Merlyn Fredrick Wirth, age 71, passed away unexpectedly on September 18 in Moline, IL. He was born in Monroe, WI to Wilbert and Hilda (Saxer) Wirth and was the fourth-born of ten children. He grew up on a farm and attended school in Juda where he enjoyed being with his dog, Rover, rides through the countryside, and summer vacations with his best friend Duane Indergand. He and his early wife grew their family together on a farm in Boaz. Over time, he moved to Illinois and spent his career in the construction industry. It is there he met Sissy, whom he was a loving partner to until her last breath.

He was remarkably low matinenance and his reliable habit of saving special family mementos over the years was an expression of love. He dedicated much of his time to visiting with his family, tending to his garden and working with his hands, gazing at the Mississippi River, joking with siblings and cousins at a game of bately or euchre, cheering on the New England Patriots, hunting and spending time with David Wirth, reading the morning newspaper, collecting advice from his favorite radio station, and so much more.

He is survived in death by his two daughters, Sammie Wirth, Hillary (Matt) Pelton (Wirth), and three grandkids Bobbie, Kemron, and Lyra. He is further survived by his six brothers George (Mary) Wirth, Dennis Wirth, Russell (Barb) Wirth, Mark (Cindy White) Wirth, Robert Wirth, Gordy Wirth, and two sisters, Evelyn (Wirth) Svendsen and Kathleen (Russell Obermeier) Wirth Weaver; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his love, Sissy, and their beloved dog, Scruffy. He is further preceded by his grandparents, parents, brother Nathan, three nephews Robby Wirth, Jason Svendsen, and Calen Wirth, and sister-in-law Dawn Wirth. We hope they all welcomed him home. Merlyn and his impact on our lives will be missed and remembered always.

We invite you to join us for a celebration of life held on October 15th at the Cactus located at 1610 11th Street in Monroe, WI from 1:00pm-5:00pm.