Merrell A. Pawlitz, 66, of Verona Township, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2015.

Merrell was born on January 25, 1949 to the late Edward and Dorothy (Schave) Pawlitz in Harbor Beach.

On December 4, 1976, he married the love of his life, Shirley Cummings at the Harbor Beach First Baptist Church.

Merrell graduated from Port Hope High School. He was an avid Detroit Tigers fan, he enjoyed sitting outside on his deck, fishing, and spending time with his children, grandchildren and his dog Penny.

Merrell is survived by his wife of 38 years, Shirley; daughters Tiffany (Doug) Gucwa of Bad Axe, Tennille (Denny Jr.) Gibson of Bad Axe and Tandi (Steve) Hill of Frankenmuth; grandchildren Brent, Jaried, Alyssia, and Lexie Gucwa, Brooklyn Forster, Blake and Jacob Gibson; brothers Edwin Pawlitz, Norman (Shirley) Pawlitz and Howard Pawlitz.

He was preceded in death by a sister Maxine (Peter) Wiita.

Funeral services will be 11 am, Tuesday, June 30th at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe with Rev. Jerry Sutton officiating. Burial will be at Marquardt Cemetery in Port Hope.

Visitation will be 2 – 8 pm, Monday, June 29th at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe and from 10 am until time of service on Tuesday, June 30th.

Memorials may be offered to the family discretionary fund.

Condolences can be shared at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com