Merle J. Manion

    Madison -- Merle J. Manion, age 74, passed away on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at St. Mary's Hospital with his loving family by his side.   He was born on August 3, 1936 in Madison, the son of Harold and Jerona (Washa) Manion.   In 1954, Merle graduated from Central High School.   On September 7, 1957, Merle was united in marriage to Karen E. Mockrud.   Merle was employed by the State of Wisconsin for the Department of Transportation for 40 years until his retirement in 1994. He was a member of the Westside Businessman's Association and the Madison Elks Lodge #410.   Merle was also a faithful member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church and was a proud member of the church funeral choir.   Merle enjoyed volunteering his time as a driver for meals on wheels.   Most of all, he cherished the time spent with his family and his many trips to his cabin in northern Wisconsin.   Merle is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen Manion of Madison; four daughters, Laura (Ron) Brugger of Irvine, CA, Lynn (Paul) Schmitt of Fitchburg, Lisa (Mark Weerda) Manion of Fitchburg and Jill Driscoll of Madison; three grandchildren, Sarah and Amanda Schmitt and Danny Driscoll; his sister, Mary Thierer of Madison and two brothers; Robert Manion of Riverside, CA and Don (Joann) Manion of Fitchburg.   He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends.   Merle was preceded in death by his parents.     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison on Friday, August 27, 2010 at 12 Noon with Monsignor Kenneth Fielder officiating.   A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., on Thursday, August 26, 2010 from 4 to 7 pm and at the church on Friday, August 27, 2010 from 11:00 am until the time of Mass.   Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.   Memorials may be made in memory of Merle to Our Lady Queen of Peace Endowment Fund, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison, WI 53705 or St. Mary's Medical Foundation, 707 S. Mills St. Madison, WI 53715. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Mary's Hospital Medical Intensive Care Unit for all their excellent care given to Merle and our family.