Merlin A. Vander Heiden, 80, completed his journey on earth after passing away from heart complications on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. Merl was born at home in Askeaton, WI on April 17, 1940 to the late Clayton and Rosella (Micke) Vander Heiden. He grew up on a farm in Freedom, WI and attended grade and high schools there, while helping his parents on the farm. Merl proudly served his country in the Army National Guard Reserves and in 1961 was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis with the Wis 32nd Red Arrow Division serving in Fort Lewis, Washington. On November 6, 1965 he married Delores Feldkamp at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Kaukauna, WI and they were together for over 55 years. Merl worked at Badger Northland and Giddings & Lewis in Kaukauna before deciding to begin his own business. Merl and Dee established an auto repair service which they operated for 25 years. Merl's Auto Service began in Allouez and later they purchased a five bay service garage in downtown Green Bay on the corner of Madison and Walnut streets. After selling the business, Merl and Dee worked together on a delivery service for ten years, traveling to all areas of Wisconsin, northern Illinois and eastern Minnesota, delivering anything from a letter to whatever would fit into the back of his pickup truck. Merl and Dee loved music and dancing and enjoyed times with friends at many of the local dances. Merl especially liked to play tunes on his harmonica and listen to Danny O'Donnell music. He enjoyed fishing, camping, times up north, visiting with family and friends, along with telling a few jokes and a little teasing! Merl was always an inventive person, either repairing something or thinking of ways to improve it. He worked hard to provide for his family as they were very important to him and he was proud of their accomplishments. He liked being call "PaPa". Merl is survived by his wife Dee and their three children: Steve and Sheryl Vander Heiden, Tualatin, OR; Randy and Becky Vander Heiden, Monona, WI, and Vicki and Jim Jirschele, Kiel, WI. Also grandchildren, Chase and Tyler Vander Heiden; Vaughn and Parks Vander Heiden; Ryan, Logan, Alex and Kaitlyn Jirschele. Sisters and brothers: Beaty and Mel Baeten, Gene Vander Heiden, Jerry and Kitty Vander Heiden, Carol and Greg Verstegen; Lois and Gary Mignon. Dee's family: Don and Bev Feldkamp, Bob and Mary Jo Feldkamp, Janice and Ray Williams, besides many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his parents, Merl was also preceded in death by Dee's parents, Leo and Lucille Feldkamp, sister-in-law Joan Vander Heiden; brother-in-law, Dick Feldkamp, nephew Jeff Feldkamp, niece Sondra Feldkamp. Private funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 for immediate family. A Mass at Prince of Peace Catholic Church and gathering to celebrate Merl's life will be announced at a later date because of the current Covid restrictions. Ryan Funeral Home is assisting the family with all services. Memorials in Merl's name for St. John Homeless Shelter or other expressions of sympathy can be sent to Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. 10 Street, De Pere, Wi 54115 to the attention of the Vander Heiden family. Additional details can be found at www.ryanfh.com. Electronic memorials in Merl's name for St. Johns Homeless Shelter can completed at the following link: https://www.stjohnhomelessshelter.org/donate/