Merlin M. Jung, age 88, of Kiel, died peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday afternoon, February 3, 2013 at Field of Dreams Assisted Living where he resided the past 2 months. He was born on April 22, 1924 in the Town of Rhine, son of the late Edwin & Eleanor (Bunge) Jung. Merlin attended Harrison School in the Town of Rhine. On September 22, 1945 he was united in marriage to Virginia Leonard. The couple farmed in the Town of Rhine. Virginia preceded him in death on April 19, 1970. On February 12, 1972 Merlin married Betty (Reinecke) Laack at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Kiel. The couple moved to Kiel. Merlin worked at Tri-County Co-Op, Kiel until his retirement. He was a member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Kiel. Merlin was an avid sportsman enjoying hunting and fishing and loved gardening and was very proud of his garden. He also enjoyed playing cards and belonged to a number of card clubs. Survivors include his wife Betty of Kiel, two daughters: Dianne (Allan) Konz, Cumming, GA, Donna (Gerald) Ellerbusch, LaQuinta, CA, six grandchildren: Allan "Chris" and fiance, Terri of Kiel, Robert of Middleton, Thomas (Lisa) of Alpharetta, GA, Angela & Douglas of Los Angeles and Deborah of Newton, KS. He is further survived by great grandchildren, Austin, Delaney, Sarah & Mackenzie, sisters-in-law, Clarice Matzdorf, Dorothy Turk, a very special sister-in-law, Shirley Jung, Kiel and her son, Dennis (Diane) Jung, other relatives and friends He was preceded in death by one brother, Elroy Jung and one sister Burdie (Walter) Buchmann. Funeral services for Merlin will be held at 3:00 pm, Thursday, February 7, 2013 at Meiselwitz-Vollstedt Funeral Home, 815 6th St., Kiel with Rev. Judine Duerwaechter officiating. Burial will take place in the Kiel City Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 1:00 pm until the time of service. Merlin's family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at Field of Dreams and Hospice Advantage for the wonderful care he received and a special thank you to Shirley Jung for all her help.
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Additional Information. Robert Milton Bunge 1918-2011 70307948 was a half brother as was Lloyd Schmahl 1929-1990 57354947 and Shirley Schmahl Horneck. See notes under their Mother Eleanor. Merlin was about two years old when his father died. Eleanor married Milton Schmahl and he was Merlin's step-father.
Dianne is the daughter of Virginia and Merlin Jung. Donna and her children and their offspring are Betty's biological family from her first marriage.