Merritt V. Higley

Merritt Victor Higley passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, with family at his side. Merritt was born on March 31, 1934, to Farest V. and Alice L. (Johnson) Fuller. Alice was later remarried to Harold H. Higley and together they raised Merritt and their son, Peter, in Poynette. Merritt graduated from Poynette High School in 1952 and later served in the U.S. Air Force. While stationed in Burtonwood, England, he was able to convince a mutual friend to introduce him to a British girl who worked on base. His plan worked out and he later married Joan M. Green, in Newton Le Willows, U.K., on June 1, 1957. They moved back to Wisconsin in 1958 and two years later, purchased what was to be their first and only home, in Harmony Grove. During that time, Dad worked for The American Cancer Society. In 1968 they had a daughter, Julie Lynn and two years later, a son, Ian William. Merritt worked for American Breeders Service for many years and was an employee of Alkar until his retirement. Dad was a printer by trade and for many years, co-owned a small printing shop. Through the years, it was not uncommon for Dad to work two jobs, hence one of his favorite sayings, "I don't really know if I'm coming or going, but I'm sure to wind up somewhere in between". Merritt is survived by his wife, Joan; and daughter, Julie. He is also survived by a brother, Peter; and two grandchildren, Wyatt and Sydni. He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, William and Bertha Green; brother-in-law, William (Billy) Green; and his son, Ian. Merritt would like his friends of many years to know that he enjoyed the good times and appreciated all of your kindness during more recent sad times. Per Merritt's request, there will be a private family service only. Donations to Hospice Care are appreciated. With the help of this organization, Dad was able to remain at home in his final months of life. Dad, everywhere that I look inside and outside, there are traces of you. Your abilities were endless, whether you were in the garage creating something new or just fixing the old; it always seemed that there was nothing you could not do. In life, you taught us patience, perseverance, self-reliance and humility. You said what you meant and meant what you said and we respected you for that. You were a perfect mix of complexity and simplicity. On a personal note, I know that I never really "pulled a fast one"; you just let me think that I had at the time. Daddy, I've looked up to you for all of my life and I will miss you more than words can express. Until, "Next Time".