Merle Ray Wetherwax, age 86, of Genesee formerly of Otisville, passed peacefully at home Friday evening, August 9, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Friday August 16, 2024 at Otisville United Methodist Church 200 W. Main St. Otisville. Pastor Carol J. Freeland officiating: with private burial in Smith-Hill Cemetery. Family will receive visitors from 2-6 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Merle will lie in state at the church from 12:00 noon Friday until time of services. Those desiring may make contribution in Merle's memory to the Otisville United Methodist Church.

Merle was born in Otisville, Michigan to Lewis and Irene (Campbell) Wetherwax on September 17, 1937. He led an amazing life throughout his childhood and teen years, meeting the love of his life Linda Louise Matzenbach. Merle and Linda married on February 23, 1957, becoming one. The two were married over 64 years, and together over 67 years, before Linda passed in October of 2021.

Merle and Linda built a beautiful life in Otisville with their beautiful family. Merle became a well known and respected business owner in his Wetherwax Bump & Paint business right in downtown Otisville during the 1960's. Merle was very active in the community with an active membership in the Otisville Lion's Club; he sat on the Otisville Village Council and was a volunteer firefighter with the Otisville Fire Department for several years. In the mid 1970's Merle sold his bump & paint business, moving onto the body shop manager for Belford Motors Sales in Davison, then moving to body shop manager for Summerfield Chevrolet, until he had a final career with Farm Bureau Insurance, as an adjuster in the Houghton Lake and surrounding areas, retiring in 1999. Once retired, Merle and Linda enjoyed Florida for several years, coming home to Otisville each summer to spend time with their family.

Merle's legacy leaves behind a world of love; sons Kevin (Tammy) Wetherwax, Jeff (Brenda) Wetherwax, and daughter Janeen Clark.  Grandchildren; Bridgette (Mark) Miniear, Valerie (Howard) Cook, Bryan Wetherwax, Carrie (Chad) Peterson, Stacey (Jay) McDaniel, Shawna (Cullen) Kappel, and Gretchen Sauer.  He also leaves his awesome 19 Great- Grandchildren, and 6 Great Great Grandchildren. As well as loving twin brother Verle (Sharon) Wetherwax; much loved brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and a host of extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by the love of his life Linda, parents Lewis and Irene Wetherwax, In-Laws Ronald and Alma Matzenbach, Sister Jean Beagle, Brother Don Wetherwax, Grandson Kevin "Wayne" Wetherwax, son-in-law William Clark.

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