Merle M. Coley

Merle Coley, age 89, passed peacefully away in a Minnesota hospital. Merle was born near Bear Creek on May 7, 1925, daughter of the late John and Christina (Buss) Sieber. She was a graduate of Clintonville High School, and married Russell Coley on June 12, 1948. He preceded her in death in 2008. Merle will be remembered for the days when she helped in the kitchen at the Nichols Elementary School, as well as for her many years of employment at AAL (Thrivent Financial). She was an excellent cook and baker, and enjoyed crafts of all kinds.

Merle is survived by three loving children: Bruce (Diane) Coley of Wauwatosa; Debra (Joseph) Van Beek of Green Bay; and Randy (Sandy) Coley of Forest Lake, Minnesota; a daughter-in-law: Cindi Coley of Mequon; ten adoring grandchildren: Jennifer (Brett) Justman, Jill Coley (Scott Huizar), Kristi (David) Coley-Stephan, Tim Coley, Tom Burke, Amy (Johannes) VanVeen, Stephanie (Jordan) Grimes, Merrick Van Beek, Brian Coley (Ashley Culbert), and Jeff Coley; thirteen cherished great-grandchildren: James, Camille, Isaac, Maya, Jake, Gavin, Michael, Marie, Isabelle, Ian, Gavin, Jadan, and Quinn; and two sisters: Joraine Groat of Michigan and Marcella (Lawrence) Bohman of Brillion. Merle was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Russell, a son Reid Coley, a great-grandson Tommy Burke, four sisters, and four brothers.

Funeral services for Merle will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at the Wichmann Funeral Home in Appleton, with Rev. Judy Deckert officiating. Inurnment will follow at Highland Memorial Park at a later date. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.wichmannfargo.com. The family will be establishing a memorial fund for the Alzheimer's Association.

Merle's family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the entire staff of Edgewood Senior Living in Blaine, Minnesota. We will never forget your kindness, love and support.