Harold James Merrison, Sr.

Harold James Merrison, Sr, age 91 formerly of Hollandale died on Sunday morning, January 8, 2023 at the Edenbrook Care Facility of Platteville.  He was born on January 19, 1931 to Harry Williams and Violet Marie (Schanck) Merrison in Avalon, New Jersey.  He grew up and attended school in Avalon until he joined the United States Army.  In 1954 he was discharged and soon after he married Helen Cecilia Jennings.  They lived in New Jersey for 17 years until 1971 when they moved to Hollandale where they lived in a farmhouse.  After his discharge from the military Harold worked at a service station and later owned his own service station in New Jersey.  They closed the service station, and he worked as a truck driver based in New Jersey.  They suffered through a devastating hurricane which encouraged them to move to Wisconsin.  They had an opportunity to sell their home to the New Jersey Turnpike, so they moved to Hollandale.  He continued driving semi-truck, and then started working as a diesel truck mechanic.  He also worked on diesel truck restoration and rehabbing.  In his spare time he repaired small engines, TV’s and radios.  He also mowed the Calvary Cemetery in rural Hollandale for around 30 years.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, casinos and dog tracks, auctions, and was an avid Packer fan. 

Harold is survived by seven children, Violet (Dale) Austin of Platteville, Terri (Jack) Fitzsimons of Darlington, Harold (Dawn) Merrison of Belford, New Jersey, Colleen (Roger) Mayne of Montfort, Kathleen Merrison of Rewey, Helen (Gerry) Erickson of Monroe, and Dennis (Jennifer) Merrison of Lone Rock; 21 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and 2 great-great grandchild.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen who died on January 23, 2022; two sisters, Lillian Dobrowski, and Marge Dunyak; and a grandchild Austin who died in May of 2016.

A visitation for Harold will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023 from 2:00 until 4:00 PM at Blanchard Hall at 204 South Main Street in Blanchardville.  A funeral service will follow at 4:00 PM.  The service will be live cast for the public on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/saetherfuneralservice Fr. Michael Johnson of St. Isidore Parish will officiate.  Lunch will follow at Blanchard Hall. Graveside services in the Calvary Cemetery in rural Hollandale will be held at a later date.  Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family.  Online memories and condolences can be shared with with the family at www.saetherfuneralservice.com.

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