Obit: Switzenberg, Merrill (1924-1981)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson
Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Switzenberg, Schultz, Marten, Bobbe, Zander, Aase

---Source: Marshfield News-Herald (25 October 1981)

Switzenberg, Dr. Merrill J. (11 October 1924 - 24 October 1981)

ABBOTSFORD -- Dr. Merrill J. Switzenberg, 57, Abbotsford School District administrator, died Saturday afternoon of an apparent heart attack while hunting.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at St. Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield. Clark County Coroner Robert Lulloff has ruled cause of death as a heart attack.

According to Lulloff, Switzenberg, Route 1, Abbotsford, was pheasant hunting with Dan Bobbe, Abbotsford, in an area about 3 1/2 miles northeast of Abbotsford, when he suddenly collapsed on a town road.

Services will be Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church, Mondovi, with burial to follow at Oak Park Cemetery, Mondovi. The Rev. Norman Ruthenbeck, pastor will officiate. Friends may call at Kjentvet and Son Funeral Home, Mondovi.

Dr. Switzenberg was born October 11, 1924 in Mondovi to Mr. and Mrs. Ed (Hulda Schultz) Switzenberg.

He married Ruby Marten on August 1, 1948 in Modena, and she survives.

He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and a master's and specialist degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. He received his doctorate degree in education at the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks.

A Navy veteran of World War II, he was employed by various school districts until he was named Abbotsford School District administrator three years ago.

He was a lifetime member of the Wisconsin Education Association, and had served on the Wisconsin Education Association and had served on the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Association Advisory Board for many years.

He was a member of st. Luke's Lutheran Church, Elcho; the Abbotsford Lions Club; the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, and the Abbotsford Veterans of Foreign Wars Post.

Besides his wife, he is survived by one son, John Merrill of Superior; three daughters, Mrs. Sherri Zander of Rhinelander, and Jane Switzenberg and Carol Switzenberg, both of Eau Claire; and one sister, Mrs. William (Marian) Aase of Mondovi.