Doreen A. Pugh

On December 17, Doreen peacefully went home to meet her Lord and Savior and to be reunited with her beloved parents, whom she missed every day. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and devotion to family that will continue to bless all who knew her.

Doreen was born on December 6, 1945, in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, to Elsie and Clarence Baldwin. She graduated from Merrill High School in 1964 at the top of her class. Following graduation, she moved with her family to Santa Monica, California, where she attended Santa Monica Community College, studying English and Journalism. In 1966, she returned to Wisconsin, where her heart and home would remain.

On June 22, 1968, Doreen married her devoted husband, Wayne Pugh, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. During Wayne’s pastoral ministry, Doreen worked in administrative assistant positions in Ohio and South Dakota, faithfully supporting his calling. In 1971, they returned to Wisconsin to put down roots and raise their family. Doreen worked at Helmstadter’s Jewelry in downtown Merrill before embracing her most cherished role of wife, mother, and homemaker. She was also a frequent and enthusiastic volunteer at Franklin Elementary School while her daughters attended classes there.

Doreen had a deep love for home and community. She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, quilting, crafting, refunding, and couponing. A lifelong volunteer, she served for many years as a Girl Scout leader and founded the long-running Girl Scout service project, Love-a-Pet, benefiting the Lincoln County Humane Society. Her faith guided her life, and she served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher for many years.

She was known for her love of holiday decorating—especially Halloween—and delighted in hosting trick-or-treaters every October 31. Doreen loved opening her home for holidays, birthday parties, family dinners, and gatherings with friends. She was an avid reader, a lover of dogs, and enjoyed long walks with her husband. She also delighted in collecting teapots, pink Fenton glass, and china. In Doreen’s household, every holiday had its own set of special china!

Doreen was a devoted grandmother who cherished caring for her grandchildren, treasuring time spent taking them on trips and picnics, and attending their concerts, plays, and special school and scouting events.

Doreen was preceded in death by her parents, Elsie and Clarence Baldwin, and her brother, Gary Baldwin.

She is survived by her loving husband, Wayne; her daughters, Amy (Len) Bergmann and Betsy (Brad Sweet) Duginski; four grandchildren, Ariel (Amanda) Bergmann, Michael (Rebecca) Bergmann, Rachel Bergmann, and James (Hannah Marquardt) Duginski; and two great-grandchildren, Nora Bergmann and Samuel Bergmann.

A memorial service will be held Monday, December 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Merrill. Pastor Mike Zahn will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the church.

If you wish to honor Doreen’s memory, consider making a memorial donation to the Lincoln County Humane Society or the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes Council.

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