Merlin Raymond Wilkens of Newburg, WI. Age 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Samaritan Health Center on December 4, 2015. He was born to Frank and Mary (Nee Moss) on June 16, 1925 in Filmore, WI. He attended West Bend High School. Merlin Married Myrtle (Nee Kirmse) on June 16, 1945 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Newburg, WI.

Merlin was a loving father, grandfather and friend. Being a firefighter coming in contact with so many people sharing his humor with all. He enjoyed travel, bowling, fishing then later in life his grandchildren then great-grandchildren. He never said no to anyone who needed a helping hand. Being a farmer's son, he learned to love the land. Family – God – Community is what he believed in and taught his children. He was married to Myrtle for 68 years enjoying their time together. They had a cabin near Rice Lake, WI. There they enjoyed the peace and quiet of a small lake. His smile and jokes will be missed, but the memories will never die. He passed into God's hands with family holding his hands. A special thanks to St. Joseph's Hospital ICU staff. They made his last hours peaceful and comfortable.

Merlin was a volunteer fireman at the Newburg Fire Dept for 65 years. He was honorably discharged from the US ARMY in 1946 and part of Legion Post 36 Honor Guard. He was employed at the Cheeseville Cheese Factory in Filmore. He retired from Tecumseh in Grafton and later worked for Johnson Bus in Filmore.

He is survived by his 2 children, Margo (Russell) Hanson and Larry (Judy) Wilkens; his grandchildren, Scott Hanson, Nicole Vetter, Ryan Thompson, Cassie (Daniel) Wilkens-Harris and Greg (Brittany) Wilkens; great-grandchildren, Jocelyn, James and Teddy and Lucy; sister-in-law, Bernice Wilkens. He is further survived by his nephew Mike Wilkens, other relatives and friends.

Merlin is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Mary Wilkens, his wife Myrtle, his in-laws, Elmer and Julia Kirmse; brother, Milton Wilkens; sister, Lucille Kremsreiter and special friend Kathy Kies.

A private family burial will take place on Thursday, December 10th, 2015 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Newburg, WI.

Memorials are appreciated to the charity of your choosing in Merlin's name.

A special thank you to Fields of Washington County, Samaritan Health Center and St. Joseph's Hospital ICU for their care and tender love.