James R. Merlo

James R. Merlo, 84, Waterford, passed away on May 31st, 2019 peacefully at his home in Waterford surrounded by family.

James was born September 21st, 1934 to James & Theresa (Nee Schaivo) Merlo. He attended a Boys Technical School through 10th grade. He married Darlene M. Jens on November 14th, 1953. James lived in Crystal Falls, MI; Pennsylvania; Milwaukee, WI; and finally resided in Waterford, WI in 1969. James was a hard worker, he worked as a postman and owned his own drywall company, "Merlo Drywall". He even owned and operated, JD’s Village Pub, with Dolly in Waterford, Wi.

James will be dearly missed by his sister Rosemary (John) Auer, his son James J. (Kathy) Merlo, his daughters Gina (Tom) Halter and Susan Merlo, his grandchildren Robin (Kimberlee) Duran, Bonnie (Chris) Rydelski, Michael (Amanda) Merlo, Tyler Merlo, Allyssa Merlo, Hannah Merlo, Nickolass Merlo, Stephanie (Sarah) Ryckman, and Katie (Dan) O’Brien. He is further survived by his great-grandchildren Travis Duran, Parker and Delaney Rydelski, James “Easton” Merlo and Mikaela O’Brien; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lots of friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Robert Bergman, his wife Darleen, his son Mitchell A. Merlo, and his granddaughter Victoria R. Halter.

A celebration of James’s life will take place on Friday June 14th, 2019 at Integrity Celebration Center, visitation will be from 3:30 pm to 5:45 pm. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 pm, followed by an open house from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

In honor or James's passion for sports, the family encourages everyone to wear their favorite sports gear, anything except The Bears and The Cubs.

Memorials to the family are appreciated" and will be distributed to his 3 favorite charities Hannah's Playground, The Make a Wish Foundation, and The Wounded Warriors Project.

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