Merlin J. Slaats, 91, of Cuba City, WI passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. (NOON) on Saturday, June 20th at the Haudenshield Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba City, WI, with Fr. Kenneth Frisch officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Francis de Sales Church Cemetery in Hazel Green, WI. Family & friends may call on Saturday, June 20th from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. The Haudenshield Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba City, WI is serving the family.

The family request all attendees to wear their favorite color red or farmed related clothing in memory of Merlin.

Merlin was born to Oscar & Florence (Bode) Slaats on January 3, 1935. He married Doris C. Hollander on August 27, 1955 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Hazel Green, WI. Merlin was extremely proud of his 91 years of living on & running his family's farm.

He was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Hazel Green, WI and a member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Farmer's Bureau.

Merlin enjoyed working on the farm, bowling and participating in state bowling events, his beloved horses, Starlite & Princess, his cats, loved his red machinery, honored to carry the flag in parades, but most of all, he was so proud of his family and loved them so much.

Merlin is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Doris; 4 children: Randy (Carol) Slaats, Renee (Curt) Taylor, Ron (Laura) Slaats & Lori (Doug) McKinley; 11 grandchildren: Nikki, Jessie, Christy, Blake, Trey, Wyatt, Brittany, Brandon, Bethany, Connor & Ella; 9 great-grandchildren; a brother, Roger & Mary Slaats; along by nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Debra Jean Slaats (Feb. 4, 2020), a brother, Guerdon (Donna) Slaats and 2 sisters: Betty (Jerry) Kuepers & Julitta (John) Rokusek.

In lieu of plants & flowers, a Merlin J. Slaats Memorial Fund has been established.

Memorials may be mailed to:

Haudenshield Funeral Home
c/o: Merlin Slaats Family
P.O. BOX 825
Cuba City, WI 53807