Merritt Gene Sasse was born on December 23, 1938 in Clintonville as the son of the late Benjamin and Olga (Hoffmann) Sasse. He graduated from Clintonville High School in 1957 and began his painting career right out of school. He was united in marriage to Beverly Piehl on August 1, 1959 and the couple resided in Clintonville where Merritt was well known for his painting business that he shared with a few others including his son Mark. If you knew Merritt, one of the first things to come to mind aside from his painting career would have to be his love of the outdoors. If it swam, ran, or flew he probably hunted or caught it over the years. If his passion for the outdoors wasn’t the first thing to come to mind it most likely would be his enjoyment for curling with his many friends at the Clintonville Curling Club; a membership that spanned over 68 years. Merritt served the club as a past president and was iconic there for his ability using the push stick after his neck surgery. Merritt was also active in the community serving over 25 years with Ducks Unlimited and then Shadows on the Wolf; always bidding on duck decoys on the auctions there. He was also a proud member of the both the Clintonville Bowhunters and Wisconsin Bowhunters Clubs. He will be remembered by his family as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
Survivors include: His Son: Mark (Wendi) Sasse.
Grandchildren: Nikki (Kyle Hersant) Sasse, Adam (Eric Simon) Sasse, Codi (Kelly) DeLeeuw, and Miranda (Joe) Adamski.
Great-Grandchildren: Ryli, Blake, Alex, and Shepard.
A Sister: Mary Ann Romberg.
Also numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin and Olga Sasse, wife Beverly Sasse in 2007, siblings Willard (Fae) Sasse, Allen (Rosemary) Sasse, Gladys (Jack) du Mee, Edward (Mary) Sasse, Leslie (Betty) Sasse, Arlen (Betty) Sasse, Betty June (Harry) Millard, a brother-in-law Franklyn Romberg, a nephew Ross Romberg, and nieces Londa Della and Kathy Herritz.
A memorial gathering will be held for Merritt on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 3-7pm at the South Location of Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, 299 S. Main Street, Clintonville. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established by Merritt’s family. They would like to thank the kind and caring staff with Moments Hospice, Arc Angels, and Greentree Health and Rehabilitation for all that they did for Merritt during his illness. www.eberhardtstevenson.com
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