Merlyn Beilke

Merlyn D. Beilke, age 93, of Wausau died on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at Mount View Care Center. 

Merlyn was born on July 11, 1931 in Wausau to the late Arnold and Edna (Hackbarth) Beilke. He was baptized at St. Stephen Lutheran Church and later confirmed at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rib Mountain. After the closing of Bethlehem Lutheran, he became a member of Rib Mountain Lutheran Church where served on church council, board of elders and secretary for many years. He graduated from Marathon High School in 1949 and went onto serve his country honorably in the U.S. Navy. After the service he was employed at Wausau Insurance for 43 years, retiring in 1993.

Merlyn was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and was a season ticket holder for 58 years and attended most of the home and road games, including one super bowl, with the Packers Fan Club. He also enjoyed following the Milwaukee Brewers, Wisconsin Badgers and Nascar. When he wasn't cheering on his favorite sports teams or volunteering at church, Merlyn was also active in the American Legion Post #469 in Marathon. 

Merlyn is survived by his nephews Craig, Dean, Gary, and Brad Beilke and nieces Vicki Doede, Kathie Schaef, and Pam Beilke. Besides his parents, Merlyn is preceded in death by his brothers Kenneth and Gordon Beilke, sisters-in-law Lydia Szymanski and Shirley Beilke and nephew Todd Beilke. 

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Rib Mountain Lutheran Church, 227150 Harrier Ave, Wausau. The Rev. Tim Swanson will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:00 Am until the time of service at the church on Friday.