As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Merlin Thomas “Slugger” Slusarzyk, age 98, of Canal View, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025.
Born on August 2, 1927, in Laurium, Michigan, to Andrew and Emma Slusarzyk, Merlin graduated from Sacred Heart High School. From a young age, he dreamed of becoming a carpenter — a goal he proudly achieved through years of dedication and hard work.
On February 19, 1955, Merlin married the love of his life, Alice Beauchamp, and together they celebrated 69 wonderful years of marriage, raising five children: Tom, Dawna, Steve, Laurie, and Kathy. Their home and yard were his pride and joy. He poured his heart into remodeling their old house, insisting that every joint fit perfectly and every flower bloom just right. His sharp eye for detail was legendary — he could spot a quarter-inch imperfection from 20 feet away.
Slugger was a proud Union Carpenter for 55 years, spending more than 30 of those with Herman Gundlach, and later working with Mattila Contracting. His skills were in constant demand — “side jobs” for homeowners and businesses across the Copper Country often left him with a long waiting list. But for Slugger, it wasn’t just about the work; it was about the people. The friendships he formed while building and repairing homes meant the world to him.
In addition to his trade, Merlin dedicated many years as a volunteer firefighter with the Dollar Bay Fire Department and was an active member of the Runeburg Lodge. His craftsmanship can still be admired today at the Dollar Bay Bridge and in the St. Francis of Assisi and St. Ignatius churches. A devout Catholic, he belonged to both parishes and was always willing to lend a helping hand to his community.
In his younger years, Merlin enjoyed rabbit and deer hunting with his buddies and spent many memorable seasons at the Trout Creek Deer Camp. He raised more beagles than anyone could count, and later in life returned to raising chickens at his home in Dollar Bay — much to the delight (and occasional dismay) of his neighbors.
His faithful companion, “Mister Bates,” was by his side for many years, joining him everywhere he went. After Alice moved into Canal View, Merlin found comfort in socializing around town — he loved being with people and sharing stories. He was never known for being a generous tipper, so if you were ever on the receiving end of his “light-handed” gratitude, please accept our apologies — we probably owe you some money. And if he ever told you his age, don’t believe it; he never gave the same number twice!
Merlin was truly one of a kind — full of life, humor, and charm. He never met a stranger and brought laughter wherever he went. His warmth, wit, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice Slusarzyk; daughter, Laurie Spelich; parents, Andrew and Emma Slusarzyk; and siblings Eleanor Klobuchar, Dorothy Slusarzyk, and Jim Slusarzyk.
He is survived by his sisters-in-law Shirley Slusarzyk, Delores Beauchamp, Kyle Rivest, and Beverly Valiquette; brother-in-law Norbert Rivest; and children Tom (Lisa Busser) Slusarzyk, Dawna Slusarzyk and Linda Wareham, Steve and Leslie Slusarzyk, and Kathy and Jeff Black. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many beloved “bonus grands,” all of whom he cherished deeply. His many nieces and nephews also held a special place in his heart.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Woodland Haven for their wonderful care of “Slugger,” the 2025 King. He deeply appreciated the kindness, attention, and personal conversations shared with him every day.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Saint Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Houghton, with Father John Martignon and Father Bernard Acquaah-Badu officiating. Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. before the mass.
Memorial donations may be directed to St. Vincent De Paul at 204 W. Quincy St., Hancock, MI 49930.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.
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