Shinstine, Merle F.

MADISON - Merle F. Shinstine, age 87, died peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on March 4, 1922 in Fredricksburg, Iowa, the son of Nicholas and Frances (Peters) Shinstine. He was a World Was II veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 1942 - 1945 as a member of the 103rd Division, 384th Field Artillery Battalion in the European Theater. He married Dorothy Otto on September 29, 1945, at St. Gabriel's Church in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. He retired from Eastex Packaging after 39 years. He was a member of the Madison Elks Club Lodge 410 and the VFW Post 8483. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing horseshoes, playing cards, especially euchre, and trips to the casino. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees. Most of all, he enjoyed every minute spent with his family. Merle is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy; seven children, Carol (Ken) Connor, of Troy, New York, Kathy (R. Chris) Davis, Mary Ann, Jerry (Kim), David, of Madison, Michael (Carrie), ofSpringdale, Arkansas, and Lori (Bob) of Madison; seven grandchildren, Jill and Meghan Connor, Brian (Summer) and Mark Davis, James (Jenna), Michael, and Heather Shinstine; one great-granddaughter, Aubrey Davis; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by three infant children, William, Mary Jo, and Francis; five brothers, Charles, Robert, Paul, Ralph, and Clarence; and one sister, Alice Feally.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N. Sherman Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010. A private burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, 2010 and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Thomas Ansfield and his staff for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter's Catholic Church or to the charity of your choice. Merle was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a dedicated family man who will be especially remembered for his kindness, his humility, and his sense of humor. Dad - may all your hands be "loners" and may all your fish be "whoppers!"