Gerald "Merf" Merfeld

Gerald “Merf” Merfeld

1954-2026

Gerald “Merf” Merfeld, 72, left this world for his next adventure on June 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed. Heaven just got a whole lot louder!

Gerald was born on February 12, 1954, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the third of six children born to Wayne and Frances (Frazier) Merfeld. He grew up in Kenosha and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School. As the story goes Gerald had aspirations to be a pig farmer in Iowa but instead chose a career in the autobody industry. He started working for Alrikas Autobody before joining with his father and brother, Merrill, and later became co-owner of American Collision Autobody. He retired in 2023 after a highly successful and respected 55-year career. As his wife has said many times, he was the best damn body man in the city of Kenosha!

In 1974, Gerald married Doreen Andersen and together they raised two wonderful children, Tammy and Jacob. Just days before his passing, Gerald was able to celebrate Father’s Day with both of his children and all three of his grandsons by his side as well as his 52nd wedding anniversary with his favorite lady (despite the fact that she graduated from Tremper High School).

Gerald worked hard but he played harder. For many years, he was a skilled pitcher in the Kenosha and Kenosha County fast-pitch softball leagues, where he and Doreen built a community of lifelong friends. He was an avid hunter and a member of a close-knit multi-generational hunting group that became a second family to him. Known for having the biggest personality and the loudest laugh in any room, Gerald brought joy wherever he went. Getting into the car with Gerald was always an adventure; with no destination in mind, you never knew where the road would take you.

He was also a passionate fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, the Green Bay Packers, and the Milwaukee Bucks, always cheering them on with both family and friends. He especially looked forward to the annual tradition of attending a Brewers game with his daughter, Tammy. A dedicated mentor, he served as a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 538. Under his leadership, eight scouts achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout—a feat he was most proud to see his own son, Jacob, accomplish.

For 18 years, Gerald and Doreen battled his prostate cancer together no matter where it took them. Throughout this journey, he participated in numerous treatments and clinical trials. He did this not only for his own timeline but to hopefully advance medical research for a cancer that affects so many people.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Frances Merfeld, and his brother, Darrell Merfeld.

He is survived by his loving wife, Doreen Merfeld; his daughter, Tamara (Merfeld) Patton; his son, Jacob (Emily) Merfeld; and his beloved grandchildren, Mishayla Merfeld, Joseph (Joey) Merfeld, Andersen Patton, and JohnHenry Patton. He is further survived by his siblings, Nancy (Darrell) Merfeld, Cheryl (Doug) Samples, Merrill (Mary) Merfeld, Carol (Merfeld) Hoeft, Jeneyl (Steve) Anglin, many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

The Celebration of Life will be held at The Parkway Chateau, Grand Hall, 12304 -75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142 on July 12th, 2026, from 2:00-5:00pm with a short memorial service from 2:30-3:00pm. No black or formal attire needed. Instead, wear something that reminds you of Gerald, a WI sports team, classic car or hunting, etc. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Hospice Alliance in Kenosha. Donation information can be found here - https://www.hospicealliance.org/support-us/honor-a-love-one

Kenosha Funeral Services & Crematory

8226-Sheridan Rd.

Kenosha, WI 53143

(262) 652-1943

www.kenosha-funeral-services.com