Circle of Joy in Merrill, WI

The Circle of Joy is a Community of Wellness located in Merrill, Wisconsin, on 69 acres of field and forest.  You will enjoy the view of the changing seasons from the many windows of the 100 year-old farm house, remodeled in 2004.  Edna and Fred Friman, had owned the house and land for over 40 years, having farmed and retired there. Edna and Fred loved nature, animals, growing gardens and trees, and made their living by dairy farming.  They believed in healthy living, eating organic whole foods, and using plants as medicine. 

Since they had no children, their niece, Wendie Martell, was like a daughter, growing up with the chores and pleasures of the farm.  Returning to Merrill after completing her college education, Wendie wanted to be available to help, as Edna and Fred were both nearing age eighty. Wanting to honor them and share all they had worked so hard for, Wendie land-contracted for three years, and then inherited the farm after Edna passed in November, 2003.  Fred died in March of 2005, still interested in walks, the flocks of birds he saw, and the changes of the seasons.