Melva Ella Nahring

Melva Nahring, born Mueller, lived a long and remarkable life of 102 years before joining her husband Vernon on March 9, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital with her children by her side.

Born on February 20, 1924, in the Town of Wien to Edwin Sr. and Alma Mueller (Grosskrutz), Melva was the oldest of eight children. She attended the local one-room schoolhouse, graduating from eighth grade, and was baptized, attended Sunday School, and confirmed at St. John ELCA on Hwy N in Edgar. There, on June 25, 1947, she married her sweetheart Vernon, honoring her promise to him for 73 years. Together they were blessed with four children: Dianne, Janet, who passed away as an infant, DuWaine, and Dawn.

After their marriage, Melva and Vernon joined St. Peters Lutheran Church in Fenwood, where she sang in the choir, participated in the women’s aid group, served as janitor, and belonged to the altar guild and the Fenwood Homemakers. Her working life began at Marathon Electric before family became her full-time focus. She later returned to work at the Edgar Basket Factory, now Edgar Standard Company, sewing liners for bassinets, picnic baskets, and doll furniture. Sewing remained her great pride and joy. Known as Fenwood’s seamstress, she could hem, alter, or create anything needed, from prom dresses and wedding gowns to miniature bride dresses. She lovingly sewed her daughters’ and granddaughters’ wedding dresses.

Between sewing and tending her garden, Melva found time to can fruit, make jelly and wine, and bake. Her apple pies were a closely guarded holiday tradition, and her pumpkin pies brought smiles even though she modestly claimed to follow the recipe on the can. Birthdays were marked by fresh chocolate chip cookies delivered in Cool Whip containers, and family members cherished her spontaneous calls inviting them over for lazy daisy cake or chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.

Melva is survived by her three children, nine grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, as well as her brother Elgart Mueller of Edgar. She was preceded in death by her parents, her infant daughter Janet, her husband Vernon, several siblings, and other dear family members. The first gift many of her grandchildren received was a handmade baby blanket stitched by her own hands.