt on June 17, 1978 at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Schofield. Gary was raised on the family dairy farm, which instilled in him a great work ethic and the passion for helping others. A 1977 graduate of Wausau West High School, he was employed for 14 years at Overhead Door of Wausau. In 1992, he started at Wisconsin Fuel and Light, transitioning to Service Techs and finally Wisconsin Public Service. Gary fought over a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer, which led to his retirement in Nov. of 2020. Gary enjoyed spending time with family and friends, hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling and working outdoors. He was a member of Trailmates Snowmobile Club. Gary was a faithful member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Schofield. He served as an usher and in the past had been on the property and grounds committee.
Surviving Gary are his wife – Lori and three sons – Dan (Crystal) Zernicke of Merrill, Jeff (Kirsten Norman) Zernicke of Wausau and Jon Zernicke of Merrill. He is further survived by three granddaughters that he adored – Brooke, Jada, and Chloe – as well as the grandchildren who have become part of our family – Hannah, Taylor Mae, Thalia, Andy and Blake. Gary is also survived by six siblings – LeRoy Zernicke of Wausau, Martin (Joyce) Zernicke of Wausau, Wallace (Carolyn) Zernicke of Wisconsin Rapids, Betty (Dennis) Metz of Plover, Carol (Phil) Olson of Wausau and Lyle (Linda) Zernicke of Athens. Also surviving are his mother-in-law Joyce Brandt, Randy (Melody) Brandt, Tom (Sue) Brandt, Linda (Brian) Augustiniak, Gail (Joe) Writz, Kay Brandt and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister – Mary Barttelt, sister-in-law DeAnna Zernicke, nephew Scott Zernicke and father-in-law Clifford Brandt.
Funeral Services for Gary Zernicke were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021 at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Schofield. Pastor Kevin Schnake officiated. Burial followed in the Big Hill Cemetery in the town of Berlin. The family received friends at St. Peter Church on Monday, Aug. 9 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again on Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. until the hour of service at 11 a.m.
Memorials are appreciated to St. Peter Church or Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
The family would like to thank the Hospice team, Pastors, Vicar, family and friends for all of their support the past several months.
Krueger Family Funeral Home of Tomahawk is assisting the family. You may view the obituary and share online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com.