It is with profound sorrow and peacefulness that we announce the passing of Merlin August Meyer, who passed away peacefully on October 22, 2024 in the comfort of his home at the age of 97. Merlin was born on August 21, 1927 to Reinhard and Emma (Meyer) Meyer. He was a loving husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa, great-grandpa, and great-great grandpa, leaving behind an indelible legacy of Christian faith, family love, and unity. Merlin was a lifelong resident of Sauk County, Wisconsin. He attended St. Peter’s Lutheran grade school and went to the Reedsburg High School until the 10th grade, when he quit school to do the work on the family farm. Merlin joined the Army during the draft for the Korean War on October 23, 1950. After 6 months of basic training, he was sent to war and was captured on day one, which was April 23, 1951. Merlin was Prisoner of War for 27 months and was released on August 16, 1953. On October 21, 1953, he returned home to the family farm in Loganville, WI where he was the Honorary Parade Marshall in celebration of the end of the Korean war. Merlin did not share many stories of his time in the Military as those had been the darkest and most difficult days of his life. He became an active member of the Reedsburg VFW Post 1916 for over 40 years as he knew and respected the brotherhood of memories of the past that were spoken of rarely. Upon Merlin’s return he was set up on a blind date with his sister’s friend, Polly Eastman. There were joyous times of going on many dates to different dance halls and playing cards. In 6 short months Merlin and Polly were united in marriage on May 15, 1954. Shortly after being married, they became parents to their three sons that they adored and are very proud of, Mark, Evan and Craig. In earlier years, Merlin worked on the home farm, in Madison at Findorff Construction, Schultz Chevrolet as a mechanic and then became a self-employed Milk Hauler with his brother-in-law and nephew. In 1990, Merlin and his son Craig became partners in the Milk Hauling business. Merlin hauled milk for 32 years, owning 3 milk trucks, driving 7 days a week for many of those years. Many days one of his grandchildren would ride along with him in the Milk Truck. He used those days as teaching times as the grandkids had to add up the total pounds of milk collected from each farm. The grandkids did not know the name of the farmers, but you can bet they knew each farm dog by name. Conversations weren’t about whose farm they went to next but which dog they were going to see next. Merlin retired from milk hauling in 1999 at the age of 73, then he helped patron farmers with field work, equipment repairs and produced a large garden along with helping with odds and ends on Craig’s farm. Merlin enjoyed spending time with family, attending VFW functions, going to church on a regular basis, helping others, gardening, driving tractor, playing numerous different card games, pitching horseshoes, and shooting pool. Merlin and Polly always enjoyed a good Friday night fish fry and spending late nights at someone’s house playing cards, sharing stories, and making a few wise cracks about this or that. Merlin is survived by his wife of 70 years, Polly (Eastman) Meyer. Their three sons and daughters-in-law; Mark & Marti (Gardner) Meyer, Evan & Linda (Meyer) Meyer and Craig & Becky (Fleming) Meyer, all of Reedsburg. Their 6 grandchildren (spouses); Nick (Erika) Meyer, Jason (Angie) Meyer, Ryan Meyer, Courtney (Ryan) Donovan, Kelsey (Eric) Hineman and Craig Jr. (Taylor) Meyer. Their 18 Great grandchildren (spouse): Nathan Meyer, Emma Meyer, Ashley (Nick) Smith, Megan Meyer, Bentley Meyer, Owen Meyer, Raelyn Meyer, Dawson Meyer, Kayleigh Meyer, Anna Meyer, Kenny Meyer, Reagan Donovan, Torin Donovan, Carter Hineman, Libby Hineman, Finn Meyer, Emmie Meyer, and Jack Merlin Meyer. Their 2 Great-Great Grandchildren: Amanda Rego and Ellie Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Pearl Wilburn, along with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Reinhard & Emma Meyer; his siblings, Ruth Clark, Norbert Meyer, Adeline Ewing, Gerald Meyer, Avonda Geise and Elsie Berning, along with his parents-in-law and many other bothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Although Merlin’s passing is a significant loss to us all, his love and legacy will be a daily part of our lives. Our Family would like to extend an extra thank you to the Agrace team, Homeward Bound, the Brightstar staff, Lori, Terri and Brianna for all the care you gave to Merlin over the past several months. Along with the Reedsburg Ambulance, Reedsburg Hospital, Farber Funeral Home and Pastor Crolius. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 10:30am at St. Peters Lutheran Church, 345 N. Pine Street, Reedsburg, WI with Rev. Paul Crolius, Pastor officiating. Visitation will be at St. Peters Lutheran Church on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 5pm – 7pm and on Monday, October 28 beginning at 9:30am until the time of the service, at church. Burial military rites will be made in St. Peters Lutheran Cemetery in Reedsburg with a luncheon following at the church. Pallbearers are the grandsons of Merlin: Nick Meyer, Jason Meyer, Ryan Meyer, Ryan Donovan, Eric Hineman and Craig Meyer Jr. Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg is assisting the family with arrangements.