Merwin family reunion draws from all over U.S.

Forty-eight family members gathered for the 84th Annual Benjamin P. Merwin Reunion which was held Aug. 7, 2022 at Lake Allu in Athens.

This annual gathering of the Merwin descendants began Aug. 26, 1937 as a birthday celebration for Emily (Swan) Merwin. Ben and Emily Merwin were pioneer settlers in the Town of Holton, east of Abbotsford.

Roy C. Boneske, who is a great grandson of Ben and Emily Merwin hosted this year’s reunion at his Lake Allu home. Roy celebrated his 90th birthday the week before. Roy had the honor of being the eldest family member present at this celebration.

A potluck meal was served at noon, followed by the annual meeting and a baked goods auction to raise funds for future reunions. An old activity was brought back and prizes were awarded. Those attending this year were: Roy and Pat Boneske, Randy and Kathy Boneske, Susan and Allen Venzke, Christina and Mason Ecklund, Terry, Anne, Bianca, and Landon Boneske, Robert Boneske all of Athens, Rachel and Carol Loucks of Westboro, Gayle, Brittany, and Meagan Nechuta, Carrie and Kyle Miller, Jerry and Jean Fitzgerald of Mosinee, Darlene Zietlow, Mark Zoromski, Randy and Joan Baptist, Ralph and Heidi Merwin of Wausau, Julie Chaplinski of Medford, Dale Nelsen of Bellingham, Wash., Jim Merwin of Hastings, Minn., Brian Loucks and David Loucks of Abbotsford, Denise Jacobs of Sturgeon Bay, Lowell Merwin of Marshfi eld, Ben Boneske of Colby, Russell and Sheila Loucks of River Falls, Ann and Rob Gust of Edgar, Kyle, Lynae and Ronan Gresens of Holmen, Hugh and Pam Gresens of West Salem, Mike and Renee Falstad of Tomahawk and Margo Engebrecht of Schofield.