Florence: Viola Merhalski, 91, of Florence, passed away quietly on December 30, 2005, at the Florence Villa Nursing Home in Florence. She was a lifelong resident of Florence County, having been born in Fence Wisconsin on April 16, 1914, the daughter of Adam and Albert Soderberg. She married Tony Merhalski in October of 1935. He preceded her in death in 1958. She worked in the Chicago area briefly after her husband's death, but always called Florence home. She was well known in the area, having been a local bartender for many years. She was a great bowler, and enjoyed playing cards and cooking. She was a member of the Florence VFW Ladies Auxiliary for many years. She is survived by two sons, Jim Merhalski of Valrico Florida, and Steve (Karen) Merhalski of Concord, NH, her brother Ernest (Joyce) Soderberg of Redford Michigan, her daughter-in-law Jerri Merhalski, eight grandchildren, five great-grand-children, and one great-great grandchild as well as many well loved nephews and nieces. Besides her husband and parents, Viola was preceded in death by one son, Tony Merhalski; four brothers, Alfred, William, David and Harold Soderberg, and four sisters, Esther Forseth, Lois Nelson, Mabel Panek, Edith Gammey;a daughter-in-law Monica Soderberg, and a grandson Jimmy Jay Soderberg. Visitation will be held on Thursday January 5, 2006 from 10-11am at The Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Chapel in Florence, with funeral service at 11:00a.m. Pastor Doug Johnson will officiate. Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Viola's family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com. The Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home of Florence is serving the family.