Merlin Alvin Zietlow

Merlin Alvin Zietlow, 88, Edgar, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Athenian Living, Athens, under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

He was born October 2, 1937 in the town of Rib Falls, to the late Fred and Hilda (Schultz) Zietlow. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany. Merlin took special pride in the cars he owned over the years. He bought his first new car in 1959, which was an 88 Oldsmobile 4-door hardtop. In 1963, he purchased the family dairy farm in Rib Falls from his parents and enjoyed working as a farmer until he sold the farm in 1990. He retired when he was 53 years old and for many years, enjoyed traveling with his siblings. His favorite trips were to Alaska and the Grand Canyon.

Merlin was a faithful member of St. Stephen Evangelical Lutheran Church in Edgar for many years, where he served on the church council, the property committee and enjoyed playing in the church dart ball league.

Survivors include, his sister, Joann Kraft, Athens; sister-in-law, Darlene Zietlow, Wausau; nieces and nephews, Christine (Jerry) Berenz, Elcho, Barbara (Scott) Krueger, Pelican Lake, Karen (Gary) Czechowicz, Wausau, Ron Bargender, Wausau, Daniel (Sheila) Kraft, Athens, Michael (Sharon) Kraft, Mosinee, Jeffery (Ann) Kraft, Edina, MN, Stacie (Shannon) Merkel, Merrill, Debra Knutsen, Wausau, Pamela (Hugh) Gresens, West Salem and Denise (David) Kapke, Sugarland, TX.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Janette Zietlow, Lorna Zietlow and Esther Bargender; two brothers, Wilfred Zietlow and Donald Zietlow; brother-in-law, Anthony Kraft; and nephew-in-law, Craig Knutsen.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 Elm Street in Athens. Rev. Mark Schwarz will officiate. Burial will be at the St. John Cemetery in Rib Falls. Visitation will be on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services the church.

The family would like to thank the staff at Athenian Living and the staff at St. Croix Hospice for all their love and care for Merlin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Stephen Evangelical Lutheran Church, PO Box 95, Edgar, WI 54426.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com