Frederick Thayer "Rick" Merrill Jr.
December 17, 1938 - June 09, 2017
Obituary
MONONA/ WASHINGTON DC-Frederick T. "Rick" Merrill, age 78, of Monona, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2017 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. He was born on Dec. 17, 1938, in Washington DC, the son of Fredrick Merrill and Edith (Hall) Bancroft. Rick graduated from Phillips Andover Academy and Cornell University. He married Judy Ziewacz on August 7, 1982, in Madison. Rick was well travelled from a young age, with parents working in the U.S. Foreign Service. As a child, he lived in Budapest, and Istanbul as well as travelled around much of Europe. Growing up around government, it was natural for him to develop an interest and career in politics. Rick spent most of his working life in Washington D.C. He worked as a political strategist and on the campaigns of many Democratic candidates including: Eugene McCarthy; Humbert Humphrey; George McGovern and Jimmy Carter. Rick served in the Carter White House as Liaison to the House of Representatives. Despite all of his official work, Rick was an agitator at heart. He loved to instigate and cause a stir just to see the reactions of people around him. In his spare time, his passion was sailing. Rick was most comfortable on a sail boat, even when his passengers were less comfortable. He was a proud member of both the American Council of Young Political Leaders and Executive Director United States Youth Council. Rick is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, Timothy Stokes (Rochelle) Merrill and William Alexander Merrill; grandchild, Lucas Merrill; and sisters, Marianna (John) Russell and Linda (Antonio) Ciccone. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr, Madison, at 11:30 am on Saturday, June 17, 2017. A private burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. An additional memorial gathering will be held a later date for family and friends in Washington D.C. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Frederick's name to the Cooperative Development Foundation or the Carter Center. The family would like to extend a special thanks to his devoted caregiver and companion of 10 years, Ganbat (Bo) Altangerel.
Events
Memorial Gathering
Sat Jun 17, 2017 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Memorial Service
Sat Jun 17, 2017 @ 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Frederick have been shared yet.
Memories
AM
audrey malan
Other •
While I didn't know Rick very well, he was a brilliant strategist, worked hard to make this world a better place, and a great cook. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. I see him sailing on the other side, sun on his face, wind in his hair, smiling. Much love to Judy and family.
SM
Sandra Miller
Other •
I remember sitting at the kitchen table on A Street watching the News Hour with Rick providing running compentary on the personalities and proclivities of the people in the news. Rick would share his wicked wit and incisive analysis on the news of the day. Rick & Judy's home was always a warm, welcoming place. Rick would cook a simple but elegant meal as Judy set the table and I watched savoring a glass of wine. The wine and cheese were always exceptionally good. After dinner, Rick would wander off to the study to read as Judy and I talked late into the night. They had a knack for making people feel valued. Judy, you and your family are lively in my heart and mind. I hope you find comfort in the warmth of memories. .