Merlin F. "Boots" Van Gheem, 83 of De Pere passed away on Monday May 24, 2010. He was born July 20, 1926 to the late Frank and Minnie (Schadrie) Van Gheem. Boots was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served in the South Pacific. On March 7, 1947 he married Lauraine Paul. He retired from Nicolet Paper Company. Boots loved to travel and spend time at his home in Crivitz, and winter in Florida. He also liked to feed the birds and animals that came to his feeder. He is survived by his wife Lauraine, his son Alex (Diane) Van Gheem, and granddaughter Jessica Lynn Van Gheem. Boots is further survived by his sister Elaine (Gerald) Van Rens, brothers in law and sisters in law; Erwin Eggert, Lucretia Luedeman, Laurinda (Thomas) Baker, Laurelyn (Robert) Heier, and 15 nieces and nephews. Boots was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters in law, Lillian Eggert, and Lauretta Walton, as well as his brother in law Carl Luedeman. Friends may call at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME 305 N. Tenth Street De Pere from 1 3pm Thursday. A funeral service for Boots will be held at 3pm. Burial will take place in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established.