Merlin A. Heitkamp, 73, of Menominee, IL, passed away at on Wednesday morning, May 13, 2020, at home, following an accident.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12 Noon, on Saturday, May 16, 2020, at Nativity BVM Church, in Menominee, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating. Burial in the Nativity BVM Cemetery.

There will be a public visitation at Nativity BVM Church, in Menominee, from 9 A/M to 11:45 A/M, on Saturday.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the strict guidelines issued by the CDC will be followed and only (10) people will be allowed in the Church at any one time.

The Miller Funeral Home, of East Dubuque, is in charge of arrangements.

Merlin was born on September 5, 1946, at Hazel Green, WI, the son of Robert H. and Margaret M. (Runde) Heitkamp.  Merlin married Linda H. Stillmunkes, on September 25, 1971, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Bellevue, IA.

He was a lifelong resident of Menominee and lived on the family farm his entire life.  Merlin was a member of Nativity BVM Parish and its Holy Name Society.  Family, faith and farming were his life.  He was a great teacher and jack of all trades.  The sparkle in his eyes was evident by the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife, Linda; four children, JeffRay (Lyndsi) Heitkamp, of Mindoro, WI, Terry (Jodi) Heitkamp, of Steward, IL, Jason (friend, Sarah Schueller) Heitkamp, of East Dubuque, IL, and Lisa (Matt) Neyens, of Kenosha, WI; eight grandchildren, Dustin & Alexa, Mia & Owen, Brody & Jessa, and Margaret & Elizabeth; siblings, Lois (Bob) Wagner, of Asbury, IA and Dennis (June) Heitkamp, of Ottumwa, IA; in-laws, Charlotte Heitkamp and Debbie Heitkamp, Carol (Bill) Ihrig, Sharon (Gary) Hoffmann, Lois Stillmunkes, Mark (friend, Karla Reuter) Stillmunkes, Leta (Phil) Wallace, and Renee Stillmunkes.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Margaret; his brother, Jerry; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray & Isy Stillmunkes; and brother-in-law, Randy Stillmunkes.

Merlin's family extends deep appreciation to the Galena Area Ambulance, the Menominee-Dunleith EMS, Mercy-One Dubuque and Hospice of Dubuque for the excellent care provided to their husband, father and grandfather.  They would also like to thank the Menominee community for the outpouring of support and love they have provided.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com

******The Mass will be "live streamed" starting at 12 Noon, on Saturday.  Since the Church does not have WI-FI, we are unsure if the signal will be strong enough to do this.  This is our first attempt and we hope all goes well but we ask your patience as we learn the new form of technology as a service to our families, friends and the public. You will need to go to: MILLER FUNERAL HOME GROUP Facebook page to view - and give us a LIKE.