Merell William Paske
PORTAGE – Merell William Paske, age 68, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital in Portage, with his loving family beside him.
Merell was born on July 21, 1957, in Portage, Wisconsin, the son of Herman Merell William Paske, Jr. and Doris May (Krueger) Paske. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage. Merell was a life-long resident of Portage.
When Merell was young, his parents moved to Caledonia township, where they built their new home attached to ‘Hermie’s Haven’, a Tavern with a small motel, which they successfully owned and operated for many years. Merell made many lifelong friends there. Being a family business, a young Merell learned to tend the bar. He loved it so much that he later went on to bartend part time at several Portage establishments over the years including: ‘The Eldorado’, ‘The Friendly Tavern’ and ‘Brothers’ just to mention a few. More recently, you may have run into Merell at ‘Riley’s’ or ‘Brothers’ where he was known to socialize and “Pay his weekly Attendance”. Or perhaps, you may have seen him behind the bar or tending to the shooters at the Gun Club. Merell was a long time member of the Portage Rod & Gun Club, where he spent a lot of time volunteering and enjoying the camaraderie of friends and relatives.
Merell loved Rhythm and Blues & Rock music with lots of electric guitars. Merell spent almost a full month in the hospital until he passed. Many staff shared how they loved coming by Merell’s hospital room because he always had lively music like Lynard Skynard or ZZ Top playing.
Sometimes Merell could come across as ‘a bit gruff’, even though he had a tender heart. Of course, those of us who knew Merell best, knew he was just a big Teddy Bear. Family meant everything to Merell. Especially his nieces and nephews, which included his Godson, Josh.
Merell is survived by his brother, Roland (Helen) Paske; sisters, Kim (Steve) Burrows, and Rona (Jim) Cross; sister-in-law, Julie Paske-McTier (Tom), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other close relatives and dear friends. Merell is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Kyle Paske; as well as all of his many aunts and uncles, other relatives and some friends that he loved dearly.
At Merell’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Portage Rod and Gun Club. Food will be provided and a cash bar will be available. A private family Inurnment will be at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Caledonia at a date & time yet to be determined.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital, in Portage, for their excellent care. Especially to his niece, Chelsea Hill, RN, who went above and beyond to be there for Merell.
Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.
