Merlyn Francis Lucas

MADISON/DUBUQUE- Merlyn F. Lucas, age 87, died on Nov. 28, 2016, at St. Mary's Hospital. Merl was born April 2, 1929, in Holy Cross, Iowa, the son of Nicholas T. and Elisabeth (Pins) Lucas. He graduated from Holy Cross High School. Merl served in the U.S. Army in Korea and Reserves obtaining an honorable discharge on Sept, 1 1959, with a rank of Corporal. On June 12, 1954, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Brewer at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dubuque. Merl and Phyllis lived in Marinette for several years and settled in Monona where they lived for over 50 years. Merl owned and operated The Blackhawk Company in Madison, specializing in furniture sales for offices and schools, including the University of Wisconsin until his retirement in 1990. Merl and Phyllis were very social and enjoyed traveling to exotic places and making close friendships along the way. They also loved spending time at their two cabins in Marinette County and Bankston, Iowa. Merl was an avid gardener and was very proud of his garden, especially his tomatoes. He was also very talented with tools and spend many hours in his workshop with his favorite companion, his pipe. Merl was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Phyllis Lucas. Born into a family of nine children (five boys and four girls), Merl is survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield Rd., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, with Father Chad Droessler presiding. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park with full military honors provided by VFW Post No. 7591. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. The family would like to thank Reynolds Assisted Living Home and Memory Care in Monona and Agrace HospiceCare for their wonderful care. Memorials may be directed to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.