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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Merlin
Cayemberg
July 8, 1945 – April 14, 2025
Obituary
Merlin James Cayemberg
July 8, 1945 – April 14, 2025
Merlin James Cayemberg, age 79, found peace at his home in Racine, Wisconsin, on April 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on July 8, 1945, in Pulaski, Wisconsin, Merlin was the second of five children born to the late Walter and Angeline (Paluch) Cayemberg. He was raised on his family's dairy farm, and enjoyed showing calves at the local fair, playing football, wrestling, and getting in a fair bit of mischief, typically with his older brother, Wally.
After attending Northeastern Wisconsin Technical Institute, Merlin started his career as a draftsman at Hudson Sharp in Green Bay. He then went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stout and a Master's degree from Michigan State University, a school he proudly shared with his daughter Amy. Merlin also served six years in the National Guard and related many memorable experiences and camaraderie from that time.
Merlin's career took him to Gateway Technical College in Racine, Wisconsin, where he began teaching in the early 1970s. He made a lasting impact, sharing his extensive knowledge of mechanical design with countless students, including several family members, whom he mentored with patience and kindness. Known for his understated humor and approachable demeanor, Merlin was adored by both his students and fellow faculty. He retired in 2012 after a 40-year career.
In 1973, Merlin met his beloved wife, Linda. After an unexpected New Year's proposal involving a Mr. Steak ring, they were married in 1974, a day he called one of the best of his life. They were married for more than 50 years, sharing countless adventures while also starting a family that became the heart of their journey together.
Merlin had a deep love for history, which he shared with his family on many trips to Civil War battlefields and national monuments. Multiple Dodge conversion vans, modified by hand, logged countless miles on these journeys, each one filled with lasting memories. He was incredibly creative, could fix anything, and was extremely knowledgeable. Though he was often quiet, he had a great sense of humor, sharp wit and loved a good prank.
Merlin was a true farmer at heart, with a deep love for gardening and the outdoors. He could often be found tending to his ever-expanding garden or sitting by a fire in the backyard. A proud Wisconsin sports fan, he shared this interest with his children and there was typically a game on around the house. He enjoyed attending games when able and was at the famous Lambeau Field Ice Bowl. He also enjoyed music, particularly folk and country, and finally managed to convert his family who will now cherish his playlists.
Kind, gentle, patient and humble, Merlin always thought first of others. Though he was incredibly wise and skilled in many areas, he never sought attention or praise for it. He was frugal with himself but gave freely to others. His faith was a guiding force in his life, and he was a devoted member of St. Rita's Catholic Parish, and previously St. Joseph's Catholic Parish in Racine, Wisconsin.
More than anything, Merlin loved his family. He enjoyed being with them, listening to their stories, and hearing their laughter. He always put his family first and gave his time freely. As a dad and grandpa, he was nothing short of extraordinary—coming up with fun, silly games, building everything from go-karts to cardboard transporter boxes, jumping into whatever the kids were doing, and coaching their softball and basketball teams. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and was happiest when surrounded by the people he cared about most. Merlin especially enjoyed playing cards with his family. He taught them all how to play sheepshead and cribbage, and many fun evenings were spent around the card table—though it was rare for anyone to beat him.
He is deeply missed by his wife Linda (nee: Sitman), daughters Jennifer Cayemberg and Amy (Ryan) McQuade, and his son, James Merlin (Carmen) Cayemberg, along with his cherished grandchildren Michael, Elizabeth, and Zelda. He is also survived by his siblings Galen, Denis (Alice) Cayemberg, and Sharon (Bill) Raymakers, sisters-in-law Barbara (Dale) Lucht and Lori Sitman, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family who cherished Uncle Dewey's warmth and humor. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother Walter (Shirley) Cayemberg, and his grandson Alexander.
The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and staff who cared for Merlin at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee and also the staff of St. Croix hospice, particularly Tammy. They would also like to thank Elizabeth and Megan at Neuro Advantage Rehabilitation in Mount Pleasant. Merlin loved his time spent training there.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Rita Parish, 4339 Douglas Avenue, Racine. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Memorial Park. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, Merlin requests donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or the Racine Food Bank.
