Merry Grauman
in Merry Lou ‘Lou Lou’ Grauman, age 75, passed away with family by her side on Sunday, June 7,2026, at the Edgerton Care Center. She was born Nov. 15, 1950, in Marshfield, to Edwin E. and Ellen M. (Wellman) Grauman.
She grew up in Colby on her parent’s dairy farm with her three siblings. On the farm, she enjoyed the cats, cows, dogs, rabbits and sandbox. As a Down Syndrome child, growing up in the ‘50’s with limited services for disabilities, Merry Lou was well-taught by her parents and siblings. She later was enrolled school at Owen-Withee and Marshfield, where she worked extensively with speech/language therapists. She received and understood language well; however, expressive language was difficult.
In Dec. 1985, Merry moved to Janesville to live with her sister, Judy, and spouse Richard, who became her legal guardians. She loved working at KANDU Industries where she excelled at different jobs, her favorite being ‘pounding.’ Her work ethic was exceptional; she worked tirelessly at KANDU for 37 years where she was recognized with a ‘Most Dedicated Worker’ award. She also received awards for her longevity at KANDU. Gary Bersell, retired executive director at KANDU, was a special friend and advocate.
Lou Lou is best described as a loving and sweet person; however, she could also show her individual willpower, so typical of Down Syndrome and her German heritage. She made friends in both modes because of her weird and hilarious antics. Lou entertained herself well and liked being by herself. Merry Lou was a special individual who will be dearly missed by all who knew her-family and those at KANDU and the Edgerton Care Center. Merry is survived by her sisters: Janice Murphy and Judy Schmitz; brother, Michael (Meredith) Grauman and his stepchildren: Tansy, John, Jamie (Mark), Jeff and Jeorgette (Frank); niece, Sheila (David) Paquet and their child Willow; nephew, Ryan (Michelle) Murphy and their children Mckayla and Brenna. She is all also survived by extended family: Elizabeth Schmitz, Donna Koenig, Rebekah Morisse, Michelle Olson and her children Samantha and Steven, David (Maureen) Koenig and Ken (Kris) Koenig. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers-in-law: John ‘Jack’ Murphy and Richard Schmitz. She was also preceded in death by other extended family: Vincent Schmitz, Ronald Schmitz and John Koenig.
A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the Apfel Wolfe Funeral Home, Janesville, with Chaplain Randy Booth presiding. A celebration was held immediately after the service. Visitation was held on Monday, beginning at 10 a.m., until time of the service. Burial was Tuesday, June 16, at 1 p.m. at the Colby Cemetery, Colby. Memorials may be made to the Gary Bersell Endowment Fund at KANDU Industries.
Online condolences at www.apfelwolfe.com.
http://www.apfelwolfe.com Paid obituary 185193
