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Merlin J. Riedl

1922 - 2007

 

Merlin J. Riedl, 85, of Watertown, passed away at his home on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, following a short and courageous battle with cancer.

 

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Henry Catholic Church in Watertown with Father Bernard Rott as celebrant.  Burial will take place in St. Henry Catholic Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by the Watertown Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3709.

 

Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass.

 

Memorials may be directed to St. Henry Catholic Church or the charity of one's choice.

 

The Hafemeister Funeral Home of Watertown is in charge of arrangements.

 

Merlin was born in the town of Ixonia on Sept. 25, 1922, son of the late Henry and Anna (Motl) Riedl.  He married the former Mary Bliefernicht on Nov. 25, 1944, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Richwood.  Mary preceded him in death on Dec. 23, 1999.

 

Merlin had been employed by various contractors for numerous years.  In 1954, he and his brothers formed the Riedl Brothers Home Construction Company in Watertown, which was in business for more than 20 years.  He then worked for the Watertown school system in the maintenance department for 15 years, retiring in October 1986.

 

Merlin was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church in Watertown, Branch No. 120 Catholic Knights of Wisconsin and a former member of the Holy Name Society.  He was also a former charter member of the Richwood Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3709 of Watertown, a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and a member of AARP.  He served in World War II in Germany, receiving the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars for action.  Merlin had also been a prisoner of war in Germany.

 

He enjoyed traveling, boating, fishing, wood crafts and playing cards.  Merlin was also a regular blood donor, donating 14 gallons.

 

Survivors include his daughters, Patricia (John) Bredow of Watertown and Dianne (Paul) Klarkowski of Oconomowoc; a son, Michael (Jean) Riedl of Oregon; four grandsons; two granddaughters, four great-granddaughters, three great-grandsons; a brother, Leon (Lorraine) Riedl of Watertown; a sister, Margaret (Herbert) Schroedl of Jefferson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

 

He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Edwin, Norbert, Clarence and Sylvester, and his grandson, Jason Bredow.

 

The family would like to express their appreciation to Rainbow Hospice and the Visiting Angels for their wonderful care provided during Merlin's illness.

 

Hafemeister Funeral Home 611 E. Main St. Watertown

 

Cross references:

Riedl, Merlin 1933, First Communion

Riedl, Merlin 1937, Graduation class

 

 

 

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