Racine – John Michael Merrill, age 38, passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 19, 2016.

John was born in Kenosha on October 27, 1977 to John L. and Barbara Jo (nee: Kloet) Merrill.

He graduated from JI Case High School and St. Cloud State University. With a great passion for flying, John was an accomplished commercial pilot. Currently, he was employed as an inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 10:00 am in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, with Rev. Terrance J. Huebner officiating. Interment will take place in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be in the church on Saturday from 9:30 – 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to John's children have been suggested.

God does not prepare you for sudden death, early death, preparing your children …..  God gives us strength.  He gives us guidance.  He gives us love in family and friends.  Yesterday I lost the only man I have ever loved.  The man who gave me his soul 21yrs ago.  The man who gave me two beautiful, amazing children.  He taught me to love the Bears even though they do and will probably always suck.  He made me appreciate the simple things in life…joy, laughter, silence and love. Our children are a reflection of his love…. and I pray they remember him and all of his goodness. He has been an amazing husband, father, son, brother and friend. He will be missed more than any words I can speak.  Please celebrate with us his journey in life and know he is watching over all of us.  He is our angel in heaven. Love you.  Susan For those of you who don't know yet, I lost my baby brother this Monday night. He was taken from us way too early. He is a person who loved. He loved his children, his wife, his parents, his sisters, brother-in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, dog and friends. He loved flying, rocking nasty mustaches, being goofy, watching the dumb Bears, the Brewers, NASCAR, air shows and always had the best Halloween costumes.

Please please please keep us all in your prayers. I love you so much Johnny Jumper. ❤

Service Details

Service: Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 10:00 am at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street

Visitation: at the church on Saturday from 9:30 – 10:00 am

Burial: Graceland Cemetery

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of flowers, memorials to John's children, John Jr. "JJ" and Madison "Maddie", have been suggested

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