Merle E. Kulhanek

Merle E. Kulhanek of Town of Eaton, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, at a Green Bay hospital. Merle was born on September 19, 1943, to Elmer and Clara (Dahlke) Kulhanek. On June 3, 1989, he married Pat Terrien.

Merle worked for many years at Hamilton Manufacturing, as well as taking over and running the family farm. Merle, with his wife Pat, built and operated the C-Mart Convenience Store – opening in May of 1997 and serving the community until 2012, upon selling to his nephews Jesse and Matt Shimon. They operate the store to this day.

Despite Merle’s busy life, he found time to give back to his community in many ways. He served as Zoning Administrator for the Town of Eaton for 62 years and was a member of Denmark Fire Station #2 – most currently serving as a tender truck driver. Merle enjoyed his membership with the Bellevue Snow Diamonds Snowmobile club. For 22 years he made some of the finest Booyah for the club.

Merle is survived by his wife, Pat; his daughter, Kathy (Joe) Guns; 2 sisters: Ruth Bertrand and Cindy (Donald) Shimon; grandson, Nick Guns; 6 nephews: Jim, Jerry, Mike and Mark Bertrand, Jesse and Matt (special friend, Kristy) Shimon; one niece, Amanda (Tim) Doell; 3 great-nieces, eight great-nephews, as well as many cousins and friends.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Leonard Bertrand; and his nephew, Gary Bertrand.

Family and friends may gather for a visitation at Cotter Funeral Home (536 County Rd. R, Denmark WI 54208) on Sunday October 18, 2026, from 2:00pm until 5:00pm. Visitation will continue on Monday October 19, 2026, at Messiah Lutheran Church (3186 Eaton Rd., Green Bay, WI 54311) from 9:00am until the time of service at 11:00am. Burial will immediately follow service at Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery, in Henrysville - Town of Eaton (5794 Kewaunee Rd. Denmark, WI 54208).

In lieu of flowers and plants, Merle’s family asks that you consider a contribution to Denmark Fire Station #2.