Merlin Lines

Merlin (Mert) L. Lines, age 91, a resident of Grantsburg, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.
Merlin was born on January 26,1933 in Waverly, IA to Volna and Esther Lines.

They moved to a farm in Charles City, Iowa, then to Ogden, Utah and back to Charles City, Iowa. His junior year of high school he moved to Amery, WI where he graduated and met his wife, Geraldine (Geri) of 55 years. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp on July 9, 1952 and was honorably discharged after completing his service as a Military Sergeant on July 26, 1956. He then took on the job training with Fabri Tek Printed Circuits and was equivalent to an engineer in circuitry.

He and Geri moved to Brooklyn Center, MN where he coached hockey, little league football and earned Coach of the Year for girl’s softball, winning 3 state titles.

In 1975, he became supervisor for the plating dept. at FMC Northern Ord. where he retired at age 55. They then moved to Cushing, WI where he had built a log cabin where they enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. For 19 years they spent winters in Apache Junction, AZ where they enjoyed golfing and playing pool.
In his later years, he enjoyed constructing model cars and airplanes and putting puzzles together.

After the passing of Geri, he later married Louise in 2011. They enjoyed traveling, working in their flower gardens, and visiting friends and relatives.

Merlin came to know the Lord at Trade River Evangelical Free Church where he spent many years volunteering. His faith was an inspiration to his friends and family.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents Volna and Esther; his first wife, Geraldine (Griffin) Lines, step father, Kenneth Darrow; sister, Barbara Dennison; and step son-in-law, Randal Trick.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Louise; children, Charles (Holly) Lines, Scott (Joyce) Lines; step children, Jeff (Marcia) Lade, Steve (Debbie) Lade, Kathy Trick; grandchildren, Shannon Youngberg, Jennifer Tollgaard, Blake Lines, Jody Pozinski, Daniel Lines; step grandchildren, Michael (Erica) VanHavermaet, Lori (Clint) Lunemann, Stefanie (Nick) Wiesneski, Zach (Leah) Lade, Chris (Jessica) Lade, Wendy (Michael) Child, Sophia Trick and Ana Sofia Trick; 6 great grandchildren, 13 step great grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on September 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM (visitation from 10-11) at the Trade River Evangelical Free Church in Grantsburg, WI. American Legion Post 185 and the Marine Corps will be conduction Military Honors following the service.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.