Merlin Louis Busch

Merlin Louis Busch, 96, of Rhinelander, passed away at Friendly Village, on Sunday morning, September 29, 2024, and under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care Hospice.

Merlin was born in Dubuque, Iowa, on March 18, 1928, where he was raised. In 1946, Merlin graduated from the Dubuque Senior High School. He was employed at A. Y. McDonald. While employed there, Merlin met his future wife Patricia A. Taft. They dated and after serving in the Marines, the couple were married on October 31, 1953. Merlin proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953. Merlin began his employment with the Montgomery Ward Store, working in Gary, Ind., Madison, and eventually moving to Minocqua in 1971 working at the Montgomery Ward in Rhinelander. The family purchased Grandview Resort on Big Arbor Vitae Lake in 1972 until the early 1990s. He later was employed at Jim Peck’s Golf Course, Trout Lake Golf Course, and as a bartender at the Blue Heron.

Surviving are his children, Sandy Bex, Michael (Cheryl) Busch, Mark (Lisa) Busch, Jeanne (Joel) Faville, 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Estella (Runde) Busch, wife, Patricia, two granddaughters, Angel Bex and Julie Busch, one great-granddaughter, Telari Comer, grand-son-in-law, John Gilman, son-in-law, Kenton “Butch” Bex, siblings, Burnell (Mary Jane) Busch and Almeda (Howard) Lent.

Merlin was a member of Our Lady Queen of the Universe and later Holy Family Catholic Church along with the Knights of Columbus. He was a former president and member of the Minocqua Woodruff Chamber of Commerce.

Merlin and Patricia loved to travel together. Their travels took them across the United States and Hawaii, a Panama Canal Cruise and trips to Germany and France. After retirement they spent their winters in Gold Canyon, Ariz. and summers in Arbor Vitae. Merlin later enjoyed a cruise to Alaska. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, golfing, dancing, gardening and tending to his flower garden, deer hunting with his family and friends, bowling, and owning and operating a hobby farm in the town of Oregon.

A celebration of Merlin’s life will take place at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.