Michael R. Merrill

Michael R. Merrill, 70, longtime Duluth/Superior area resident, currently of South Range, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center, Duluth, following a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Mike is survived by his wife of 48 years, Aine, a son, Randy (Superior), daughters Polly Lohman (South Range) and Becky (Lenny) Hubbard (Superior); six grandchildren, Britny (Jesse) Bergson, Kendra Lohman, Luke Merrill, Annikka Saari, Hannah Saari, Eilley Merrill and one bonus grandson, James Hubbard; a sister, Judy (Bill) Haapoja (Tamarack, Minn.), a brother, Jeff (Cindy) Merrill, Proctor. He is survived by many “favorite” cousins whom he grew up with; many “favorite” nieces and nephews; and a whole lot of good friends that he cherished.

Mike was born on July 19, 1942, to Raymond and Helen (Maron) Merrill in Aitken, MN.

He graduated in 1961 from Denfeld High School in Duluth, MN.

Before retiring, Mike was the owner/operator Allouez Bowl and Village Lanes in Superior, Wis., for many years. He was inducted into the Superior Bowling Hall of Fame in 2007. He also worked at several bowling establishments in the Duluth/Superior area throughout his career. He also worked at Globe Elevators and Clyde Iron in his earlier career. He currently sponsored two bowling teams and loved to go watch his son bowl and especially all the Monday Night Girls at Village Lanes, especially his Apple Tree Farm team who he loved.

His favorite memories were of hunting, boating, camping, farming and going to Las Vegas or to Reno to watch the Men’s National Bowling Tournament. But the most important thing to him was his family and all the wonderful friends he made along his life’s pathway. He loved watching his grandchildren’s activities like basketball, music programs and horse shows. Mike was a “big” man in many ways with an even bigger heart. He will be sadly missed.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. and will continue until the 1 p.m. memorial service Saturday, Jan. 5at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Patrick Ziems, officiating.

Honorary pallbearers for the service will be Kevin Lohman, Larry McDonald, Paul Kelly, Jim Androski, Roger Christianson, Tom Pavlatos, Joe Gucinski, Doug Edge and John Belch.

Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Send a condolence or sign the online guest book at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.

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