Merlin Junely Norskog

Merlin J. Norskog, 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 5, 2012 at Plymouth Care Center. He was born June 29, 1925 in Spring Grove, Minnesota. Merlin attended schools in Spring Grove, MN and enlisted in the Army during WWII. He married Eleanor Sund of Westby, WI, on August 5, 1950 in Livingston, MT. They started their family while he was employed at the Northern Pacific Railroad. In 1953 they returned to Spring Grove where he began a career in cheesemaking that also took him to Wisconsin, New York and Iowa. After retiring, he worked part time for the DNR in the Kettle Moraine area. He was a member of the Bintzler-Waehler American Legion Post 347, Lomira. Merlin most enjoyed spending time with his family. Fishing, golf, bowling, softball, watching western movies and cards were other interests. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Eleanor, children Marcia (Mike) Smith of Kewaskum, Ken (Chris) of West Bend, Terry (Renee) of Plymouth, Debbie (Pat) Staehler of Richfield and Bob (Sue) of Random Lake. Grandchildren include Brian (Sheila) Smith, Lisa (David) Sarnowski, Ryan (Pamela) Staehler, Paul Norskog, Adam Staehler and Jessica Wolf, Erin Norskog and Joe Larsen, Ashley (Tyler) Kruse, Randy (Heather) Norskog, Erica Norskog and Jessica Norskog, great-grandchildren include Mark and Logan Smith, Jordan, Connor and Isaac Kruse and Desmond Sarnowski. He is further survived by sisters Ann Bratland, Nancy (Tom) Barker, Jackie Varberg, brothers, Odell, Gerry, Leigh (Thelma) and David (Becky) and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, Julius and Mina Norskog, brother, Don Norskog, sisters-in-law, Gwen Norskog, Betty Norskog, Dee Norskog and brothers-in-law, Roland Bratland and Bernie Varberg. Visitation will be held at Salem United Church of Christ in Wayne (8925 Hwy. W, Campbellsport 53010), on Wednesday February 8th from 4-6:30 PM with the service immediately following. Graveside inurnment services will be Saturday, February 11th at 1PM at Salem Cemetery, Wayne. Memorials may be made to Salem United Church of Christ. Twohig Funeral Home, Campbellsport, is serving the family with online guestbook and condolences at www.twohigfunerals.com. A special thank you to the staff of Plymouth Care Center for their kindness and the special care given.