Merlin Erwin Lannbrecht

Merlin E. Lannbrecht, age 73, passed away peacefully on Wednesday May 28, 2025 at Eden Meadows in Oshkosh with family by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a man of strength, lots of humor, and determination.

Merlin was born on April 18, 1952, the son of the late Edgar and Alta (Knapp) Lannbrecht, and grew up in the town of Cato. He graduated from Reedsville High School in 1970. Following high school, he earned an associate’s degree in drafting from Lakeshore Technical College. Merlin worked for Baisch Engineering in Kaukauna for almost 40 years and retired in 2013.

He married Suzanne Luedtke at Peace Lutheran Church in Oshkosh on November 1, 1975. Merlin always looked forward to taking Sue out for dinner each week (especially to the Roxy) and making frequent visits to see her at Eden Meadows. He had a passion for classic cars (especially his Lincoln Continentals), enjoyed attending car shows, and was a proud member of the Oshkosh Car Club. He found joy spending time on the family farm in Cato, especially when meeting up with his brother. They would prepare the land for spring, tell stories, share jokes, and enjoy time in the fields together.

Merlin cherished his time on the farm, working the land, feeding the farm cats, and always loved when friends would stop in for a surprise visit. In his words, “it was never goodbye, just so long.”

Merlin is survived by his wife, Suzanne Lannbrecht of Oshkosh. They would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this fall. He is also survived by one brother, Lyle (Mary) Lannbrecht of Brillion; a nephew, Christopher (Kendra) Lannbrecht of Brillion; one niece, Marissa (Chad) Boesch of Sherwood; two great-nieces, Hadley and Kenzie; and one great-nephew, Trae.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Alta Lannbrecht.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday June 2, 2025 at St. John-St James Lutheran Church in Reedsville (219 Manitowoc St.). Burial will be at Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Oshkosh. The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:00am to 10:45am prior to the service.

Merlin’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses and staff at Eden Meadows in Oshkosh and Compassus Hospice.

A memorial has been established.