Merlin C. Wills, 79, of Galena, IL, passed away suddenly on Saturday, September 17, 2016, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, in Iowa City, IA.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A/M, on Wednesday, September 21, 2016, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, in Galena, with Fr. David Reese officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena.

Visitation will be from 3 P/M to 8 P/M, on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at the Galena Bible Church, on Highway #20, Galena.

Merlin was born on January 19, 1937, in Jamestown Twp., WI, the son of Charles and Katherine (Freese) Wills. He attended Milbrig grade school, and was a graduate of Galena High School, Class of 1954. He served in the U. S. Army from 1957 to 1960, part of that time in Korea. He was united in marriage to Judith Mae Zeal, On April 30, 1960, at St. Michael's Church, in Galena. Together they farmed on the family farm in Galena for (54) years. Merlin and Judy enjoyed square and ballroom dancing. He was a member of St. Michael's Church in Galena and the Knights of Columbus. He was a director of the Farm Bureau, and the Soil and Water Conservation District. They were selected the Conservation Farm Family of the year in 1994. He and Judy were 4-H leaders for (23) years. Merlin was Vinegar Hill Township Road Commissioner for many years. Merlin loved sports, as he coached and played softball. He was an avid reader and euchre player. He greatly enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their activities, and just spending time with them on the farm.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; five (5) children, Marti (Joanne) Wills, of East Dubuque, IL, Kirk (Lori) Wills, Mike (Tammy) Wills, Becky (Mike) Hilby, all of Galena, IL, and Ann (Steve) McDonald, of Dodgeville, WI; fifteen (15) grandchildren, Christopher, Brandon, Tim, Krista, Samantha, Paige, Payton, Cole, Morgan, Lily, Erin, Riley, Owen, Taylor, and Ave; and four (4) great-grandchildren; his brother, Donnie (Joanne) Wills; two (2) sisters, Eileen Kueter and Betty (Dick) Cogan; a brother-in-law, Jim (Ann) Zeal; and three (3) sisters-in-law, Mary Wills, Lorraine Wills and Fay Zeal.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wilbur and LaVerne Zeal; brothers, Eldon, Laverne, Lee and Churck; and brothers-in-law, Dale Kueter, Forrest Zeal and Harold (Marlys) Zeal.

Merlin loved being with his family. The farm was his life.

We would like to "thank" Paramount Ambulance Service, Mercy ER Staff, AirCare3 Helicopter crew and staff at UIHC.

A special "thank-you" to the Galena Bible Church for the use of their building for the family and community.

The Miller & Steinke Galena Chapel, Galena, is in charge of arrangements.

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