Merlin H. Barts, 73, of Kiel died Thursday afternoon July 26, 2012 at his home. He was born Dec 19, 1938 in the Town of Herman, son of the late Edgar & Elsie (Rades) Barts. On August 22, 1959 Merlin was united in marriage to Madolin Krimmel at St. Pauls Lutheran Church, Sheboygan and she preceded him in death on September 27, 2007. Merlin was a mechanic for many years at several area car dealerships until his retirement. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed the outdoors and the time he spent gardening, hunting and fishing. Merlin loved to grill out and had quite a sweet tooth. Survivors include his children; Beverly (Ricky) Bartz, School Hill, Merlin Jr. (Rose) Barts, New Holstein, Barbara Schreiber, Kiel, Wanda Graf, Wisconsin Dells, JoAnne (Stephen) Sexton, Kiel, Bryan (Sarah) Barts, Fargo ND, Brad (Jessica) Barts, Kiel. Ten Grandchildren; Gretchen Lisowe, Quentin & Heidi Bartz, Lucas Barts, Sophia Bowen, Christopher Graf, Teresa Martinez, Megan Pingel, Dylan Sexton and Trinity Barts. Five Great Grandchildren; Katelynne, Tara, Alyssa, Jackson and Trenton. Merlin is further survived by a brother and two sisters; Florence Rietbrock, Glenroy Barts, Marlene Reiss. Sister-in-law; Carol Herman and Brother-in-law; Dennis (Gail) Krimmel. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a daughter; Michelle Pingel, a grandson; Clint Barts, and a brother; James Barts. Funeral services will be held at 5:00 pm on Tuesday July 31, 2012 at Meiselwitz-Vollstedt Funeral Home 815 6th St. Kiel with the Rev. Judine Duerwaechter officiating. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 3:00 pm until the time of services. Burial in the Kiel City Cemetery.