Charles V. Merila

GREENFIELD, Wis. — Charles Victor Merila, 92, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, at Autumn Living in Greenfield.

Charles was born on June 1, 1922, in Paynesville, Mich., the son of Maria (Kokkila) and Kalle E. Merila.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Helen (Matt) Simon, Florence (Walter) Hautamaki and Rose (Marvin) Robertson; and brother, Uno (Chloe) Merila.

Survivors include special nephews, James M. Robertson Jr. and Eugene Hautamaki; many other nieces and nephews; and close friend, Dolores Marx.

Charles grew up in the Paynesville area and worked locally in the woods. He served in the U.S. Army from Nov. 23, 1942, until his honorable discharge on Nov. 15, 1945. During World War II, he went ashore on the third day of the European conflict on Normandy Beach, France.

After service, Charles spent his career as a welder at Allis-Chalmers in West Allis. He was active in the VFW, the Finnish American Society and a bowling league. He enjoyed spending time dancing, bowling, playing cards, cooking, baking and frequenting casinos. Most important to him were trips back to the U.P. visiting family and friends.

Services and burial will take place in the spring at the Agate Cemetery near Trout Creek, Mich.

Thank you to the staff at Autumn Living and to Barb Dauer of Community Services Support for their loving care of Charles.