Carl Donald Mercier Sr.

Carl Donald Mercier, Sr., age 81, of Marinette, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Saturday January 3, 2026 at home surrounded by loved ones.
Carl was born on March 31, 1944, in Escanaba, Michigan to the late William and Mary Loretta (McDonald) Mercier. At a young age, he survived polio-an experience that shaped his resilience, strength and deep empathy for others. This early challenge became a foundation for a life devoted to service, understanding and compassion.
Above all else, Carl was a devoted husband to Estelle, and a caring and loving father to all their children. He lived his life as a mentor, leader, and led as an example of what a truly remarkable and successful man is and should be.
Carl earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in history and education from Northern Michigan University. Carl dedicated 31-years of his professional life to education where he taught U.S. History and Government at Marinette High School where he instilled civic responsibility, critical thinking, and continuous learning to generations of students. He expanded his teaching to NWTC and Silver Lake College teaching Sociology as well. He then continued serving the Marinette community as Municipal Judge from 2006 to 2019 where he ruled with fairness, integrity and humanity.
Carl maintained connections with those in the community with being a member of the Jaycees, Elks Club, Moose Lodge and Lions Club. He was also a member of the Marinette, Wisconsin and National Education Associations and the National Council of Social Studies.
Carl and his wife hosted and mentored 16 exchange students from all over the world where he made special bonds with all the students especially, Fernando Zelaya from El Salvador, Simon Glud Gronlund from Denmark, and Hideaki Higa from Japan.
He spent many evenings participating in extracurriculars that included assisting in coaching various sports in his early career and heading the War Games Club for the students at the high school.
When Carl wasn't serving the community, you could always find him at home with Estelle and family enjoying a delicious meal, reading a book, or spending time with a furry companion, most recently, Ace and Lola. He would spend summers during his teaching career selling cars and mobile homes, camping, and gardening. After his and Estelle's retirement, they enjoyed their time with their family and friends at their cabin in the north woods, cruising in his Corvette, traveling to the Gulf Shores of Mississippi, and across the country visiting and exploring.
Carl is survived by his wife Estelle Mercier; children: Christi Mercier, Darren (Tricia) Mercier, Nicole (Eric) Hausch, and Emily Trejo, many sisters and brothers-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Carl is preceded in death by his son Carl Mercier, Jr.; his parents; siblings: Helen (Virgil) Pasik, John (Joyce) Mercier, and William (Ruth) Mercier, Jr.
The family wants to send a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Unity Hospice.
Visitation will be held at Thielen Funeral home on Wednesday January 7th from 2pm to 5:30pm. A prayer service will be held at 5:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.