Merle Lee Rudisill, 94, of Brodhead, Wisconsin, formerly of Red Oak, Illinois, passed away, Sunday September 20, 2026, at Dimensions Living Monroe. Merle was born July 31, 1932, in Kent, IL., the son of Vernon and Ethel (White) Rudisill. Merle married Shirley Paxton on June 15, 1963. Mrs. Rudisill passed away December 5, 2019. Mr. Rudisill proudly served his county in the US Navy during the Korean era. Merle worked at Kelly Springfield for 30 years. He was a member of Red Oak Methodist Church. During his free time, you could find Merle doing woodworking, listening to music, or getting ready to take a trip to one of his favorite destinations.

Surviving is his daughter, Karen Porterfield of Brodhead, WI.; two brothers, Don (Suzanne) Rudisill of Lena, and Dan Rudisill of Belvidere; two sisters, Norma Heiden of Rockford and Judy (Bob) LaFurge of Davis; grandchildren, Joel (Katie) Porterfield, Chris Porterfield, and Mathew (Karrissa) Porterfield;  also surviving six great-grandchildren, Ezra, Malachi, Sophie, Avery, Lennon and Rowan Porterfield.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister, Edna Retzlaff; and son-in-law, Tomas Porterfield.

Funeral services will be 12:00 pm on Monday September 28, 2026, at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. Pastor Derrick Wright will officiate. Visitation 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery. A memorial has been established for Salvation Army in Mr. Rudisill’s memory.