Julian R. Merde

Julian R. Merde, 90, of Iola, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on February 21, 2024. He was born on September 9, 1933 in the Town of Harrison to Julian and Margaret (Hoffman) Merde. Julian married Carole Ferg on December 16, 1961 at Northland Lutheran Church. Julian served in the United States Army with two tours in Korea. He was employed as a truck driver hauling cars, as a bus mechanic and driver for the school district, and as a construction worker. Julian’s career reflected his love of wood and building. He was a carpenter his entire life. He built his own home and was always proud to point out the many central Wisconsin landmarks that he was a part of. Throughout his life he fixed cars and tractors and enjoyed his sawmill business that he and his father started. In his early years his hobbies included ski jumping and trapping. Julian also enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, canning, making jelly, following his grandsons’ sports, tapping maple trees and making maple syrup, talking Norwegian, having coffee and donuts at the cabin with friends and sharing stories to friends of all ages. His longest loved hobby was beekeeping. Besides beekeeping he also built and sold bee hives. Julian was a member of the Freedom VFW, Freedom, WI and the Waupaca County Beekeepers. Julian is survived by his daughters: Julie Maher of Iola; Cindy Craigie of Pflugerville, TX; grandsons: Austen Lane, Karl Craigie, Ian Craigie; great grandson: Ronin Lane; and sister Carol (Clarence) Carlson of Milwaukee. Julian is preceded in death by his parents: Julian and Margaret (Hoffman) Merde; wife: Carole (Ferg) Merde; brothers: Richard Merde and Donald Merde; and sister: Marian (Donald) Carlson. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 1 from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Voie Funeral Home, Iola, WI. A Memorial Service for Julian will be held on Saturday, March 2 at the Northland Lutheran Church at 1:00 PM. A visitation will be held AT THE CHURCH from 12:00 to 12:45 PM prior to the service. Interment will be at the Northland Lutheran Cemetery.