Ewald W. Katke, age 87, of Merrill, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021.
Ewald was born June 2, 1934 in the Town of Pine River to Ewald F. and Eleanore Katke. He married Marilyn Lemke on March 21, 1959. Ewald was a self-employed dairy farmer until 1995 and continued crop farming for several years following. Working was a priority and he had a strong work ethic.
Ewald was a lifelong member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ and actively served on many church committees.
He was a bus driver for Wendorf Bus Service and Peterson Bussing for a number of years. He served on the Lincoln County Board as a supervisor, being active on several different committees from 1974-1986. Ewald also served the Town of Pine River as a supervisor and town chairman from 1995-2005. He was instrumental in forming the Pine River Volunteer Fire Department. Ewald served on the advisory board of River Valley State Bank and the Lincoln County Sports Club Board of Directors. He loved all sports, especially Merrill High School sports, and enjoyed driving school bus to many games and attending local sporting events. He loved reading and was knowledgeable about many topics. He also enjoyed working in the woods and took pride in caring for his land.
Ewald often had morning coffee with his friends, which is something he cherished. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
Ewald is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn Katke; his children, Steven (Christine) Katke of Clear Lake, Minn., Terry (Kevin) Krueger of Merrill, Kaye (Anthony Munz) Katke of Two Rivers, and Mary Walsh of Merrill; grandchildren, Matthew (Katrina Depies) Krueger, Daniel (Emily) Krueger, Benjamin Katke, Samuel (Grace) Katke, Julia Joerger, Sarah Joerger, and Jacob Walsh; great-grandchildren, Henry, Josie, Zeppelin, and June; uncle, Elroy “Heiny” Lemke; and several nieces and nephews.
Ewald was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carol Jean Marquardt; and son-in-law Michael Walsh.
A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. The Rev. Michael Southcombe officiated. Entombment followed at the Merrill Memorial Park Mausoleum. Visitation took place from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday at Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and again from 9 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday, at the church.
Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, assisted the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.