Merle E. Voelker, 82, a New Holstein resident, died peacefully on Wednesday morning, June 8, 2016 at Atrium Post Acute Care of New Holstein.

Merle was born on May 29, 1934 in New Holstein, son of the late Joseph & Irma (Korb) Voelker,
Merle was a proud veteran of the Army National Guard serving with the 32nd Infantry Division.
On November 19, 1954 he was united in marriage to Marilyn W. Otto in Manitowoc. She preceded him in death on December 31, 2004.

Merle worked for Kohler Company in several departments for 42 years until his retirement in 1996. He made many lasting friendships with his co-workers and enjoyed the time he could spend with them.
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Kiel and was a Honorary Lifetime member of the Jaycees'

Merle had a real zest for life. He enjoyed tinkering with anything and building mini-bikes. He especially loved wood working and crafting his lawn art with Marilyn. Merle enjoyed traveling around the country, swimming, snowmobiling, camping or just staying home and working in his garden. His free time was spent attending all his families sporting events. Above all else, he enjoyed the time he could spend with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Merle was a man of great character who never spoke badly or said an unkind word to anyone.

Survivors include his four children: Kathy (Steve) Vogel, Kiel, Deb (Jim) Bolich, Clovis, CA, Tom (Paula) Voelker, Appleton and Tim (Missy) Voelker, Kiel; his special friend: Kathleen "Tootie" Kraus, New Holstein and her family; nine grandchildren: Justin Vogel (special friend Hallie), Brent Vogel (special friend, Abby), Vanessa (John Blake) Peel, Ava (Joe) Riedesel, Westin Voelker and Cole, Carter, Connor and Cade Voelker; three great grandchildren: Parker, Preston and Ryker. Merle is further survived by his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law: Roy (Diane) Otto, Betty Koenig and Audrey Schneider. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, his wife: Marilyn; three sisters: Tina (Dick) Isely, Ione (Dallas) Walker, Lillian (Harold) Jooss, a brother; Floyd Voelker, brothers-in-law: Leo Koenig and Earl Otto.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00pm on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 387 Cemetery Road, Kiel. Officiating at the service will be Rev. David Laabs. Cremation will follow and burial will take place at Schleswig Cemetery, at a later date.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Sunday from 3:00pm until 4:45pm when we will have brief family rites.

Merle's children would like to thank all his family and friends for the visits through his time of need. They would also like to thank the nurses and staff at Atrium Post Acute Care Center and Calumet County Hospice for the wonderful care he received.