Merle Terry McAuley passed away October 22, 2024 at the age of 89 at Arborwood Lodge in Wisconsin Rapids.
Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Peter Plagenz will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services on Saturday at the funeral home.
Terry was born December 11, 1934 to Mabel and Harry “Mick” McAuley in Waupaca, Wisconsin. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Waupaca, and he liked to brag that he was valedictorian of the class of 1952, only later adding he was the only student in his graduating class. As a child, he and his older sister helped their parents run a general store, and later gas station, attached to their home.
Terry attended UW Stevens Point and competed on the wrestling team before he was drafted for the Army. He was stationed in Germany, and he liked to share stories of his travel and leisure while on leave, including attending Oktoberfest and skiing in the Alps. Using his experience as a surveyor in the military, he secured a job working with the Department of Transportation Highway Department. He retired from the DOT after 43 years.
Terry married Helen Laack on November 11, 1961, and they had two sons, Scott and Mark. Before knee and hip replacements slowed him down physically, Terry had many active hobbies that he enjoyed sharing with his sons and grandchildren. He spent countless hours with the St. Paul’s Pioneers and enjoyed playing cards (specifically Sheepshead and Cribbage), trapping, ice fishing, golfing, camping, canoeing, and gardening. He attended numerous Rafters games and UW Stevens Point basketball games. He also enjoyed taking trips with friends and family, including several NASCAR trips.
After his retirement from the Department of Transportation, Terry enjoyed meeting friends for breakfast or playing cards. You could catch him “making the rounds” - driving around the area and stopping in for a quick visit with friends and family - and inviting everyone to “stop on by.” Family and friends were very important to him, and he would go out of his way for a chance to socialize. Terry was the family archiver, capturing moments with tape recorders, camcorders, and photos. We are grateful to have these now to spark memories as there are so many good ones.
Terry is survived by his sons, Scott (Susan) McAuley of Wisconsin Rapids, and Mark (Jeanne) McAuley of Wisconsin Rapids; his grandchildren, Jennifer (Jacob) Fortune of McFarland, Jami (Michael) Kapral of Newton, Benjamin McAuley of Wisconsin Rapids, Nicholas McAuley of Wisconsin Rapids, and Maggie (Kevin) Krug of Vesper; his great-grandchildren, Anna and John Kapral, and Boone and Bridger Krug.
Terry lost his wife, Helen, just 17 days prior. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Mabel and Mick, and his sister, Vernelle Przybylski, and her husband, Donald.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Arborwood staff, for their care and compassion.