Merle M. Sturtevant, 99, passed away on March 25, 2023. Merle was born to Jake Sturtevant & Evelyn (Koch) Sturtevant, December 26, 1923 in Shannon, IL. He took up farming with his dad, and then married Jean Hammond, daughter of George and Lucile Hammond, February 10, 1945. Merle farmed all of his life. Merle was a member of the Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Freeport Consistory, Rockford Tebala Shrine, and the Mayflower Society of Illinois. He started country school in Ogle County, then the family moved to Carroll County, where he graduated from Lanark High School in 1941. He was an avid baseball player and Cubs fan.

Merle is survived by his wife Jean and sons Max and Kim (Karen) Sturtevant, grandchildren: Cheri (Rod) Fritz, Karla (Lee) Turney, and Katrina (Josh) Fuchs; great-grandchildren: Casey Fritz, Cooper and Paxton Turney, and Abigail and Landry Fuchs.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Todd Sturtevant.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday April 1, 2023 at 11 AM, with visitation at 10 AM, at the Lanark United Methodist Church, 405 E. Locust St in Lanark, IL, with Pastor Marilyn Nolan officiating.

A memorial has been established in his memory. Arrangements are being handled by the Russell-Frank Funeral Home.