Merlin Kenneth Anderson, age 92, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully at his residence, surrounded by his loving family, on January 2, 2026. He was born on June 29, 1933, to the late Kenneth J. Anderson and Ruth (Greenwold) Anderson in Bloomer, WI. As a young boy, his family moved to Kenosha, where he attended local schools and graduated from Kenosha High School in 1951. He later attended Kenosha Technical College and received a degree in Fluid Power. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served for 2 years during the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1953. While serving in the Army, he married the love of his life, Lucy Jane Hansche, on September 1, 1953, in Lawton, Oklahoma, while stationed at Fort Sill. The two were blessed with 5 children and 71 happy years together. After his service in the Army, he worked at Eaton Dynamatic in Kenosha for over 38 years before retiring.
Following retirement, Merlin and Lucy moved to Black River Falls, WI, where they made many dear friends and were very active in the community. Merlin was a member of the Moose Lodge, the American Legion, the Masons, the Sons of Norway, and Little Norway Lutheran Church of Black River Falls. Merlin and Lucy returned to Kenosha in 2022 to be near family.
Through the years, Merlin enjoyed gardening, golf, family vacations in Three Lakes, WI, playing cards with family and friends, reading and watching westerns, and dancing with his wife.
Merlin is survived by his loving wife Lucy, children: Debra Sanders, Merle (Scott) Haarbauer, Michael (Theresa) Anderson, and Gary (Karen) Anderson, grandchildren: Brent (Hannah) Sanders and Matthew Anderson, great-grandchildren: Lily, Max, Gavin, and Linnea, as well as many other living relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Harland Anderson and Kenneth Dale Anderson, son: Kenneth John Anderson, granddaughter: Bettina Nicole Sanders, and many other dear relatives and lifelong friends.
A memorial service with full military honors for Merlin will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (8760 37th Ave) on Friday, January 9, at 12 P.M. A visitation will also be held at the church from 11 A.M. until the time of the service. Inurnment at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Disabled American Veterans or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church would be greatly appreciated.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
262-653-0667
www.caseyfamilyoptions.com
