Merlin Skuse passed away Saturday, October 5, 2019, at home with his family around him. He was born Merlin Thomas Skuse at home on March 12, 1927 to Thomas and Dorena Skuse in Lincoln, Michigan. He was the oldest of 5 children. His father worked in the lumber industry, so they lived a frugal life by raising a garden and hunting deer. He attended a one room school for his first 8 grades. Grade 9 was in Lincoln, then grades 10 through 12 were at Oscoda, a city about 25 miles away. He often told stories about walking a mile to catch the bus and taking lard and mustard sandwiches for lunch. He graduated from high school at age 16 and set out for California to attend Bible College.

During his 11 years in California he worked at many jobs, selling newspapers and vacuums door to door and as a union meat cutter. He met the love of his life there Joanne Williams and in 1951 they were married. They had three children while in California then decided to return to his roots in Michigan in 1954.

His dream was to raise beef cattle but that was wiped when brucellosis hit the herd, so he opened 2 meat markets. It was there he taught his children the value of hard work. He also pastored two Baptist churches while running a business and raising children.
Merle decided to return to college so entered Central Michigan University, receiving a bachelor's degree with a major in history and theology. In 1991 Merle retired and they moved to Idaho to be nearer to their grandchildren since Carol and Judy had wandered back to Idaho. He wasn't happy just being retired however, so began to cut and sell firewood for something to do. He also taught himself to speak fluent Spanish to communicate with some of his employees. Two grandsons also worked with him in the wood and have lots of stories to tell about it, some a little hair-raising.

The family wishes to thank Dr. D Craig Heiner, Dr. Trevor Wilde, and Dr. Barry Peterson for their care and support of our father. Also thanks to Encompass Home Health and Hospice for making it possible for Dad to be at home.

He is survived by his children, Scott Benton (Louisa) of Fulshear, Texas, Carol Davis, and Judy Hobbs (Jim) both of Saint Anthony, 9 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Joanne, 2 sisters, and 1 brother.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Saturday, October 12, 2019, at Community Presbyterian Church, 47 West 3rd North, Saint Anthony, Idaho. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 10, 2019 from 6 – 7 pm. at Bert Flamm Mortuary, 581 East 1st North, Saint Anthony and on Saturday October 11 from 1 - 1:45p.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Pineview Cemetery.