Merlin Edward Luedtke, 96, of Kewaskum, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, at his home with his family at his side.

He was born on Feb. 14, 1916, in the town of Kewaskum on the family farm, the son of the late Louis and Adelaide (Breseman) Luedtke, and on Nov. 20, 1943, he was united in marriage to Genevieve Kehrmeyer at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Le Roy.

Merlin was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kewaskum. He was employed by Regal Ware, retiring in 1982 after over 30 years of service and was a member of the 25-Year Club. Merlin will fondly be remembered for the enjoyment he received from hunting, fishing, camping, gardening and playing horseshoes in Fillmore. He was an avid baseball fan and a member of the Literacy Club where he taught adults to read.

Those Merlin leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 69 years, Genevieve; a son, Thomas (Linda) Luedtke of West Bend; a son-in-law, Donald Holl of West Bend; six grandchildren, Scott Holl of Kewaskum, Michael (Jennifer) Luedtke of St. Louis, Missouri, Renee Steger and Tracie (Tim) Fechter both of West Bend, Paul (Mariah) Luedtke of Germantown and Julie (Bryan) Winters of Miami; 10 great-grandchildren, Tanner and Lexus Luedtke, Luke, Spencer, and Mason Steger, Morgan Krause and Zachary Fechter, Camden, Addison and Crosby Luedtke; six brothers- in-law, Vern (Cathy) Kehrmeyer of Le Roy, Earl (Betty) Kehrmeyer and Pat Kehrmeyer both of Fond du Lac, Don (Mary) Kehrmeyer of Waupun, Rosemary Pabich of Menomonee Falls and Bob (Kathy) Daugherty of North Carolina; and other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Merlin was preceded in death by a daughter, Janice Holl; his parents-in-law, Alvin and Rose Kehrmeyer; a sister, Marcella (Frank) Janovsky; three brothers-in-law, Francis Kehrmeyer, Oscar Pabich and Addie (Carly) Lookman.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Merlin will be held at noon on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kewaskum. The Rev. Jerome Repenshek will officiate and burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Memorials to The Blood Center are appreciated.

The Miller Funeral Home in Kewaskum has been entrusted with Merlin’s arrangements. Additional information and guestbook may be found at www.millermartinfh.com.