July 8, 1945 – April 14, 2025
Merlin James Cayemberg, age 79, found peace at his home in Racine, Wisconsin, on April 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on July 8, 1945, in Pulaski, Wisconsin, Merlin was the second of five children born to the late Walter and Angeline (Paluch) Cayemberg. He was raised on his family's dairy farm, and enjoyed showing calves at the local fair, playing football, wrestling, and getting in a fair bit of mischief, typically with his older brother, Wally.
After attending Northeastern Wisconsin Technical Institute, Merlin started his career as a draftsman at Hudson Sharp in Green Bay. He then went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stout and a Master's degree from Michigan State University, a school he proudly shared with his daughter Amy. Merlin also served six years in the National Guard and related many memorable experiences and camaraderie from that time.
Merlin's career took him to Gateway Technical College in Racine, Wisconsin, where he began teaching in the early 1970s. He made a lasting impact, sharing his extensive knowledge of mechanical design with countless students, including several family members, whom he mentored with patience and kindness. Known for his understated humor and approachable demeanor, Merlin was adored by both his students and fellow faculty. He retired in 2012 after a 40-year career.
In 1973, Merlin met his beloved wife, Linda. After an unexpected New Year's proposal involving a Mr. Steak ring, they were married in 1974, a day he called one of the best of his life. They were married for more than 50 years, sharing countless adventures while also starting a family that became the heart of their journey together.
Merlin had a deep love for history, which he shared with his family on many trips to Civil War battlefields and national monuments. Multiple Dodge conversion vans, modified by hand, logged countless miles on these journeys, each one filled with lasting memories. He was incredibly creative, could fix anything, and was extremely knowledgeable. Though he was often quiet, he had a great sense of humor, sharp wit and loved a good prank.
Merlin was a true farmer at heart, with a deep love for gardening and the outdoors. He could often be found tending to his ever-expanding garden or sitting by a fire in the backyard. A proud Wisconsin sports fan, he shared this interest with his children and there was typically a game on around the house. He enjoyed attending games when able and was at the famous Lambeau Field Ice Bowl. He also enjoyed music, particularly folk and country, and finally managed to convert his family who will now cherish his playlists.
Kind, gentle, patient and humble, Merlin always thought first of others. Though he was incredibly wise and skilled in many areas, he never sought attention or praise for it. He was frugal with himself but gave freely to others. His faith was a guiding force in his life, and he was a devoted member of St. Rita's Catholic Parish, and previously St. Joseph's Catholic Parish in Racine, Wisconsin.
More than anything, Merlin loved his family. He enjoyed being with them, listening to their stories, and hearing their laughter. He always put his family first and gave his time freely. As a dad and grandpa, he was nothing short of extraordinary—coming up with fun, silly games, building everything from go-karts to cardboard transporter boxes, jumping into whatever the kids were doing, and coaching their softball and basketball teams. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and was happiest when surrounded by the people he cared about most. Merlin especially enjoyed playing cards with his family. He taught them all how to play sheepshead and cribbage, and many fun evenings were spent around the card table—though it was rare for anyone to beat him.
He is deeply missed by his wife Linda (nee: Sitman), daughters Jennifer Cayemberg and Amy (Ryan) McQuade, and his son, James Merlin (Carmen) Cayemberg, along with his cherished grandchildren Michael, Elizabeth, and Zelda. He is also survived by his siblings Galen, Denis (Alice) Cayemberg, and Sharon (Bill) Raymakers, sisters-in-law Barbara (Dale) Lucht and Lori Sitman, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family who cherished Uncle Dewey's warmth and humor. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother Walter (Shirley) Cayemberg, and his grandson Alexander.
The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and staff who cared for Merlin at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee and also the staff of St. Croix hospice, particularly Tammy. They would also like to thank Elizabeth and Megan at Neuro Advantage Rehabilitation in Mount Pleasant. Merlin loved his time spent training there.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Rita Parish, 4339 Douglas Avenue, Racine. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Memorial Park. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, Merlin requests donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or the Racine Food Bank.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Merlin Cayemberg, please visit our flower store.
Services
Mass of Christian Burial
April
23
St. Rita Parish
Starts at 11:30 am
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