Merlin Vieth, 97, of Norwalk, WI, passed away Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Mulder Health Center in West Salem, WI.
He was born on October 13, 1928, to Melvin and Selma (Hoffman) Vieth. He grew up on a farm in Spring Valley, Wisconsin, where he developed a lifelong love of farming and spent his entire life working the land.
On April 20, 1948, Merlin married his high school sweetheart, Maxine Hutchens. He was a lifetime member of Salem United Methodist Church. Merlin was also a longtime board member of the Wanderers Rest Cemetery Association. After retiring from farming, Merlin and Maxine moved into Norwalk, where he enjoyed woodworking and tending to his flower gardens.
Merlin was a devoted fan of the Brewers and Packers and rarely missed watching a game. Above all, he cherished his family and took great pride in the holiday gatherings and birthday celebrations that brought everyone together.
Merlin is survived by his children; Suzanne (Darrell) Zietlow of Norwalk, Marlene Vieth of Sierra Vista, AZ., Peggy (Patrick) Casey of Jefferson City, MO., Stephen Vieth of Norwalk, James (Mary) Vieth of Tomah and Brenda (Mike) Perl of Norwalk; 11 grandchildren, Michael Zietlow of Norwalk, Jeanne (Kevin) Lydon of Sparta, BrettCasey of St. Louis, MO, Brandon (Elizabeth) Casey of Jefferson City, MO., Andrea (Duane) Brownlee of Caledonia, MN., Emily (Scot) Laing of St, Paul, MN.Elizabeth (Bryant) Olsen of West Allis, WI., Rachel Smith (Andrew) of La Crosse, Eliza (Kyle) Smith of Rochelle, IL., Justine McNamar (Kyle) of Onalaska, and Colt Manley of La Crosse; 14 great grandchildren, James (Sara), Shane, Dustin, Laura, Peyton, Joshua, Carter, Landen, Leo, Lena, and Matthew, Dainin, Ryla, and Alfie; three great greatgrandchildren, Collins, Finley and Trygve; and other relatives and friends. Also survived by his brother Marvin and wife Elly, Lake Bluff IL., and sister-in-law Kathy (Larry) Fletcher, Onalaska.
Merlin was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine in 2014; his parents, Melvin and Selma (Hoffman) Vieth; his in-laws, John and Hazel Hutchens; a great-grandchild, CarlieStark; and a brother Milton and wife Eileen Vieth.
Funeral services for Merlin will take place Friday, May 29, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at the Salem United Methodist Church, rural Norwalk. Burial will follow at Wanderer’s Rest Cemetery. Pastor Darrell Zietlow will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church. Lunch will be served at Immanuel United Methodist church in Norwalk after the service.
Merlin’s family would like to thank the staff at MulderHealthcare Facility for the great care they gave to their father in his last few years.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Wanderers Rest Cemetery Association in Merlin’s name.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Sparta, WI, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offeredat www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
