Thomas "Swamp" Francis Merth, age 86, of Turtle Lake passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Barron Care & Rehab surrounded by his girls. He was born May 16, 1939 in Clayton, WI to Frank and Frances (Carr) Merth.

Tom was born in a farmhouse east of Clayton on County Road D and was the second of 9 children. The family relocated and was raised on the home farm south of Turtle Lake. He attended White Clover School through 8th grade and graduated from Turtle Lake High School. He was drafted into the US Army in 1962. From there, his journey continued. He may not have attended 4 PM Mass but he attended many 9 AM church services just a couple miles south from his home on Sunday mornings. The fellowship brought many new faces to our home for meals and holidays. Those friends became extended family.

Tom and mom (Marge Miller) married on September 15, 1962. Together they raised 4 children; Lori, Terry, Kim and Cheryl "Punk". They later divorced, but their love and friendship for one another never ended. Several years later, Marge Frederick became part of his life and they shared many years and memories together.

Swamp's work ethic was not found in one career and he wore many hats. It included farming, school bus driver, working for the Town of Turtle Lake, and retiring from Lunda Construction as a carpenter.

Along his journey, Swamp had a love for the outdoors which included hunting with his redbone hounds. He had a special place in his heart for his farm animals. Prior to his stroke in 2009, you often found him playing Dirty Clubs or involved in a good round of liars dice at one of his favorite local establishments surrounded by many friends. He took great pride in being a member of the Turtle Lake American Legion Post 137.

Swamp certainly left his mark on earth! His Irish Setter boots are going to be hard to fill. Anywhere you went, someone always knew him and had a story to tell, kind words expressing what kind of guy he was, or talked about a shenanigan or prank he might have pulled. If you knew our dad before his stroke, he may have been late or not even show for his own funeral - but since...he became an expert clock watcher, pointing out if you were late.

Tom is survived by his children, Lori (Brad) Moen of Turtle Lake; Terry Merth of Minneapolis, Kimberly Eder of Turtle Lake and Cheryl (Kurt) Bussewitz of Clayton; 6 grandchildren, Jami (Nick) Shulz, Amber Bever (Paul Drees), Hunter Moen, Dusty Eder (Morgan Yeske), Jensyn (Jerrad) Lindfors, and Jaedyn Bussewitz; and great grandchildren, Blake and Bennett Bever, Landon, Kenzi and Logan Shulz, and Ryan Eder. Also his bonus grandchildren Jen (Joe) Styer family and Jason (April) Moen family.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Frances Merth; sister, Shirley Weber; brother in laws, Stan Peer and Ric Buhr; and mom (Marge), as well as many relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Skinner Funeral Home Turtle Lake, with visitation four hours prior, from 3 PM - 7 PM. To honor our dad's legacy, don't be afraid to wear your favorite work boots, jeans, flannel, and your favorite cap.

Interment will be at Northern WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI at 11 AM on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren: Jami Shulz, Amber Bever, Hunter Moen, Dusty Eder, Jensyn Lindfors, and Jaedyn Bussewitz; and his son-in-laws, Brad Moen, Tracy Eder, and Kurt Bussewitz.

Last Update: Oct 20, 2025 8:07 am CDT