MERLIN COSGROVE

Merlin T. Cosgrove, of Neenah, age 93, passed away Thursday, May 19, 2011 at the Valley VNA. He was born April 25, 1918 in R.F.D. Redgranite, WI, son of the late John and Luella (Tice) Cosgrove. Merlin graduated from Berlin High School in 1936. He worked several years for Russell Glove Co. and Berlin Tanning & Mfg. Co. plus one season on the Great Lakes. Merlin served over 3 ½ years in the Army Air Corps during WWII, mostly in the South Pacific area. On May 17, 1947, he married Elaine Krueger of Menasha and they had 2 children. He was employed at Geo. Banta Co " Menasha for over 37 years and was a member of their 25 Year Club. He was also Secretary/Treasurer of the Banta Benefit Assoc. for 25 years and was further involved with the Banta Credit Union and Shop Council. After retirement, he worked part-time for Elwers Pharmacy and Sterling Gardens Florist " Neenah in addition to volunteering with the Banta Good Samaritan Group and the Boys and Girls Brigade. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church- Neenah/Menasha and its Asbury Club and sang in the choir and served as Head Usher for a number of years. He was a member of the Neenah-Menasha Retired Mens Club, and also a member of the Fox Valley Traffic Club and was its Secretary for several years. Merlin enjoyed travelling, walking, biking, reading, bowling, and all spectator sports. Survivors include: Wife " Elaine; Daughter- Connie (Glenn) Schroeder (of Neenah); Son-Ronald (Darlene) Cosgrove (of Neenah); Nephew " Howard (Susan) Cosgrove & Family (of New Glarus, WI); Niece " Kathy (Dan) Bartkowiak & Family (of Wooster, Ohio); Grandsons " Chad Schroeder (of Neenah), Justin Cosgrove (from Michigan), Hunter Wagner (of Neenah) ; Granddaughters- Kara (Brian) White (of Wauwatosa), Tresa (Mac) Blackburn (of Medford), Kimberly Cosgrove (of Medford); Great-grandson-Jackson White (of Wauwatosa); Brother-in-law- Leslie Krueger (from Florida); Sisters-in-law-Marcie Krueger (of Menasha), Pat Krueger (of Neenah), Joan Krueger (from Florida), and numerous nieces and nephews. Merlin was preceded in death by his sisters: Evelyn Cosgrove Peck (of Berlin) and Lois Cosgrove (of Berlin); brother and sister-in-law ; Donald and Ethel (OConnell) Cosgrove (of Madison); brothers-in-law: Lynus Krueger (of Menasha), Glenn Krueger (of Neenah), Robert Krueger (of Menasha), Irving Buss (of Menasha); and one sister-in-law, Lois Buss (of Menasha). A memorial service will be held for the immediate family and relatives only at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the First United Methodist Church " Neenah/Menasha. The family would like to thank the staff at Valley VNA Assisted Living, Island Shores Assisted Living, and Affinity Hospice for the care given to Merlin.