Benjamin M. Merritt

Our beloved Ben died unexpectedly on December 6, 2017 at age 31 following his long and brave fight to recover from a consuming addiction. Ben graduated from Wauwatosa East High School where he played Varsity Soccer and was on the wrestling squad and tennis team. He also traveled throughout the Midwest competing with various Select community soccer teams.  He attended MATC studying Criminal Justice and enjoyed working as a landscaper and painter. His favorite destination was the family’s home on Washington Island where he loved the water, woods, and time with family and friends. Ben treasured his nieces and they looked forward to being with him and loved his playful spirit. He was an intelligent, reflective, kind, genuine, compassionate, generous and spiritual person whose insightful observations about human nature and life were both sensitive and humorous.  Ben’s conversations and avid journaling often reflected his belief that God had a plan for him and he fervently hoped that he could use his suffering and life lessons to help others who were struggling. We are proud of his constant and courageous efforts to live a healthy life and saddened that he will not be able to realize all of his hopes and dreams. We trust that he is at peace in the comfort of a gracious God whose mercy has no end.  Ben is greatly missed and we will forever cherish the memories his presence among us provided.

Loving son of Debbie Merritt Dillman and David Merritt, grateful stepson of Jeff Dillman, caring brother of Jessica (Mark) Pollex, Jake Merritt, Matt (Liza) and Mike (Katlyn) Dillman, cherished nephew of Laura Riggle, dear grandson of Dudley and Mary Riggle and the late Bob and Dorothy Merritt, heart brother of Jamie Beiderwieden, and adoring uncle of Jaidyn, Jillian, Hadley, Harper, and Emily.  Ben was also loved and will be missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and Libby the family English Retriever. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all of the providers and peers who showed compassion and commitment to those struggling in life.

Visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin on Friday, December 15, 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Funeral Service at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 12012 West North Avenue on Saturday, December 16, visitation 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM, service 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Ben’s honor to provide

support for those working on recovery from addiction. https://www.gofundme.com/benmerrittmemorial

You may also make checks payable to the Ben Merritt Memorial Fund.