Union Grove - Mervel D. Leischer, 83, passed away December 22, 2015 at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Hospital in Racine. He was born May 1, 1932 to Lester and Rose (nee Ranke) Leischer. He was a member of the Army Airforce and served in Korea for 14 months during the Korean War. Mervel married Bernice Lorraine Preble on August 7, 1954 and together they raised six children. Mervel worked in the building trades for himself and others. Mervel was a long-time member of the Yorkville United Methodist Church. He was a member of the American Legion Post 171. In his leisure time, Mervel enjoyed outdoor sports including fishing, hunting, playing horseshoes, and camping. Mervel and Lorraine took their family camping every year and made many wonderful memories for their daughters. In their golden years, the two lived in Arizona for the winter months and they enjoyed travel all over the United States including Alaska for their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Mervel is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine; their daughters, Bonnie Wirth, Penny (Alan) Kriplean, April (Ned) Oliver, Sharlene (David) Januchowski, Jacqueline (Richard Lowden), and Robin (Terry) Hamm; their ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; his sister, Lesona Tait; his brother-in-law, David Ovens; and Lorraine's sister, "Pee Wee" Jobe.

Mervel was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Rose Leischer; his son-in-law, Howie Wirth; his brother, Bethel Leischer; and his sisters, Darlene Wegerer and Doris Ovens.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 26, 2015 from 9 am – 11 am at Miller-Reesman Funeral Home. Memorial service officiated by Pastor Sue Leih will begin at 11 am followed by full military honors.