Merle was born on February 18, 1925 to Albert and Minnie
(Jarchow) Smedegard in the township of Chelsea. She attended Mondeaux Graded
School and graduated from Medford High School in 1943. She married Ernest Tervi
on April, 8, 1950 in Alma, WI; he preceded her in death in 1995.
After her education, she worked at Lake Superior District
Power Company in Rib Lake and the Rib Lake Herald prior to marriage. She then worked
as a customer service assistant and proofreader for the Tribune-Phonograph in
Abbotsford and later at the Star News in Medford until her retirement.
She enjoyed puzzles, correspondence on the computer, trips
to the casino, and socializing with locals at Friday night fish fries. She was
a past member of Trinity Lutheran Church – Chelsea and Westboro VFW Auxiliary.
Merle is survived by her daughter, Marie Tervi of Wausau.
In addition to her parents, Merle is preceded in death by
her son, Ernie Tervi in 2008; siblings, Hazel Wuethrich, Cecelia Leischer, Lyle
Smedegard, James Smedegard, Ken Smedegard, Verna Wacek, and Stella Smedegard.
Funeral Services for Merle will at 11:00 AM on Friday,
February 21, 2020 at First Lutheran Church in Westboro, with Pastor Steve
Weston officiating. Cremation will follow and burial will take place at a later
date at Mt. Olive Cemetery. Visitation will take place at First Lutheran Church
on Friday, February 21, 2020 from 9:30 AM until the time of service at 11:00
AM.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Merle’s name may be
made to the Westboro VFW Auxiliary #7817 or the First Lutheran Church in
Westboro.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake have been
entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left a
www.hemerfuneralservice.com.
