Merlin Frederick Wilde

Merlin Frederick Wilde, 81, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 2, 2025.

Merlin was born in Winona, Minnesota on March 15, 1944 to the late Erwin A. Wilde and Laverna (Grimm) Wilde. He was one of three children. Merlin was baptized and confirmed his faith in Christ, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lewiston, MN. He attended St. John’s Lutheran School in Lewiston, where his father was a teacher. Merlin graduated from Lewiston High School in 1962. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1966, at Dr. Martin Lutheran College, New Ulm, MN.

Merlin was assigned to teach grades 6-7 and serve as Athletic Director at Atonement Lutheran School in Milwaukee, WI. In 1968 he accepted the Divine Call to teach at St. John’s Lutheran School in Newburg, WI. Merlin served as a multi-grade Teacher, Principal, and Athletic Director until 1993.

Merlin was also one of eighteen “Founding Fathers” of Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, located in Jackson, WI. He also served two terms on the High School’s Executive Board.

Merlin loved working on the computer. He wrote a multiple-choice quiz program for Elementary School Students, covering Wisconsin Facts, History, Government, and even Trivia about the State of Wisconsin. It can still be found and played at https://tinyurl.com/discover-wisconsin-online.

You can also find a Blog, Merlin wrote, covering the “Basics of the Constitution” of the United States of America- http://basics-us-constitution.blogspot.com.

Growing up, Merlin loved playing the Sport of the Season, with the kids in the neighborhood. He played baseball in college, as well as with several village teams, beginning in Lewiston. Merlin’s favorite University team was the Minnesota Gophers. Since Minnesota didn’t have any professional teams when he was growing up, he became a Milwaukee Braves (Brewers) and Green Bay Packers Fan.

Those left to cherish Merlin’s memory include his brother, Dean, niece Annette, and nephews, John and David, (Ellen).

In addition to his parents, Merlin is preceded in death by his brother, Hilbert “Herb” and nephew, Paul.

A private service for Merlin will take place at a later date.

Memorials maybe sent to St. John’s Lutheran Church or School in Newburg, WI. Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School in Jackson, WI.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Merlin’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myhrum-patten.com.