He was born on June 15, 1928 in the township of Hubbard to Edgar and Frieda (nee Wohlitz) Pahl. He was married to LaVerna Marks at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Neosho on June 24, 1950. Merlin was a dairy farmer all his life. He had been an independent insurance agent for Lebanon-Clyman Mutual Insurance Company since 1962. Merlin was a member of the Hustisford Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years. He was also a member of the Dodge Co. Holstein Association and served for several years on the Share Basis Calf Project. He was honored by the Hustisford FFA as an Outstanding Area Farmer in 1986 and 1990. He was a member of the board of directors for the River Valley Coop from 1986 to 1997. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Hustisford. He served on the school board as a trustee of the church and was a member of the senior choir for many years.

He is survived by his wife, LaVerna Pahl of Juneau; a daughter, Shirley (Warren) Retzlaff of Hustisford; a son, Ralph (Karri) Pahl of Juneau; a sister, Patricia Volenberg of Watertown; a brother, Garey Kirchoff of Watertown; and three grandchildren, Kristin Retzlaff, and Evan and Emily Pahl, whom he dearly loved spending time with. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather Raymond Kirchoff; sister Betty Zoellick; and a brother-in-law, Owen Volenberg.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2004 at 2 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Hustisford, with Rev. Timothy Bauer and Rev. David Pries officiating. Visitation was at the church on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2004 from 4 to 8 p.m., and on Wednesday from noon until the time of the service.

Interment Hustisford Cemetery.

Memorials to Bethany Lutheran Church Building Fund or the charity of one's choice appreciated.

Hafemeister Funeral Home in Watertown is in charge of arrangements.