Merlin Wittowski, age 94, of Foley, passed away Aug. 22, 2024, at The Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Sauk Rapids. Funeral services were Aug. 27 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Popple Creek. The Rev. Timothy Rehwaldt officiated. Visitation was at the church Tuesday. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.
Merlin Duane Wittowski was born July 10, 1930, in Benton County, to Michael and Augusta ‘Gustie’ (Becker) Wittowski. He married Arline Weller Dec. 23, 1961, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. During his younger years, Merlin worked for the forestry department and sawmills in Libby, Montana and also harvested wheat in North Dakota and Montana. He worked for many years in maintenance and as an equipment installer for Gold’n Plump. He also farmed all of his life. Merlin enjoyed horses, working with teams of horses, and respected the land and wildlife. He had a strong work ethic and loved all animals, especially dogs. Merlin enjoyed traveling, camping, ice cream treats, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was a life-long member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his children, Lissa Strait of Foley, Nanci (Ricky) Flicek of Fort Ripley, Carla (Jeff) Payonk of Sauk Rapids, Mike of Oak Park, Shelly Kurtz of Milaca, Amy (Dan) Rajkowski of Buffalo City, Wisconsin, Steve (Becky) of Foley, 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Arline; son-in-laws, Jay Kurtz and Tom Strait; brothers, Loren and Leo ‘Bud’ and a sister, Lorene Wolf.
FR-35-1B
