Merlyn Kenneth Bersie

Merlyn Bersie, age 92, of Appleton, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023, in Appleton Area Health-Care Center. Visitation will be Noon-1 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton. Interment will be in Appleton City Cemetery. Pastor Linda Wimmer will officiate.

Merlyn Kenneth Bersie was born September 24, 1930, at home in West Bank Township, Swift County, Minnesota, the son of Byron “Barney” and Gladys (Uphoff) Bersie. He was raised in the Holloway area, where he attended school through the eighth grade. On October 28, 1951, Merlyn was united in marriage to LaVonne Helen Kunde at Trinity Lutheran Church, Walter Township. This union was blessed with four children: Janet, Duane, Cheryl, and Dennis. From 1951 to 1969 the couple farmed and raised their family east of Appleton. In 1969, the family moved to the metro area where they resided in Richfield and Annandale. In May of 2001, Merlyn and LaVonne moved to Appleton.

While farming, Merlyn was a member of the NFO. Also in his younger years, he bowled in leagues at Dew-Well Lanes in Appleton and Luxury Lanes in Richfield. He was a long-time coach of the Lucky Shamrock softball team…he loved coaching softball! Merlyn also enjoyed fishing, playing cards, doing puzzles, and watching the MN Twins and Vikings.

Merlyn passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023, in Appleton Area Health-Care Center. He attained 92 years, 6 months, and 19 days of age. Merlyn is survived by his children: Janet (Jim) Baker of Pine Island, Duane (Gail) Bersie of Richfield, Cheryl (Glen) Bulen of Champlin, and Dennis (Anais) Bersie of Zimmerman; his nine grandchildren: Matt (Tam) Elsmore, Jason (Deanne) Elsmore, Amanda (Jami) Saathoff, Angela (Neal) Larson, Stephanie Bulen, Jenny (Chris) Weigel, Tyler (Shelby) Bulen, Erin Bersie, Darby Bersie; his 18 great-grandchildren: Lauren Elsmore, Michael Elsmore, Jacob Elsmore, Jordan  Craige, Aiden Donovan, Liliana Pirelli, Alessandra Pirelli, Maximo Pirelli, Giavana Pirelli, Addison Saathoff, Ella Saathoff, Beckett Saathoff, Miles Larson, Connor Merlyn Larson, Kaylee Weigel, Jace Weigel, Rylie Bulen, Zoey Bulen; his sister, Delores Running of Appleton; his four nieces: Kathy, Julie, Carol, Susan; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne on April 16, 2002; his parents, Byron and Gladys Bersie; his sister Leona Bersie; and his brother-in-law, Milton Running.

Blessed be the memory of Merlyn Kenneth Bersie.