Merlin "Merle" Baeten

Merle J. Baeten, 78, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 7, 2013 at Bellin Memorial Hospital. He was born on October 24, 1935 to the late John and Josephine (Vanden Branden) Baeten. Merle grew up in De Pere and graduated from West De Pere High School. Following his honorable discharge from active duty in the U.S. Army, Merle began his employment at Wisconsin Public Service where he worked as a lineman and eventually became a foreman in the Green Bay Substation and Transmission Operations Department. Merle coached youth baseball in De Pere and attended all of his children's athletic events through their school years. He also liked hunting deer and pheasants for many years. Merle enjoyed spending his winters in Florida and going up north in the summers with Joan. He was an avid Packer and Brewer fan, and enjoyed the occasional casino trip. Merle also looked forward to his Thursday golf outings and breakfast with his buddies. Survivors include wife Joan (Olejniczak) Baeten; his children: Lisa Baeten (Tom Merkel); Cindy (Bruce) Kueper and children Tricia Barrette and Nicki Van Enkevort; Joe Baeten; Amy (Tom) Baeten and children Alec and Austin; Joan’s children: Michael (Estela) Olejniczak; Julie (Bill) Switzer and children Michael and Sam; Mary Jo (Ray) Janssen and children Aaron, Neil, and Stuart; David (Debbie) Olejniczak and their son Jesse; and Susan (Jim) Jandrin and children Scott and John. Merle is also survived by his brother Clyde (Sonia) Baeten; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Dorothy Baeten, Steve (Helen) Allcox, Jim (Stel) Allcox, Judy (Harold) Nackers, and Barbara (MaryAnn) Allcox; great grandson Mason; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Merle was preceded in death by wife and mother of his four children Patricia (Cuene) Baeten; brothers Frank Baeten and Dick (Elisa) Baeten; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lois and Jim Brennan; and sister-in-law Carol Geurts. Family and friends may call at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Dr., Allouez on Monday, November 11, 2013 from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12:00 p.m. with Bishop Robert Morneau officiating. Interment at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery. Cotter Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the 2nd floor staff at Bellin for their care and compassion to Merle and his family.