Gloria Merhalski

Gloria was born on Nov. 17, 1940, in Washburn, Wis., the daughter of the late Enard and Alice (Sirois) Steen. She was a 1958 graduate of Washburn High School, earned her bachelor’s degree from Northland College, and later received her master’s degree from Northern Michigan University in 1986.

Gloria devoted 40 years to teaching elementary school in Florence, a career she truly loved. She found great joy in the classroom and in the many lives she touched along the way.

On Oct. 10, 1963, Gloria married Robert Merhalski at St. Mary Catholic Church in Florence. Together, they built a loving home and raised three children.

A woman of deep faith, Gloria was an active and devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed teaching CCD, participating in Bible study, and attending Cursillo retreats and pilgrimages around the world. She generously gave her time volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul and at the church.

Gloria had a lifelong love of music — she enjoyed playing, singing, and dancing. She played the piano, organ, and guitar. She also found joy in the outdoors, whether walking, biking, boating, downhill or cross-country skiing. Gloria treasured quiet moments spent reading her many books as well as time in the kitchen cooking for her beloved grandchildren. She often helped in her husband’s garden, picking berries, canning, and baking.

Gloria is lovingly survived by her three children, Darren (Natalie) Merhalski of Suamico, Wis., Lynn (Marc) Beauregard of Munith, Mich., and Lori (Brad) Balza of St. Paul, Minn.; 13 grandchildren, who were the light of her life: Mitchell, Maxwell, Sam, Annie (Steven), Mary, Joseph, Michael, Maison (Alexis), Micah, Claire, Rose, Noah and Blaise; three great-grandchildren: Myles, Waylon, Lyla and one on the way. She is also survived by her sisters, Carol Deeth and Linda Steen; and her brother, Gary Steen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert; and her brothers, Tom Steen and John Steen.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Florence Health Services for their compassionate care, kindness, and support. Your dedication and comfort meant more to us than words can express. “We are deeply grateful to the entire staff at Florence Health Services for the loving care, patience, and dignity you showed our mother. Your kindness brought comfort to her and to our family during a very difficult time.”

Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home in Florence. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Florence, with Father Soja Joseph officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Commonwealth in the spring.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Gloria’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home and Cremation Services to honor Gloria’s legacy of life.