Eric James Merritt

On Sunday, February 11, 2018, Eric J. Merritt was called home by his Lord and Savior after continued complications with his health. Waiting for him at the heavenly gates was his beloved grandmother. Eric was born in Appleton on July 20, 1978, son of Richard and Julie (Van Eperen) Merritt. He was a graduate of the Weyauwega-Fremont High School’s class of 1996.

Eric cherished every moment with his precious children, teaching them God’s Word, through his thoughts, words, and actions. He had a kind and beautiful soul.

Each relationship Eric shared was unique and special, and everything he did for others was done with purpose and meaning. Eric had an unwavering bond with his mother, father, and sister, and he devoted his life to his babies. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his infectious smile, and his many unique collections.

Survivors include his parents: Julie and Richard Merritt; four loving children: Calleigh, Brevon, Landon, and Peyton; his sister: Madeleine (fiancé Brian Lemke) Merritt and their son Tobias; three brothers: Shane Mata, Steven Mata, and Joseph Facundo; several aunts and uncles: Joanmarie “Toby” Berken, Jean Berkers, Jackie (Abel) Rodriguez, Jim (Laura) Van Eperen, Jenny (Jason) Smith, Robert (Denise Lapier) Merritt, Judy Merritt - Lampl, James Merritt, Curtis Merritt, and Lynn Merritt. He will also be especially missed by his many cousins who he was so close with: Justin, Elmer, Nicole, Marcus, Jackie, Hollyann, Annette, Corey, Adam, Aaron, Angeline, James, Thomas, Alex, Andi, Blake, Randee, Marcy, Audry, Leslie, Spencer, Shelby, and April, and their extended families. He also leaves behind countless good friends and several faithful and much-loved pets.

Eric was preceded in death by his grandparents: Joseph Van Eperen, Sr., Eloisa E. Van Eperen, James C. Merritt, and Sima Merritt; and an uncle: Joseph M. Van Eperen, Jr.

The Christian Funeral Service for Eric will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, N2740 French Road in Appleton, with Rev. Tim Glende and Rev. James Fleming officiating. Entombment will follow at Highland Memorial Park. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri County Chapel, 1592 Oneida Street in Menasha on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again at the church on Thursday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. For more information or to share a memory of Eric, please visit www.wichmannfargo.com.

The family would like to thank the extraordinary staff in the ICU at ThedaCare Medical Center in Appleton for their tender care, Pastors Glende and Fleming of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Appleton for their visits and prayers, and the family at Hope UCC in Fremont for all of the support that has been received. You will all be remembered fondly by our grateful family.

To our beloved son: Our hearts are forever broken, but our sorrow is mixed with Joy. We know the days of pain are over, and that your smile is back as bright as ever. It was our true honor to be your parents, and our love for you will never end. We love you to the moon and back. Until we meet again, Mom and Dad.

To our Daddy: We’ll love you forever, we’ll like you for always. As long as we’re living, our Daddy you’ll be. Love you always and forever, Calleigh, Brevon, Landon, and Peyton.

To my Big Brother: I will love you forever. Love, Madeleine.