Merlin Joseph Kohl Sr.

September 16, 1932 - September 16, 2010

Merlin J. Kohl died Thursday, September 16, 2010 at his home in Beaver Dam on his 78th birthday, with his family by his side.

Visitation for Merlin will be at Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. The American Legion is invited to walk through at the funeral home on Wednesday at 5:00 PM. There will also be a visitation at St. Katharine Drexel Church, 127 W. Maple Ave. in Beaver Dam on Thursday, September 23, 2010 from 10:30 AM until 11:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church on Thursday at 11:30 AM. Fr. Michael Erwin will officiate. Burial will be at St. Michael”s Cemetery in the Town of Beaver Dam, Dodge County, Wisconsin where the John E. Miller American Legion Post #146 will conduct military services.

Merlin Joseph Kohl was born on September 16, 1932 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to the late Frank and Clara (Pfeffer) Kohl. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1950. Merlin served in the Unites States Army from 1953 to 1954 and served 16 months in Korea. After his active military service, he spent six years in the Army Reserves. On June 15, 1961, he was united in marriage with Hermine Beczek at St. Michael”s Catholic Church in Beaver Dam. Merlin owned and operated Kohl Cleaners in Beaver Dam for 45 years. He was a member of the John E. Miller American Legion Post #146 and the Clarence Keske VFW Post #1163 in Beaver Dam. He was also a member of St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Beaver Dam and was a Past Vice President of the St. Michael Holy Name Society.

Survivors include his wife, Hermine Kohl of Beaver Dam; two sons, Steven B. Kohl of Cameron Park, CA, and Jeffrey M. Kohl of Los Angeles, CA; two grandchildren, Nathaniel and Kristine Kohl; his brother, Milton (Carol) Kohl of Beaver Dam; two sisters, Carolyn Bibow and Sharon Kohl, both of Beaver Dam; other relatives and friends. Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother-in-law, John Bibow.

If desired, memorials may be made in Merlin Kohl”s name to St. Katharine Drexel Schools, 503 S. Spring St., Beaver Dam, WI, 53916.

The Murray Funeral Home, 131 E. Maple Avenue in Beaver Dam, is caring for the family. To leave condolences, for directions, or for other information, please visit our website at www.MurrayFH.com.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010, 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010, 10:30am – 11:30am, St. Katharine Drexel Maple Ave. Church-Beaver Dam

Service Details

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010, 11:30am, St. Katharine Drexel Maple Ave. Church-Beaver Dam

Interment Details

St. Michael’s Cemetery-Beaver Dam

Merlin J. Kohl died Thursday, September 16, 2010 at his home in Beaver Dam on his 78th birthday, with his family by his side. Visitation for Merlin will be at Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. The American Legion is invited to walk throughContinue Reading

See Condolences

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I will truly miss Ralph.

My sympathies to all. Senior will no doubt be missed, a colorful individual with some colorful children. Obituaries are never enough to convey the contents of a good life and those it touches.

I am saddened by the passing of Merlin. I, as well as my sister Sandy, have very fond memories of Merlin. He always had something to tease us about. As a hospice nurse, I am pleased to know he died at home with his family surrounding him. I know that''s not always easy for the family, but it is the ULTIMATE gift of love to be present when a loved one dies. My deepest sympathy to Hermine, Steve, and Jeff. God Bless You. Sue Schouten-Buzhardt Augusta, GA

My sincere condolences go out to all members of the Kohl family. I had the pleasure of knowing Merlin during many of his hospitalizations at BDCH as one of the Respiratory Therapists and I came to enjoy his gentle manner and sense of humor. Despite his illnesses he was always pleasurable and a joy to treat. I am so sorry for your loss and may God Bless all of you in your time of sorrow.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Hermine and family, Carol Kohl sent me an email about Merlin''s passing. I am so sorry to receive the sad news. Please accept my sincere condoence to you and all your family. Roger and I did have fun times when we visited with you and Merlin in Beaver Dam. Love, Diane

My sympathies to Hermie and her family. Merlin was such a nice person. My mom often talked about her visit to your home and how wonderful both of you were to her. I am sorry for your loss.

To the family of Merlin, Patty and Debbie Hensler offer their sympathy and prayers. May God give you comfort, and may Merlin''s soul rest in peace.

My prayers are with you Steve and Jeff. I know I haven''t seen you lately but it seem just like yesterday we were coming to visit you. I always felt like home when we came and loved they way you and Merlin treated me like the daughter you never had. I will always think of Uncle Merlin with his ice cream and lazy boy chair. I have great memories I will never forget. Love, Tracy

We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.