Engelberry Farm to Close After 40 Years

Engleberry Farms, a local favorite of Merrill and Lincoln County residents is set to close at the end of the growing season.

Husband and Wife team Jeannine and Mike Matushak will be retiring following 40 years as a summertime staple for strawberry lovers in the area.

The Matushak farm will become the latest local berry farm to close its doors, joining Mike’s Berries in Wausau, M&M Berries in Merrill, and Merry’s Berries in Antigo, all of which have shut down in recent years. They say the physically demanding work, along with a lack of younger people entering the industry, made retirement the right decision after four decades in business. Despite the announcement, this year’s strawberry crop is still expected around June 20, with the season typically lasting about three weeks.