Frederick Lee Merrill

Mr. Frederick Lee Merrill, age 75, passed away Thursday 11/8/2018 at 7:15pm in his home. Fred was survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Patricia Merrill (Spruit), daughter Lora King (Dan Mathews), his grandchildren Nicholette Driggs (Dan), Thomas King, Theodore King (Kim Veenstra); his siblings Gloria Inosencio (Bob), Ruth Morgan (Ken), David Merrill (Myrna), Rich Merrill (Karen), Jane Suddith, and dear friend Gary Morgan (Janice); brother and sister in laws, Dave Spruit (Dorothy), Diane Obermeyer (Skip), MaryAnn Page (Larry), Fran Rood (Jerry), Kelly Obermeyer (Rick), Paul Spruit, Steven Spruit (Deb). Fred was also survived by many loved nieces & nephews, great nieces & nephews, and great-great nieces. Preceded in death by many loved family members and friends, to numerous to mention, but cherished by all. Frederick was born at home on February 13th, 1943 in Grand Rapids, Mi. Fred had a great love for the outdoors. In his life, he raised and trained many beagles. He loved his beagles, especially their last, Jody. After Jody passed away, Fred and Pat got a Sun Conure named Max. Max and Fred would sit in the sun together. He has him trained to get off his shoulder, go to the bathroom, and then come back, so Fred would never be pooped on. Fred felt terrible when Max was startled by a hawk and flew away forever. As a dog person, Fred naturally fell in love with a fat gray cat they affectingly named Alleycat. She was his companion. He would constantly sneak her treats and she loved to sleep in an old shirt of his that Pat had made into a bed. Hunting rabbits and fishing with his good friend Gary and his brothers was his passion. His favorite activity at home was sitting in the backyard of their Willow home facing the river and soaking up the sun. He loved Pat’s pickled beets, the only vegetable out of the garden he would eat. He and Pat would take road trips all over Michigan, being Sunday drivers, enjoying the scenery, and helping Pat dig up flowers they found. In the five last years after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure, he and Pat would take daily strolls. Fred work as woodworker until his company went out of business inn the 70s. Unable to find something that suited him, Fred was a dedicated stay at home dad, then a stay at home grandpa. Fred loved being a dad and a grandpa. Although his hearing was failing him and talking on the phone was difficult, he would always yell, “I love you” so his daughter and grandchildren knew he loved them and always thinking about them. A Funeral service will take place 1pm, Monday November 12, 2018 at Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuaries, 585 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Visitation for family and friends at 12 noon.

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Frederick Lee Merrill

February 13, 1943 - November 8, 2018