Paulina "Paula" H. Osness

Paulina “Paula” Helen Osness, age 72, of Merrill, “went out with her boots on”, on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Woodland Court Elder Services, Merrill. She was born on March 19, 1953, to the late Bernard “Ben” and Helen (Krueger) Winkelman, in Irma, WI. Paula attended and graduated from Merrill High School. She went on to work in an administrative / secretarial role at Howard Young Medical Center and Riverside Athletic Club in Merrill, as well as working in sales for WPS Health Insurance Company. Paula and her family would look forward to trips to Copper Harbor, MI, where she was able to spend quality time with her family. She adored and cherished her grandchildren, loved to visit with family and friends, playing games together and was overall the life of the party! Paula had a strong faith in God and her spirituality was steadfast. She enjoyed flower gardening, crafting all sorts of projects and listening to old country music, especially Johnny Cash. Paula was an amazing and driven woman that will be sadly missed by all knew and loved her.

Paula leaves behind her daughter: Lea (Jeff) Marthaler of Goodrich, WI, son: Steve (Kendra) Osness of Merrill, WI, her beloved grandchildren: Ethan, Payge and Raya, sisters: Sally (Leonard) Smith of Michigan, Joey Powers of Ohio and Carol Caylor of Merrill, WI and brother: Larry Winkelman of Tomahawk, WI. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, good friends and her many fur-babies!

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Steven Osness Sr., brother: Ben Winkelman and sister: Linda Koob.

A Celebration of Paula’s life will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., at the Dugout Bar, N2472 County Road K, Merrill, WI 54452.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services for their care and support during this time. They also want to thank and acknowledge the wonderful staff at Woodland Court Elder Services, especially Amanda, Lindsey, Jasmine and Laurie. Your love and dedication will never be forgotten.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.

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