PLATTEVILLE / LIVINGSTON – Deanna J. Merwin, age 86, passed away on Monday November 2, 2026, at Sienna Crest in Platteville.
Deanna was born on October 9, 1940, to Edward “Clay” and Helen (Kane) Laughton in Platteville, Wisconsin. She grew up in the Platteville Mound Valley, enjoying country life alongside her sister, Judy.
She met the love of her life, John Merwin, at a barn dance, and they were married on June 30, 1961. When Deanna said, “I do,” it truly meant she did it all, from home cooking and milking cows to caring for calves, working in the fields, managing the finances, maintaining a clean home, and raising three children.
John and Deanna began their partnership on a farm near Woodman before later moving to a farm near Platteville Mound. In 1971, they purchased a farm west of Livingston and established Jon-Dee Acres, LLC, where they taught their children the values of hard work, dedication, and responsibility. They even adjusted milking times to ensure they could attend their children’s sporting events. In 2012, John, Deanna, and their family were honored as the WGLR Farm Family of the Year.
Although they “retired” and moved to Livingston in 2004, it was the first time either of them had ever lived in town.
Deanna milked cows alongside John for 30 years and later assisted him with Merwin Auction Service, which he established in 1995, working alongside daughters Shelly and Audra as cashiers. She then spent five years working at Dodgeville State Bank, which later became Wells Fargo. After leaving her teller position, she joined the USDA Farm Service Agency in Dodgeville, where she hand-drew field maps for others to enter into the computer system. This role was a perfect fit for Deanna, given her attention to detail, patience, and extensive knowledge of farm fields.
Deanna and John enjoyed dancing, playing cards, fishing, and traveling with family and friends. They loved attending the next generation’s ball games and looked forward to family gatherings, where card games and laughter were always plentiful.
Deanna is survived by her children, Clayton (Nancy) Merwin and Audra (Ryan) Kuhls; son-in-law, David Osterndorff; and special nephew, Don Rider. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Heather Bowles, Jonathan Osterndorff, Macy (Dillon) Bowser, Colin (Makayla Fritz) Merwin, Ethan (Allie Cornell), Cade and Lexie Kuhls; and great-grandchildren, Noah and Isabella Bowles. Additional survivors include her sister, Judy (Larry) McKee; brothers-in-law, Joe Schwartz and Wayne Rider; and several nieces and nephews.
Deanna was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband and dancing partner, John; her daughter, Shelly Osterndorff; her grandson, Tanner Merwin; her sisters-in-law, Minnie Rider and Marlene Schwartz; and her nephew, Jeff Schwartz.
The family would like to thank the staff of Sienna Crest and the Agrace Home Care team for the compassionate care they provided to Deanna during her later years.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday November 9, 2026, at the Livingston United Methodist Church with burial to follow in Rock Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday November 8, at the Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort and again from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, donations may be made to Agrace Hospice. For online Condolences, please visit: www.larsonfuneralhomes.com