Merlin H. Zahrt

Merlin Zahrt, age 97, of Wausau, was called to eternal life on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Wood Aven Health and Rehabilitation. Merlin Harold Zahrt was born at home on June 25, 1928 in the Town of Easton to the late August and Bertha Zahrt. He was baptized on July 22, 1928 by Pastor W.F. Ludwig at St. John Lutheran Church. He attended Dewey School and St. John Lutheran School. He was confirmed on June 1, 1941 by Pastor J.H. Nau. Merlin remembers listening to the Lutheran Hour with his family as a young boy. When his father died in 1938, Merlin helped his mother and brothers on the family farm. His lifelong occupation, however, was to be a donut maker and baker at Dixie Cream Donut Shop in Wausau, of which he was the owner.

Merlin married Ardelle Peterson on June 23, 1951. They had two children, Kristine and Lowell. She died October 28, 1963. Merlin married Joan Kleinschmidt on September 4, 1965. Joan passed away in 2021. He was a faithful member at Trinity Lutheran Church on Stewart Avenue for over 70 years. He served on Lay Ministry, Stewardship, and Evangelism. He was an Ambassador for Lutheran Laymen’s League for over 35 years. He also was District Treasurer for the North Wisconsin District of the LLL. He regularly attended Bible class.

Merlin played trumpet in a band with his brothers for over 30 years. He volunteered at Bethesda for over 25 years. He enjoyed playing sheepshead, fishing, deer hunting, and watching the Brewers and Packers. Merlin and Joan traveled across 49 of the 50 states and to several areas in Europe, of which Germany was his favorite. He especially enjoyed time at their cottage on Manson Lake, pontooning, fishing, and relaxing. He is survived by his children Kristine (Tom) Schult and Lowell (Diane) Zahrt, all of Wausau. Grandchildren Alicia Schult (Patrick Buchs), Jordan (Jen) Schult, Ashley Schult (Dylan Wagner), and Dustin (Lisa) Zahrt. As well as Great-Grandchildren Hunter, Isaiah, Evelyn, and JJ Schult, Bella, Alijah, and Alexa Prasoeuthsy, and Ava and Jacob Zahrt. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Wilbur, Lawrence and Milton Zahrt, sisters, Hertha Peters, Zelta Schlund, Verna Schlund, Velma Runzheimer and Arlett Zahrt.

Merlin has always been thankful to the Lord for the many blessings received in his life. "Well done, Well done, my good and faithful one. Welcome to the place where you belong!" You were the best Dad ever. We love you and will miss you always!

A special 'thank you', to Christa Montie, his longtime in-home caregiver, and to the Aspirus Hospice Team during his last days. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Rev. Paul Sundbom will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Private interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church and School.