Gerald Merryfield Obituary - posted by Gwen Samp

Gerald Everett Merryfield of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, passed away on February 9, 2019, surrounded by his family. Jerry was born in Wild Rose, Wisconsin on December 14, 1936 to Lester and Lucille (Evans) Merryfield. After graduating from Wild Rose High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for four years in the Military Police. In 1956, he married his high school sweetheart Ellen Straw.

Jerry and Ellen moved to Eau Claire where they operated Eau Claire Toyland for 6 years. Jerry then worked for Walter Brewery for five years. He then spent 30 years at the Eau Claire Press Company; the last 20 years as the advertising director.

Jerry was very active in the community and belonged to a number of organizations including, Jaycees, Board of Realtor’s, National and State Newspaper Associations, DNR Conservation Congress, Eau Claire Home Builders’ Association, Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, 3rd Degree Mason and Momentum 21. He also served as the Seymour Town Chairman and was very active in his church.

Jerry was an avid hunter and sportsman. He enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips to Northern Wisconsin, Canada, North Dakota, Colorado and Montana, where he was always surrounded by his sons, grandsons and friends. Although these trips will continue, his jokes and stories will be greatly missed.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Ellen; and his three children, Rickey (Mindy) Merryfield, Debora (Ernie) Reynolds, all of Eau Claire, and Michael (Anne) Merryfield of Tomahawk. He is further survived by 10 grandchildren, Jessica (Amy), Meghan (John), Eric (Ashley), Jason, Cassie (Tony), Allie, Becca (Bryce), Emily, Kristin and Kaydon. He also leaves behind seven great grandchildren, Oliver, Samuel, Flynn, Aurora, Alexander, Max and Luci. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Keith, Boyd and Phyllis.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at Chapel Heights United Methodist Church, 300 E Hamilton Ave., Eau Claire. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at church. A Celebration of Life will follow at the VFW Club on 1300 Starr Ave. in Eau Claire.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Home Health & Hospice Care.

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services—Celebration of Life Center in Altoona is serving the family. To offer online condolences please visit, www.chippewavalleycremation.com