Caroline Edith (Waldo) Merk, 82, of Dexterville, passed away on May 16, 2026, at her home, under hospice care after a long battle with kidney disease, lung disease and dementia. She was surrounded by family and friends.

Carrie was born July 14, 1943, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI; daughter of Wilbur and Adeline (Bowden) Waldo and sister of Jayne Flewellen. She grew up in Pittsville, attended elementary school there, and graduated from Pittsville High School in 1961.

After graduation, Carrie worked at Nekoosa-Edwards Paper Company, then as a stay-at-home parent in Germany and Dexterville, and later had a long & successful career at Associated Bank (formerly Peoples State Bank) in Pittsville as a bank teller and bank manager. Carrie was Town Clerk for the Town of Dexter for over 40 years.

She married the love of her life, Donald Merk, on June 30, 1962, in Pittsville. Don and Carrie were married for nearly 64 years. Carrie was a devoted and loving wife; caring mother to Dan (Julie) Merk of Waunakee and Becky (Tim) Merk-Benn of Amherst; proud grandmother to Tony, Jackson, Chandler, Amara and Rene; and a cherished aunt to the Flewellen nieces and nephews.

Spending time with her family was Carrie’s most treasured activity. Carrie and Don spent countless time and miles following their children and grandchildren in all their sports, music and other activities. Carrie loved nature (especially frogs, cardinals and chickadees!), and spent many vacations camping throughout Wisconsin with friends and family. Starting in the 1970’s, the annual family camping trip to Clear Lake near Minocqua created a lifetime of amazing memories, including her winning the cribbage tournament championship in 2006.

Carrie also enjoyed cookie making, playing sheepshead & other card games, the annual cranberry festival trip, fishing, country music (especially Johnny and Willie!) and traveling with her children and grandchildren.

Carrie was preceded in death by her father, Wilbur Waldo; her mother, Adeline (Bowden) Waldo; and her brother-in-law, Lowell (Jayne) Flewellen.

The family would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Heartland Hospice nurses and assistants as well as JENerosity (Hillary), who were all nothing short of amazing during Carrie’s final months.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday July 8th, 2026. Visitation will be held from 2pm - 4pm at Buchanan-Rembs Funeral Home in Pittsville, with graveside service to follow at King George Cemetery in Dexterville. Meal will immediately follow the graveside service at the Town of Dexter town hall. Buchanan-Rembs Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to Friends of Wisconsin State Parks, in honor of Carrie. Gifts may be made directly at https://fwsp.org/donate/.