Merle G. Knox, age 89, of West Bend, passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2011 at the Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center in the town of West Bend, joining his beloved wife Ruth.
He was born on November 17, 1921 in South Milwaukee to Glenn and Myrtle (nee Megow) Knox. In school Merle was a track and cross country star. He set records at South Milwaukee High School, the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and San Jose State University.
Merle served his country honorably during in WWII in the United States Marine Corps from 1944 - 1946. In 1948, he obtained his teaching degree at San Jose State University. Merle again served his country honorably as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy during the Korean War from 1950 - 1954.
On July 1, 1957, he was united in marriage to Ruth Rosnow in Milwaukee. Later that year, Merle became a teacher and coach in the Oak Creek School System. In 1963, He earned his Masters in Education from Marquette University. Merle retired from the Naval Reserve in 1968.
He was an active competitor in the Masters Track and Field Club, competing in the senior division for many years. He was a dedicated Boy Scout leader of Troop 106 for 31 years and was awarded the "Silver Beaver Award" by the Boy Scout Council for his dedication and many years of leadership.
Merle was a member of the American Legion Cudworth Post # 0406 in Milwaukee. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite, where he served on the lodge council chapter consistory, and the Tripoli Shrine. He was a former member of the Kenwood United Methodist Church in Milwaukee, the Zion United Methodist Church in Colgate, and the Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church in West Bend.
As a musician, Merle played the flute and piccolo. He was a member of the Tripoli Shrine band, the Cudworth Post American Legion Band, and the West Bend River City Irregulars.
Merle and Ruth traveled throughout the world where they served working missions for the United Methodist Church. They also served several working missions at home as well as volunteered for the Children of the Rock after school program and helped in summer programs at Pine Lake Lutheran Summer Camp.
Merle enjoyed playing cribbage, camping, canoeing, fishing, gardening and being involved in the music programs at Cedar Communities. He will be missed by his loved ones.
He is survived by his son, Walter (Harriet) Knox of Hawaii; daughter, Chere (Rodney) Iverson of Nevada; stepsons, John (Margery) Wahlen of Mayville and James (Sharon) Wahlen of Hubertus; nine grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; a brother, Rev. Howard Knox of West Bend; many nieces and nephews; and best friends, Charles and Janis Hayden of Fredonia.
Merle is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth; sisters, Eleanor Knox and Marion (Casey) Marifke; a brother, Clyde (Ilene) Knox; and a sister-in-law, Pearl Knox.
A memorial service in remembrance of Merle will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. at Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church, 323 S. 5th Avenue, West Bend. Rev. Jeremy Deaner will officiate. Burial will be in Zion Church Cemetery in Colgate. Visitation will be at the church from 10:30 until the time of the service.