Sturtevant – John I. Merlo, 77, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2015, surrounded by the love of his family.  He was born in Racine on June 17, 1938, son of the late John and Catherine (nee: Schiro) Merlo.

John was united in marriage to the former Laurie Burns on May 8, 2008, in Las Vegas, NV.  John and Laurie have been together for over 21 years.

John graduated from Horlick High School in 1957.  He has been the owner of Merlo Heating for over 50 years and still enjoyed working every day.  John was an all-around outdoorsman.  He was a passionate salmon fisherman and loved having his boat on Lake Michigan.  He also enjoyed many other types of fishing including deep sea fishing.  John was a member of the Harbor Lite Yacht Club for over 40 years; a past Commodore serving on the board of directors for over 30 years.  He was an avid hunter as well as a fisherman.  He liked to hunt deer, bear, moose, elk, and turkey to name a few.  He enjoyed taking sporting trips all over the country and Canada.  John also loved taking trips to Las Vegas with Laurie to test his luck.

John leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Laurie Merlo of Sturtevant; children, John (Sharon Carter) Merlo, Jr. of McKinney, TX, Michael (Monica Miner) Merlo, Sr. of Gordon, WI, Angela (Todd) Keller of Kenosha, Joseph (Bobby) Merlo of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren, Erica Keller, Lauren (Angelo) Jones, August Keller, Michael Merlo, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Aden Jones, Maxwell Jones, Lena Jones; siblings, Margaret Kramer, Francis Klyzub, and Anthony (Vivian) Merlo.

In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Richard Kramer and Buford Klyzub.

A memorial celebration of John's life will take place on Thursday, September 3, 2015, 5:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating.  Visitation will be from 3:00pm until the time of the service.

The family would like to extend a heart-felt "Thank You" to the staff at WFH-All Saints Cardiac ICU, especially, nurse Heather, for the compassionate care given to John and the family during this difficult time.