Merritt Gleason

Merritt J. Gleason, age 77, of Ringle, died unexpectedly at his home on January 17, 2019.

Merritt was born in Ringle, WI to John Gleason, and lived there most of his life. He graduated from D. C. Everest High School in 1959 marrying his high school sweetheart, Shirley (Prieve) in 1961. They would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary January 28th.

Merritt was a very hard-working man; he worked as a Spinner at Greenheck for 13 years before following his love for farming full-time in 1974. Merritt and Shirley received the American Young Farmer award. Merritt enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, playing cards, shooting pool, bowling and watching his children play softball. He loved to make people laugh by telling a good story while enjoying a cold can of pop or a big bowl of ice cream.  Once retired, Merritt continued his love of the outdoors by riding around the farm in the “Green Machine.” Merritt served as Ringle Town Chairman for 12 years as well as Supervisor on the Marathon County Board for 12 years. As Town Chairman, Merritt was an integral part of the growth in Ringle including development of Riverside School and building a new Municipal Center. Merritt volunteered his time and talents as Chairman of the MASS Weigh-In Committee, 4-H leader, Chairman of the Advisory Board at NCTI, and member of the Ringle Volunteer Fire Department and Ringle Sportsman’s Club.

Merritt is survived by his wife, Shirley, children Deb Gleason, Ringle, Michael (Lisa) Gleason, Ringle, and Sue (Tim) Walter, Ringle; grandchildren Samantha, Brian and Brett Gleason, Matthew and Aiden Walter; brothers Emmett, Weston, and Jack, Braxton, MS. Brother-in-law Terry (Mary) Prieve, Sisters-in-law Mary Beth Tolley (Butch Bliese), Sharon Prieve and Carol Prieve and many nieces and nephews. Merritt was preceded in death by his son Brian Gleason, father John Gleason, brothers-in-law Patrick and Kenneth Prieve, nephew Andy Prieve and nieces Melissa Prieve and Lisa Gleason.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 512 McClellan Street, Wausau, WI 54403. Rev. Jennifer Dahle will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 21, 2019 at Brainard Funeral Home - Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston and again from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery.

Brainard Funeral Home - Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com