Merlin E. Havlik, age 86 years, of Hillsboro, passed away on Monday, Feb. 17, 2014 at the Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

He was born on March 1, 1927 to John and Jessie (Zajicek) Havlik in Muscoda, Wisconsin.  Merlin served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1945 to 1948.

Merlin was united in marriage to Mary Roth on June 10, 1950 in Hillsboro.  They have lived in the Hillsboro area for many years.  He worked farming and later was a realtor and auctioneer.  He enjoyed gardening and was known for his tomatoes and roses.  He was a member of the St. Aloysius Catholic Church and a 4th degree Knights of Columbus member.

Survivors include his wife, Mary of Hillsboro; children, Sara (Don) Heidenreich of Richland Center, Tony (Lou) Havlik of Stoughton, Tim (Mitzi) Havlik of Paducah, Kentucky and Lawrence (Yopi) Havlik of Fishers, Indiana; ten Grandchildren; one Great Grandchild; a brother, Loren (Jeanette) Havlik of San Diego, California and two sisters, Lois Walker of  Hillsboro and Betty (Dick) Wenzel of Naperville, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Albert and Arley Havlik.

A Graveside Memorial Service at the Mount Vernon Cemetery in Hillsboro will be held at a later date.  The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro assisted the family with arrangements. For online information, go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com