Merle Martin

Merle E. Martin, age 92, passed away on Friday, August 24, 2012, at Appleton Medical Center. He was born on September 24, 1919, in Eagle Grove, Iowa, the son of the late A. Howard and Catherine (Prehm) Martin. He was a graduate of Eagle Grove High School in 1937. On July 28, 1951, he was united in marriage to Lorraine Patnode in Antigo, WI. Merle joined the US Coast Guard in April of 1940, and served our country until 1946. During World War II he spent most of his time in the South Pacific aboard the USS Hunter Liggett. Upon discharge, he hired out with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, where he worked for 34 years before retiring in 1980.

Merle is survived by his two sons, Howard (Peggy) Martin, Hilbert, and Bill (Lynn) Martin, Little Chute, six grandchildren, Miranda (John) Schuh, Mike (special friend Sarah) Martin, Leah (Derek) Kenny, Carl (Laura) Martin, Ben Martin, and Kristin (Nick) Matzdorf, one great-grandchild, Rhys, and one sister-in-law, Ruth Ison, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine, one sister, Ruth Larson, and one brother Reed.

Memorial service for Merle will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29, 2012, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 501 Sullivan Ave, Kaukauna, with Pastor Melinda Feller officiating. Friends and family may call at the church on Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. until the time of service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.

The family would like to thank Dr. Johnson and Tabetha, Pastor Melinda, the staff at AMC, American Grand, and Theda Care Hospice for all their care comfort and support you have given Merle. Your kindness will never be forgotten.