Merwin Family Reunion in Athens

A “Bean Spitting” contest started off the day for the Merwin Family Reunion held Aug. 4 at Lake Allu, Athens. Everyone brought dishes to pass for the potluck meal served at noon. A white elephant sale and a 50/50 raffle raised funds for future reunions. Prizes were awarded for the bean spitting contest and other games that were played. A picture memorial was on display for Jean Romang, who passed away in May 2024. Her life goal was to reach her 100th birthday, which she did in December 2023. Along with Jean, the group sadly remembered four other family members who passed away this year: Keith Engebrecht, Oakley Venzke, Larry Eggebrecht and Ellen Nelsen. Planning is underway for the August 2025 reunion to be held in Mosinee. Attending the reunion from Athens were Robert Boneske; Roy and Pat Boneske; Randy and Kathy Boneske; Nicholas, Amanda, Amia and Kirianna Boneske; Terry, Anne, Bianca and Landon Boneske; Allen and Susan Venzke. Also attending were Margo Engebretson; Darlene Zietlow; Susan Engebrecht; Debbie Knudsen (all of Wausau); Ann and Rob Gust, Edgar; Christina Boneske, Clintonville; Russel and Sheila Loucks, River Falls; Mike Loucks; Kimberly Hall; Albert Hall; Andrew Loucks (all from Curtiss); Denise Jacobs, Sturgeon Bay; Randy and Joan Baptist, Deerbrook; Dave Loucks and Jack Esselman, Abbotsford; Jill Pickreign, Stetsonville; Carrie Miller; Gayle, Brittney and Meagan Nechuta; Jerry and Jean Fitzgerald (all from Mosinee); Mike and Audrey Burger; Julie Chaplinski, Medford; Ben Boneske, Richard and Kathy Boneske; Matthew Boneske and Roxanne (all from Colby); Hugh and Pam Gresens and Kyle, Lynae, Lyriq and Ronan Gresens (all from Holmen); Dale Nelson, Bellingham, Wash.; Jim Merwin, Hastings, Minn.

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