Merle A. Thull, age 84 of Englewood, FL (formerly of Wild Rose, WI), passed away in his Florida home on Sunday, November 20, 2011.
Merle was born March 20, 1927 in Pickett, WI. He was the son of Edward and Irene Jannausch Thull. He was a 1945 graduate of Berlin High School. He started active duty in May, 1945 and was a US Navy veteran of WWII. He was honorably discharged on August 26, 1946, receiving 4 medals. Merle later attended college and had a career in Industrial Engineering.
He worked at Speed Queen in Ripon for 42 years, retiring in 1989. He was a member of the VFW,
the Moose Lodge, and the Eagles Club in Englewood, FL. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW
and American Legion in Wild Rose, and the WRK Fishing Club. In his spare time, the most important
and fun things Merle loved to do were playing his guitar and singing Johnny Cash songs, among other
classic Country music. He was quite the entertainer as a lot of people well know. Music became a
special connection between him and his son, Edward, who played and sang with him. He had a way
about him that was a lot of fun and entertaining, and he had an honest personality. Everyone who knew
him, loved him. He was loyal Packer and Brewer fan and enjoyed watching the games.
He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Avis (Woodward) Thull and her family; his children, Diane
(Steven) Putzer of Omro, Edward (Deborah) of Omro, Dorene (Gerald) Werch of Redgranite, and
Laura (Jeff) Weckwerth of Ripon; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Bernice
(Richard) Carley of Berlin. He was preceded in death by his parents; his late wife, Barbara (Drover)
Thull whom he was married to for 48 years; son, Frederick; son-in-law, Teddy Ramirez; granddaughter,
Angela Werch; and sister, Jalaine Bunker.
A Mass of Christian Burial for the celebration of Merle’s life will be held on Saturday, December 3 at
11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wautoma, the Rev. Robert Stegmann officiating. The
family will receive friends and relatives from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
Inurnment will be in Eureka Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbola Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
The family would like to express a special thank you to all the staff that cared for Merle at the Venice
Hospital in Venice, FL. Your bedside manner and kindness helped in many ways. Also, to his
daughter, Dorene, and wife, Avis, who stood by his side and cared for him up until the very last day.
Thank you for all your love, compassion, and support.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at barbolafc@yahoo.com