Allen K. Osness Sr.

1938 - 2011

Allen K. Osness Sr., 73, of Merrill, died Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, at Good Samaritan Health Center, Merrill.

Al was born Feb. 19, 1938, in Merrill, son of the late Oscar and Lucinda (Kroeplin) Osness Sr. He married Carol J. Zortman on March 8, 1956, in Merrill. She survives.

Al was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Merrill. He had worked at the former Murray Machinery, Wausau, for 20 years. He was currently employed at Greenheck Fan Corp., Schofield, for the last 23 years. Al enjoyed watching Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and Wisconsin Badger games. He also enjoyed his pets, listening to country music, traveling and taking vacations, working on his lawn, playing softball, and deer hunting in his earlier years. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Al will be remembered for his great sense of humor.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Carol J. Osness of Merrill; one daughter, Sue (Dale) Lemon of Tomahawk; two sons, Allen (Julie) Osness Jr., and Gary (Bonnie) Osness, both of Merrill; 10 grandchildren, Lisa (Rich Bridenhagen) Lemon of Green Bay, Laura (Jason) Reinders of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Lana (Bill) Plant, of Elkhorn, Leah (David) Reist of Merrill, Lacy (Jeremy) Zimmerman of Decatur, Ill., Mike (Emily Esslinger) Osness of Wausau, Tim (Sarah Wisnewski) Osness, Dan (Courtney Diehls) Osness and Justin Osness, all of Merrill, and Ben Osness, of Truckee, Calif.; 12 great-grandchildren, Bailey, Billy, Jack and Christian Plant, Lucas Reist, Cole and Jesse Osness, Miranda Osness, Andrew and Hannah Bridenhagen, Jayden Woller and Cayden Diehls; one great-grandchild "on the way;" five sisters, Virginia Severt, Betty (Walter) Latzig, Elayne (Richard) Ollmann, Phyllis (Ralph) Buch, all of Merrill, and Janet Beyer-Thums of Plover; one brother, Raymond (Darlene) Osness of Port Washington; and two sisters-in-law, Carol Osness and Faye Jean Osness, both of Merrill.

Al was preceded in death by one sister, Linda Osness; five brothers, Harry, Ervin "Jack," Oscar Jr., Dale and David Osness; and two sisters-in-law, Merrill Osness and Betty Osness.

A memorial service for Al will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Maurice Schaus will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. Monday at the church.

The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.