Merle Lee Schultz, 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Born at home near Seward, Nebraska to Hubert and Alma (Meier) Schultz. Moved to Northern Illinois at the age of 7. He attended grade and middle school at Immanuel Lutheran in Crystal Lake, IL and attended High School in Woodstock, IL where he met the love of his life, Bonnie Granger. Merle was involved in Busy Beavers 4H club in Cary, IL.

During high school and until he married Bonnie, he worked at Pleasant Valley Farm in Woodstock, IL. They married on October 10, 1964, and moved to Huntley, IL where he worked for Marlowe feed and Hatchery. The next move was to Marengo, IL. Where they purchased their first home and he worked at Marengo FS.

Merle then worked at Techalloy in Union, IL. He retired in 2005. Following his retirement, they lived in Caledonia and Belvidere, Illinois.

Merle was involved in snowmobiling at the local club, regional and state levels. He was also a snowmobile safety instructor for over 30 years. He enjoyed riding with Bonnie all over the United States and Canada.

In their younger years they square danced with the Harvard Milk Center Squares. They also enjoyed camping with friends and family. Traveling by air, land, or sea were some of their favorite times during retirement. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting and scouting events.

Merle is survived by his wife of 61 years, Bonnie (Granger) Schultz; daughters, Pam Schultz(John Rasmussen) and Kathy (Dan) Hauser; grandchildren, Casey (Adam) Dahlberg, Kyle (Sydney) Hauser, Spencer Kirk (Ciara Ort) as well as his sister, Beverly (Schultz) Sawallisch.

He is preceded in death by his parents Hubert and Alma (Meier) Schultz; brother, Lester Schultz, sister-in-law, Marge Schultz; sister, Shirley (Schultz) Hinz; brother-in-law, Wayne Hinz, and brother-in-law, Kenneth Sawallisch.

In memory of Merle, donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org/donate or through the mail at 2101 Rosecrans Ave. Suite 3200, El Segundo, CA 90245

Celebration of life will be held at a later date.