Michael ‘Mike’ John Wanie, age 44, of Merrill, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020 at his residence. He was born on July 24, 1975 to John Wanieand Diane (Kuntz) Messinger in Tomahawk. Mike attended and graduated from Tomahawk High School with the class of 1994. He enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school, proudly and bravely serving his country. Mike met Melissa Erickson and the two exchanged marriage vows on Oct. 29, 2006 in Merrill. She survives.

Mike most recently worked at Salelytics in Wausau in customer service, sales and advertising. Prior to Salelytics, he was employed by Church Mutual Insurance Company as an adjuster and did some graphic designing for them. Mike was also the security director at the Wausau Mall. Mike is described as a caring, gentle man with a fun sense of humor. He adored his family, especially his children. He enjoyed drawing, painting, building dioramas for GI Joes, Star Trek and Star Wars, as well as making accessories for them. Mike enjoyed camping with his family and taking in as many games of Airsoft as possible. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the Town of Pine River and the Merrill Masonic Lodge. Mike will be sadly missed but kept in the hearts of all who knew him.

Mike is survived by his wife: Melissa Wanie of Merrill, father: John Wanie of La Crosse, mother: Diane (Mike) Messinger of Tomahawk, children: Branden Erickson, Justin Wanie, Kirstin Jean Wanie, Aiden and Ethan Wanie, all of Merrill, brothers: Tony (Ann) Wanie and Jesse Wanie, sisters: Rolinda Garcia and Johanna Wanie, maternal grandmother: Beverly Kuntz, mother and father-in-law: Jeanne (Kyle) Schubring and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather: Clarence Kuntz and paternal grandmother: Edith Wanie.

A memorial service for Mike will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill. The Rev. Gregory Laska will be officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 from 9 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the funeral home. The V.F.W. Post #1638 will perform military honors at the funeral home immediately following the service.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.