News: Neillsville – Am.
Legion Honors Merlin Gerber (Oct 2019)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Gerber
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/02/2019
American Legion Honors More Veterans (Gerber - 2019)
Legion Post 73 to Honor Granton Native
Merlin Gerber will be recognized by the Neillsville Legion for his military
time this Monday. Photo submitted
Merlin Gerber will be one of two individuals to receive recognition from the
Neillsville American Legion for military service.
Gerber, who was born in Granton, enlisted in the 125th Infantry of the
National Guard in Neillsville in 1955. He graduated from Neillsville High
School that same year. He also attended Lutheran grade schools.
After enlisting, Gerber had basic training, at Camp McCoy. He was awarded a
trophy for outstanding recruit while attending college. He was transferred
to different guard units in Menomonie, Beloit and Madison.
Gerber was in full-time active duty during the Berlin Crisis of 1961.
During his military time, Gerber was a squad leader in the 222
Transportation Unit. After eight years of National Guard service, Gerber was
discharged in March 1964.
Gerber lived most of his life in Madison, where he still resides today. In
Madison, he worked as a tool and die mold maker. He was an apprentice
instructor for the trade for 10 years for the state. He was a full-time
instructor for Madison Area Technical College. He retired from teaching in
2003.
Gerber married his wife, LaVonne Mills, in 1957. They have two sons, Scott
and Steven, and three grandchildren.
He has several hobbies, including making homemade wine and woodworking.
Gerber will be recognized along with his brother-in-law, Allen Mills, this
Monday, Oct. 7. There will be a social hour at 4:30 p.m. with a potluck at
5:30 p.m.
