Search by Name

Merril Ristow Obituary

Merril Ristow

Mr. Merril Ristow, age 90, formerly of Waupaca, passed away peacefully in Brooksville, Florida, on Wednesday, January 23, 2013. He was born on January 14, 1923, in Wrightstown, to the late Wilhelm and Elizabeth (Kleuskens) Ristow. Merril served in the United States Army during WWII in the Pacific Theatre until 1945. He was part of the "Greatest Generation" of military veterans. Merril worked for Kraft Foods in Green Bay and was transferred to Chicago, whereupon he joined the Pipefitters Union Local 597. He married Kathryn Schreiter, formerly of Appleton, on September 12, 1953. They resided in Elmhurst, Illinois. Merril worked the pipefitting trades in the Chicago area until joining the Chicago Tribune building operation in 1967, where he remained until his retirement.

He is survived by one son, Paul Ristow of Appleton; three daughters and a son-in law; Elizabeth Ristow of Streamwood, IL; Kathryn Ristow of Palatine, IL; Christiaan and Janet (Ristow) Geerken of Iron Station, NC. Six grandchildren, Paula Stytz, Kevin Ristow, Laura Ristow, Matthew Ristow, Brian Mahnke, and David Mahnke and a great-grand son, Aiden Shannon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn; his son, Timothy, his sister, Mildred Carbine and his brother, Alvin Ristow.

The Funeral Liturgy for Merril will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 30, 2013, at ST THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1810 N. McDonald St. Appleton, with Father Gerald Falk officiating. Friends may call directly at the church from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be in St. Mary Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com.

Published by Appleton Post-Crescent on Jan. 27, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Merril Ristow

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

I'm sorry for your loss. Uncle merril was a wonderful man. I will miss him very much. Love you.

lucrecia claros

January 31, 2013

Thanks Uncle Merril for your wisdom. We will miss you.

Oscar Claros

January 31, 2013

Paul, Beth, Kathy and Janet---my deepest and heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your dad. May all the wonderful, happy memories help keep him always close in heart. He was a wonderful man. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Love, Nancy

Nancy Bertram

January 30, 2013

Paul, I'm so sorry for your loss. Remember the happy memories, they will get you through the days ahead.

Liz Wilson

January 29, 2013

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Merril Ristow's name

Memorial Events
for Merril Ristow

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Merril's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Merril Ristow's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more