Merle A. Strelow, age 70 of Markesan, passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2022.

A memorial gathering for Merle will take place on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Zion Lutheran Church, 100 Church St., Fairwater from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Kimberly Stowell officiating.

Merle was born on September 3, 1951 at the Beaver Dam Hospital, the son of Buryl R. and Carol J. (White) Strelow. He attended Markesan High School, graduating in 1969. In the spring of 1970, he met the love of his life, Bonnie Schmuhl. They were united in marriage on September 29, 1974 and had two children, David and Sara.

Merle was active in the United States Army, proudly serving from 1971 until 1972, followed by five years in the Army Reserves. He then worked for the State of Wisconsin in corrections from 1977 until 2001. He also drove semi for several local companies.  After his retirement from the State of Wisconsin, he started his greatest job of all: he became a grandpa to Bree, Wyatt, and Laura. Merle was a member of the Fairwater Lion's Club from 1978 until the time of his passing and served as the Lion's District Governor from 2011 until 2012. He had also been a member at Zion Lutheran Church in Fairwater since 1974.

Merle is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children, David (Wendy) and Sara; grandchildren, Bree, Wyatt, and Laura; 2 sisters; 6 brothers; and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan is honored to be serving the family.