Merlin E. Dammen age 75 of Argyle, WI, passed away Saturday, September 4, 2010, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born April 4, 1935 in Argyle Township, WI, the son of Eddie and Lenore (Gilbertson) Dammen. Merlin attended Everson Grade School and Blanchardville High School. He served in the U.S. Army from January of 1954 until November of 1955 during the Korean War. Merlin was united in marriage to Elizabeth "Betty" McGowan on January 21, 1956 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville, WI. They lived and farmed in Argyle Township until June of 2010, when they moved into the Village of Argyle.
Merlin is survived by his wife: Betty; four sons: Stephen (Joni) Dammen, Richard (Tammy) Dammen, and Gary (Amy) Dammen all of Argyle, and Daryl (Jenny) Dammen of South Wayne, WI; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers: Sylvan (Nancy) Dammen of Argyle and Paul (Marie) Dammen of Monroe, WI; three sisters: Delores (Milford) Gabioud of Argyle, Sylvia (Paul) Badertscher of Darlington, WI, and Barbara (Ron) Engebretson of Lancaster, WI; and one brother-in-law: Bob (Eloise) McGowan of Blanchardville. He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson: Nicholes Dammen; his father and mother-in-law: Harty and Jane McGowan; one brother-in-law: Bill McGowan; and one sister-in-law: Mary (Leland) Granberg.
Merlin was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Argyle. He was also a member of Dobson-Johnson American Legion Post # 142 of Blanchardville, Lafayette DHI Association, and was a charter member of Blackhawk Saddle Club. Merlin served on the board of directors for the Lafayette County Holstein Association. He was a delegate for Tri-State Breeders. Merlin hosted a Twilight meeting. He enjoyed playing cards, dancing, training horses, working with his cattle, and spending time with his family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, September 8, 2010, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 213 North Lafayette Street in Argyle with Rev. David Wanish officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in rural Argyle where military graveside rites will be accorded by Argyle American Legion Post #251 and Dobson-Johnson American Legion Post # 142 of Blanchardville. A visitation will be held Tuesday, September 7, 2010, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
Merlin is survived by his wife: Betty; four sons: Stephen (Joni) Dammen, Richard (Tammy) Dammen, and Gary (Amy) Dammen all of Argyle, and Daryl (Jenny) Dammen of South Wayne, WI; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers: Sylvan (Nancy) Dammen of Argyle and Paul (Marie) Dammen of Monroe, WI; three sisters: Delores (Milford) Gabioud of Argyle, Sylvia (Paul) Badertscher of Darlington, WI, and Barbara (Ron) Engebretson of Lancaster, WI; and one brother-in-law: Bob (Eloise) McGowan of Blanchardville. He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson: Nicholes Dammen; his father and mother-in-law: Harty and Jane McGowan; one brother-in-law: Bill McGowan; and one sister-in-law: Mary (Leland) Granberg.
Merlin was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Argyle. He was also a member of Dobson-Johnson American Legion Post # 142 of Blanchardville, Lafayette DHI Association, and was a charter member of Blackhawk Saddle Club. Merlin served on the board of directors for the Lafayette County Holstein Association. He was a delegate for Tri-State Breeders. Merlin hosted a Twilight meeting. He enjoyed playing cards, dancing, training horses, working with his cattle, and spending time with his family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, September 8, 2010, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 213 North Lafayette Street in Argyle with Rev. David Wanish officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in rural Argyle where military graveside rites will be accorded by Argyle American Legion Post #251 and Dobson-Johnson American Legion Post # 142 of Blanchardville. A visitation will be held Tuesday, September 7, 2010, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.