Wilkens, Merlin R.

Died: 4 December 2015

Wilkens, Merlin Raymond 90 years, of Newburg, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Samaritan Health Center on 4 December 2015. He was born to Frank and Mary (Nee Moss) on 16 June 1925 in Fillmore, WI. He attended West Bend High School. Merlin Married Myrtle (Nee Kirmse) on 16 June 1945 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Newburg, WI. 

He is survived by his two children, Margo (Russell) Hanson and Larry (Judy) Wilkens; his grandchildren, Scott Hanson, Nicole Vetter, Ryan Thompson, Cassie (Daniel) Wilkens-Harris and Greg (Brittany) Wilkens; great-grandchildren, Jocelyn, James and Teddy and Lucy; and his sister-in-law, Bernice Wilkens. He is further survived by his nephew Mike Wilkens, other relatives and friends. 

Merlin was a loving father, grandfather and friend and as a firefighter came in contact with so many people sharing his humor with all. He enjoyed travel, bowling, and fishing. He was a loving Grandfather to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never said no to anyone who needed a helping hand. Being a farmer’s son, he learned to love the land. Family “God“ Community is what he believed in and taught his children. He was married to Myrtle for 68 years enjoying their time together. They had a cabin near Rice Lake, WI where they enjoyed the peace and quiet of a small lake. His smile and jokes will be missed, but the memories will never die. He passed into God’s hands with family holding his hands. 

Merlin was a volunteer fireman at the Newburg Fire Dept. for 65 years. He was honorably discharged from the US ARMY in 1946 and part of Legion Post 36 Honor Guard. He was employed at the Cheeseville Cheese Factory in Fillmore and retired from Tecumseh in Grafton. Later he worked for Johnson Bus in Fillmore. 

Merlin is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Mary Wilkens, his wife Myrtle, his in-laws, Elmer and Julia Kirmse; brother, Milton Wilkens; sister, Lucille Kremsreiter and special friend Kathy Kies. A private family burial will took place on Thursday, 10 December 2015 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Newburg, WI. 

Merlin is listed on page 108 in the Seidemann Family Tree Book 4th edition as is a 5th generation descendant of Friedrich and Rosina Seidemann. His genealogy line is as follows: Friedrich, Traugott, Emma, Frank, and Merlin. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.