Jimmie Merrill

SUN PRAIRIE-Jimmie "Jim" Merrill, age 57, of Sun Prairie, passed away after a short battle with cancer on Monday, July 11, 2011, at Meriter Hospital. He was born on Nov. 13, 1953, in Madison, the son of Gordon and Donna (Stiegman) Merrill. He married Debbie Saxer on Sept. 17, 2005. Jim attended Sun Prairie High School. He worked as a welder for ST&E out of Beloit for 37 years. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, and working on his cars. Jim was involved in the National Rifle Association and Ducks Unlimited. He was a big family man, and enjoyed a nice cold Budweiser or a Korbel and Seven at the end of the day. Jim is survived by his wife, Debbie; children, Tanya (Mike) Fabry and Benjamin (Michelle) Merrill; step-children, Tracy (Misty) Lantz, Larry (Nicola) Boeck, Todd (Melissa) Lantz, Troy (Sue) Lantz, Paula (Thomas) Enlow, Aaron (Jaime) Boeck, and Tanya (Kevin Nowakowski) Lantz; brother, Larry (Danette) Merrill; 16 grandchildren; one great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a younger brother, Terry. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 15, 2011, with the Rev. Mary Pharmer.Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2011, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. Visitation: Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2011, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. Service: Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 15, 2011.