Merlin J. Mayer, 96, Iola, WI passed away Monday, November 22, 2021.
He was born on April 22, 1925 in Lomira, WI to John and Loretta (Ries) Mayer. Merlin was trained to be a Journeyman meat cutter and opened his own business, Mayer’s Meat Market in Wrightstown. He met Ione Oakley at the dance hall in Lomira and later were married on May 7, 1947 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Fond du Lac. She preceded him in death in 1999. Together they had five children. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a master woodcarver. Merlin was a large environmentalist and naturalist who loved forestry. He was Waupaca Country Forester of the Year. In earlier years he was a volunteer fireman. He also loved bluegrass music and loved to jig to the music. He also enjoyed playing the guitar and singing.
Survivors include two of his children, Sue (Larry) Zimonick, Steve (Rob) Mayer-Nabbefeldt; grandchildren: Jim (Kristin) Mayer, Lisa (Tony) Van Lannen, Matt (Dani) Mayer, Michelle (Johnathan DeLaGarza) Furcho, Ryan (Sarah) Furcho; 10 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Rita Mayer; his siblings, Tony Mayer, Rosaleen Hutter; sister-in-law, Dolores Mayer; brother-in-law, Jim Hayes; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Merlin was preceded in death by his wife, Ione; his parents; three of his children, Bob Mayer, John Mayer, Tom Mayer; grandson, Tommy Mayer; siblings, Dan (Rosella) Mayer, Rich Mayer, Kathleen Hayes; brother-in-law, Bob Hutter; and sister-in-law, Connie Mayer.
Visitation will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2597 Glendale Ave., from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, November 27, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Rev. Raja Selvam officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery in Wrightstown. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.
A special thank you is extended to Sherry and the staff at Forest Glen/Good Shepherd Services, as well as the staff of Compassus Hospice for their kind and compassionate care given to Merlin and his family.
“Thy will be done.”