Merlin Patrick Zorn, 78, of the Town of Russell died Tuesday morning March 25, 2025 at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.  He was born October 4, 1946 in Sheboygan, son of the late Leo and Cyrilla (Cain) Zorn. Merlin was a 1964 graduate of Elkhart Lake High School.

Merlin was a proud veteran of the US Army, serving his country from 1965 until 1967 with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, part of the 9th Infantry Division.  He served a one year tour in 1967 during the Vietnam War.

On May 9, 1970 he was united in marriage to Darlene Winkel at St. Ann Catholic Church.  He went to work for Kohler company and was a dedicated Union Worker for 51 years working on the automated tub line (ATL) until his retirement. Merlin was an active member of the St. Ann Catholic Church and was also a member of the Kiel VFW Post 6707.

Merlin had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy in planting trees, deer hunting, boating, fishing and, most of all, sturgeon spearing.  He also had a passion for cooking and grilling, and he was a devoted fan of both the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers, cheering them on with unwavering enthusiasm.  Above all else, time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren was his greatest joy.

Survivors include his wife; Darlene, daughter; Renee Zorn, son; Scott Zorn, grandchildren; Lauren, Emily and Sydney, brothers-in-law; DeLyle (Susan) Winkel, David Howsare and Jerry Doebert, sisters-in-law; Beverly (Robert) Koeppen, Rosalie Miller, Linda (Glenn) Berg.  Merlin is further survived by his 2 best buddies, Brian Grube and Bruce Pahl along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Chuck (Caroline) Zorn, Pat (Linda) Zorn, sister-in-law; Joyce Doebert, mother-in-law, Dorothy (Toedter) Winkel and father-in-law, Arno Winkel.

Funeral Mass for Merlin will be held at 11:00am on Friday April 4, 2025 at St. Ann Catholic Church (N188 School St. St. Anna) Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors performed by the Kiel VFW. A time of visitation will take place at the Church on Friday from 9:00am until 10:45am when we will have brief family rites before the Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name.  Merlin's family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Vince Lombardi Clinic for all their help. They would also like to thank Sharon Richardson Hospice for all their comfort in his last days.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.meiselwitzfh.com