Beverly "Bev" M. Pophal

Beverly “Bev” M. Pophal, age 88, of Merrill, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Woodland Court Elder Services in Merrill. She was born on November 29, 1936, to the late George and Edith (Sparr) Brown in Merrill. Bev attended Merrill High School and graduated with the class of 1954. She married the love of her life, Wallace “Wally” Pophal on June 17, 1955, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Merrill, a union lasting 63 years. Wally passed away on October 18, 2018.

Bev had worked as a secretary for over 28 years for the Merrill Area Public Schools at the Midway Elementary School in Gleason, WI, until her retirement. She was also a domestic caretaker and had done seasonal work for Badger Evergreen. Bev was a creative and artistic person that enjoyed painting, sewing and designing floral arrangements. She was a social butterfly and looked forward to welcoming people into her home for parties, making meals or just to visit. Bev adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren and would see them every chance she had. She would often take trips with friends and family to various casinos. Bev was a loyal friend to those she loved, and had a witty sense of humor. She had always enjoyed having her little poodles or cats on her lap, keeping her company. Bev was a collector of angels and loved wolves. She was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Merrill. Bev will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Bev is survived by her daughter: Cathy (Ronald) Taylor of Belvidere, IL, son: Randy (Kathryn) Pophal of Merrill, WI, grandchildren: Jennifer (Kevin) Swearingen of Aurora, CO, Sarah (Gabriel) Mendez of Machnesney Park, IL, Lynn (Mike) Borkenhagen of Madison, WI, and Lee Pophal in Shanghai, China, great grandchildren: Cameron Swearingen and Taylor, Bryce and Eliana Mendez, brother: George (Mary) Brown of Merrill, WI and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Wallace “Wally” Pophal, and sister: Barbara Lange.

The funeral service for Bev will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral Home, 903 East 3rd Street, Merrill. Rev. Justin Smoot will officiate. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the funeral home. Burial at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery will immediately follow the service.

The service will be recorded and posted under her obituary on the funeral home’s website for those unable to attend.

The family wishes to extend appreciation to the staff at Woodland Court Elder Services for their care, compassion and support during Bev’s stay there – she truly loved it there.

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