Selma A. Weber

Selma A. Weber, 97, of Merrill, suddenly yet peacefully passed away Friday, February 7, 2025, with her son by her side at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill, under the care of “Team Selma” which was her devoted family, Pine Crest Staff, and Aspirus Hospice.

Selma was born on June 27, 1927, in Marathon County to Emil and Erna (Butt) Schuster. She was born and raised on the Town of Berlin farm. She was baptized on July 17, 1927, and confirmed on April 6, 1941, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – Naugart. She went to the Naugart School in a one room schoolhouse and had one teacher for eight grades. 

Selma was married to Earl E. Weber on June 4, 1947, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – Naugart. He was her best friend, and he preceded her in death on July 11, 2008. They both enjoyed garage sales - having and going to them. She said her best bargain investment she ever made was when she paid $2 for their marriage license. 

Selma helped on the family farm growing up. She then worked as a waitress in Wausau and then at Weinbrenner Shoe Company in Merrill. Selma also sold AVON for 30 years. She loved children and it showed in the day care she had in their home for 33 ½ years. For 15 of those years, Selma was a certified daycare provider. If her memory is correct, she cared for at least 115 children. After he retired, Earl became her helper with the daycare. Selma loved this poem, and it perfectly sums up the years she spent with the children:

Don’t Call Me Sitter Little children come to me for hugs and books and such. I care for all their simple needs and I also fix them lunch. I pick up toys, mop up spills and often dry their tears. I change their diapers, settle fights and kiss away their fears. I tie their shoes, button coats and push them on the swing. I really love these kids you see but there is just one thing; Call me teacher, aunt, or granny, those names just might fit; But please don’t call me sitter because I hardly ever sit. -Anonymous

In her younger years, Selma baked bread and other goodies for her large family. She also canned fruits and vegetables. Through the years she and Earl thoroughly enjoyed polka dancing and took every opportunity to do so. 

She loved to read, make quilts, loved her indoor and outdoor plants, playing cards, the game UP Words, and putting picture puzzles together. She collected a few dolls and angels, and lots of birdhouses for her kitchen. She loved to go to Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill for the church service and to visit the residents. Halloween was dress up time to visit. When asked what group she was with, they ended up calling themselves, “Earl’s Girls.” Their great grandkids called Earl and Selma “GGPa” and “GGMa”.

Mom had 2 sayings, “never be afraid to show your love” and “life’s not easy!” In her later life she enjoyed campfires at her kids house or hosting them at her home. 

We wonder if Mom saw an Angel prior to her passing as she had seen one above her Pa’s bed shortly before he passed. 

Survivors include her children, Nancy (Ken) Raddatz of Merrill, Dennis (Jocelynn) Weber of Merrill, Susan (Terry) Marth of Merrill, Ricki Weber, and Terry (Duwaine Nahring) Weber-Nahring of Wausau; daughter-in-law, Nadine Weber of Merrill; grandchildren, Tia Raddatz (Todd Weisenfeld) of Merrill, Kari Raddatz (Paul Kleinschmidt) of Merrill, Breck (Amy) Raddatz of Wausau, Callie (Dan) Boneck of Bend, OR, Cody (Shannon) Weber of Merrill, Chad (Missy) Weber of Cameron, WI, Craig (Andrea) Weber of Oakfield, WI; great-grandchildren, Ashley Raddatz, Dalton Wilding, Vincent Galella, Kayoda Raddatz, Ariana Raddatz, Michelle Weber, Sarah Weber, Ian Raddatz, Blake Raddatz, Isabel Weber, Parker Weber and Wyatt Weber; many nieces and nephews; and a sister-in-law and a brother-in-law. 

Selma was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Weber; parents, Emil and Erna Schuster; son, Gary Weber; great granddaughter, Amber Schmidt; siblings, Ida (Alvin ‘Lee’) Shimel, Dela (Willard) Kniess, Martin (Enid) Schuster, and Walter Schuster; nephew, Dale Shimel; great great nephew, Cody Schuster; Earl’s parents, Harry Sr. and Bertha (Gehrt) Weber; as well as many other in-laws. 

The funeral service for Selma will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, February 21, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Burial will take place in Snow Hill Cemetery, Town of Scott, Lincoln County. The visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 301 Eagle Dr., Merrill, and again after 9:00 A.M. Friday, February 21, 2025, at the church.

The funeral service will be live streamed and available for viewing under her obituary on the funeral home website. 

Mom prepared most of this obituary and also wrote “Hope you all keep loving each other. Good-bye”. 

Memorials may be made to Trinity Merrill Lutheran Church. 

 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.