Merle William Moritz, 83, of Leesburg, Florida and formerly of Oregon, Ohio and Clay Center, Ohio, passed away Monday, October 2, 2023, in Tavares, FL surrounded by his family.
Merle was born in Martin, Ohio on July 14, 1940, to Clarence and Marie (Baker) Moritz. On January 7, 1967, he married Linda Martin and she preceded him in death on January 12, 2003. He later married Rita O’Neil on July 28, 2007, and she survives. From 1958 to 1968, Merle served his country in the US Marine Corps, where he served as a staff sergeant. Merle was a longtime member of the American Legion, VFW, Lou Diamond Marine League, and the Khe Sanh Veterans Reunion. Merle worked as a truck driver for Duff Trucking as a driver for 28 years, retiring in 1982. He was later employed with Goulet Lawnmower Repair of Oregon for over 20 years. He was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church, Williston, where he was active in the Christian Community Life committee. For 12 years, he was a member of Clay Center Village Council and served on the Ottawa County Senior Fair Board from 1984-1989.
Merle found his true passion in working with the young men of Boy Scout Troop 160 in Millbury, where he has served as Scoutmaster since 1979. He has been a part of many committees at the local and district level, including, Round Table, Camping Chairman, and as a Cubmaster. Merle received numerous awards, including, the Silver Beaver, District Merritt Award, and the Lutheran Lamb Award. Merle is proud to have helped over fifty young men earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 16 years, Rita; children, Lisa (Daniel) Kessler, Christopher (Nikki) Moritz; grandchildren, Andrew and Evan Kessler, and Madisyn Moritz: step-children, Michael (Cindy) LaChance, Susan McKnight, and Debra (Mike) Beczynski; 21 bonus grandchildren; 17 bonus great-grandchildren; and siblings, Marilyn Opfer and Bruce Moritz. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Linda; and siblings, Wayne Moritz and Rosalyn Novotney.
The family will receive friends at the Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Road, on Monday, October 9, 2023, from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 21140 W Toledo Street, Williston, OH 43468, where the family will greet friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Allen Township Cemetery, Williston. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Camp Miakonda, 5600 West Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43623 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
