Merlin W. McHugh, age 88, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI died Monday, January 14, 2019 at Wausau Aspirus Hospital.

Funeral Services are 11:30 AM Friday, January 18, 2019 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Fr. William Menzel will officiate. Visitation will be at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church on Friday from 9:30-11:30 AM. Military rites will be provided by American Legion Post # 9 of Wisconsin Rapids.

Merlin was born August 21, 1930 in Halder, WI to Thomas and Leona (Kammineck) McHugh Jr. He married Wilma Kyhos on May 5, 1956 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Mosinee, WI. Merlin was employed at Consolidated Papers Inc. (Consoweld) for 31 years retiring in August 1992.

Merlin served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from November 1951 until August 1953. He was a long time member of American Legion Post # 9 of Wisconsin Rapids.  He enjoyed golfing, walking, all sporting events including high school, college and professional; and especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren accomplish their way in life.

Merlin helped start the Assumption High School baseball program in 1976 and coached the team for many years. He also helped coach football, basketball and track at St. Mary’s School and taught physical education at St. Mary’s for many years. Merlin also coached the Wisconsin Rapids American Legion baseball team for many years. Merlin was an accomplished athlete playing professional baseball in the minor league system for the Chicago White Sox. Merlin was also known as being a member of the “chain gang” for Assumption High School football games for 25 years.

Merlin is survived by his wife, Wilma; daughter, Sherri (Daniel) Foth of Sun Prairie, WI; two sons, Michael (Julie) McHugh of DeForest, WI and Thomas (Kristin) McHugh of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; five grandchildren, Shannon (Dan) Clark, Patrick (Kyrsten Van Pay) McHugh, Brianna (Michael) Mathweg, Dylan (Emily Van Dyne) McHugh and Matthew McHugh; four step grandchildren, Christopher Larkin, Casey Larkin, Jennifer (Ray) Konyn and Samantha (Tyler) Chambers; 3 great-grandchildren and one sister, Carol Ann Wenzel of San Jose, CA.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Keith McHugh.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be designated to Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church.