Merlyn P. Childs, Jr., age 72 of the Town of Wescott, passed away unexpectedly Thursday evening, December 5, 2024, in Shawano.  Merlyn was born January 28, 1952, in Shawano, a son of the late Merlyn P. Sr. and Carol (Kerr) Childs. He attended Shawano High School and graduated with the Class of 1970. Merlyn then attended Milwaukee School of Engineering for a year before  transferring to NWTC where he graduated with his degree as an Auto Mechanic. Merlyn was a skilled mechanic and engineer, so in 1983, he founded Auto Haus Engine Builders which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2017. During his career he built numerous racing engines and loved making those engineers purr.

Merlyn married Susan Anderson in August 1975. She preceded him in death on April 16, 2004, following a battle with cancer. On October 20, 2012, Merlyn married Lisa (Steenbock) Schider in Shawano. The couple enjoyed their children and grandchildren, making firewood as well as camping and fishing. Merlyn was also an active member of the Shawano Lake Lions Club and often enjoyed playing ragtime music on the piano and shooting a game of pool.

Survivors include his wife, Lisa Childs of Shawano; his children, Jamie (Brian) Jensen, of Portland, OR, Melissa Childs of Minneapolis, MN, and Stephen (Ashley McCole) Childs of Iron Mountain, MI; three stepchildren, Dustin Steenbock of Shawano, Timothy (Amanda) Schider of Fr. Knox, KY, and Anna Schider of Shawano; eleven grandchildren, Sibayla Jensen, Makhai Jensen, Eliana Surprise, Lillian Childs, Dominic Childs, Devon Childs, Ariana Childs, James Schider, Summer Schider, Kiley Schider, and Ally Schider; his sister, Deborah Peterman of Green Bay; his stepbrother, Gerald (Janice) Raeder of Haines City, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral for Merlyn will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. Pastor Andrew Zobel will officiate. Visitation will begin at the church at 9:00 am and continue until the time of service.

Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc. of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com