Merna Arlene Schuman

Merna Arlene Schuman of Antigo, passed away on May 5, 2023 at Rosalia Gardens, following her battle with Parkinson’s. She was surrounded by her family and was under the care of LeRoyer Hospice. She was 88 years old.

Merna was born on June 14, 1934 in Hammond, WI on the family farm, daughter of the late Ira and Blanche (Deering) Goodell.

She graduated from Antigo High School class of 1952. She went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from U.W. Stout. She married the love of her life, Paul Schuman on June 16, 1956 at the Antigo Congregational Church.

Merna worked as a teacher’s aide at the North Central Health Care Center, working with both adults and children 3-5 years old. She also learned and taught sign language.

Merna was a former member of St. John Lutheran Church in Polar. She participated in the church choir and enjoyed the bell choir there as well. Most recently she was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church. She was active in 4-H and enjoyed body recall exercise classes. Merna loved the outdoors and observing birds and wildflowers. She was a talented singer and seamstress, even sewing her daughter’s prom dress. She enjoyed traveling and especially enjoyed the Alaskan cruise she took with Paul. Her family meant everything to her. She treasured the time spent with grandkids, whether it was time at the lake cottage, a tea party, or a game of crazy eights. She loved get togethers with her sisters and cousins and having the whole family over for holidays.

In addition to her husband, Merna is survived by children, Cindi (Bob) Thiede of Mesa, AZ, Scott (Lori) Schuman of Wild Rose, WI, and Paula (Eric) Berg of Antigo, sister Audrey Randall of Wild Rose, WI, grandchildren, Ben (Christa) Thiede of Vancouver, BC, Megan Thiede (Justin Tidwell) of Mesa, AZ, Becky Thiede (Rob Barlow) of Tucson, AZ, Zach (Jaclyn) Schuman of Kaukauna, Logan Schuman (Kaitlyn Christner) of Harrisonburg, VA, Erica (Cliff) Dischinger of Manitowish Waters, and Kevin Berg of Antigo, 9 great grandchildren and 1 on the way.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister Zella Mae Olsen and brothers-in-law Roger Randall and Everett Olsen.

A funeral service for Merna will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church with Pastor Jennifer Sosinski officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home and again prior to the service on Thursday at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Burial will follow the service at Town of Polar Cemetery. Merna's funeral service will also be live streamed on the Strasser-Roller Funeral Home Facebook page for those who are not able to attend in person. You can tune in by using the link https://fb.me/e/ZZ3oaLhk?mibextid=RQdjqZ .

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Merna’s name may be directed to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research at

https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=2605&np=true. Donations given in person will also be directed to the foundation.

Merna’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Rosalia Gardens for their compassion and care throughout Merna’s time there.

Strasser-Roller Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends may visit online at strasserrollerfuneralhome.com.