Merle Suelzle passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at his Bremerton home, on Sept. 12, 2018 at the age of 91.
Merle was born in Wells County, North Dakota, on Jan. 27, 1927 to John and Ida Suelzle as the youngest of six children. In 1941 he moved with his family to Olympia, Washington, where he graduated from Olympia High School in 1945. After serving in the U.S. Army, Merle went on to play football at Washington State College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in education in 1951. While in college he met and married Bobbie Sumey in 1949. Merle began his career as head football coach and teacher in Granger, Washington. He moved his family to Lynden in 1954 where he continued his coaching and teaching career. In 1962 he received his master’s degree in counseling from WSU. Merle and his family moved to Mount Vernon in 1967 where he became the head high school guidance counselor. He finished a 25-year career at Mount Vernon when he retired in 1991.
His first wife, Bobbie, passed away in 1994. In 1996 Merle married his second wife, Linda Jenkins of Mount Vernon. Merle and Linda moved to Bremerton in 2001 where they lived in a beautiful waterfront home, a place Merle loved. Together Merle and Linda traveled the world, entertained a wide circle of friends, and enjoyed the companionship of many beloved pets.
Merle loved traveling, reading, golfing, the WSU Cougars, a good poker game and beating everyone he played at cribbage. His raspberry patch and tomato garden were envied by all. He cherished his time with Linda, his family and his many close friends.
Merle is survived by his wife, Linda Jenkins; his children, Kristi Greenfield (Jim), Kim Suelzle (Christy), Lori McLaughlin, Joel Suelzle (Suzi); and Linda’s children, Jessica Czereszka (David) and Cassandra Redstone. He had seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Merle touched the lives of countless children and young adults through his years as a coach, teacher and counselor. A private celebration of his life will take place at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Kitsap Humane Society, Kitsap-humane.org.
He was a kind, gentle and loving soul and will be greatly missed.
Arrangements are by Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home, Bremerton.
