Nadler, Merlin “Merl”

Merlin “Merl” Nadler, age 92, of Dodgeville, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Merl was born on Jan. 12, 1932, a son of Walter and Clara (Stelse) Nadler of Lake Mills, WI. He attended Lake Mills High School. Merl was active in football and basketball. He lived in Lake Mills in the family home and worked at various jobs in the area and also for awhile in Chicago on the construction of downtown buildings.

In 1963, he came to Dodgeville, WI and purchased the A & W Root Beer stand. He operated the drive in for 10 years and then met and married his wife Vicky Meuer in 1974. Together they ran the A & W, hiring numerous Dodgeville area teens giving them their first job. Many of those stayed with the business for several years even after graduating college. Merl was an avid supporter of Dodgeville sports teams also.

In 1982, Merl and Vicky added an even more permanent member of the A & W family, their daughter, Christy Ann Nadler was born. She grew up in the restaurant and it was always home to her with a large group of “big sisters and brothers” to grow with and learn from.

Merl enjoyed hunting, fishing, and going to Badger sports games. He and his family attended all home and some away football games, even one Rose Bowl. They went to Badger Men’ and Women’s basketball also.  Along with the traveling for sports Merl and Vicky liked to travel to all parts of the United States during the winter months when A & W was closed.

Merl is survived by his wife, Vicky (Meuer); his daughter Christy (Mike) Schwartz; his grandchildren, Emily and Colton Schwartz, all of Oregon, WI; nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Clara Nadler, his siblings, William Nadler and Leila Washko.

A Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville.

Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at Rock Lake Cemetery in Lake Mills, Wisconsin.

Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers 

Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com