Joseph Merle Alt

Joseph Merle Alt, of Baraboo, was born on July 22, 1935 in a log cabin on a farm in Sauk County Wisconsin to Joseph (Sep) and Edith (Phettyplace) Alt; he passed suddenly on May 14, 2019 at the age of 83.In the beginning of his first grade, it was decided by his parents to use Merle, his middle name, as his primary name. Merle graduated eighth grade from a one-room schoolhouse, then went onto Spring Green High School where he graduated in 1953. He then spent the next 1 years pursuing an Agriculture Major at the University of Wisconsin Platteville. From 1955-1957 Merle served our Country in the US Army where he was stationed in Korea.Upon his return home, he met the love of his life Dorothy Ann Weidner. The couple wed on August 3, 1959 and had five children. Merle and Dorothy enjoyed traveling to both Coasts of the US and to Canada with many great stops along the way.Merle worked for 13 years for Herber Pure Oil Truck Stop in Spring Green, WI, during this time, Merle did a ride along with the Sauk County Sheriff Department and was appointed a Special Deputy by Sauk County Sheriff, Mike Spencer. Merle was hired on December 1, 1959 as a Dispatcher. In August of 1972, Merle was made a Detective Juvenile Officer. From 1987-1993, he worked on child abuse cases. Merle retired in 1993 at the age of 57.While at the Sauk County Sheriff's Department, Merle was past president of the Sauk County Law Enforcement Association and was one of the founding members of Cops for Kids. After retiring Merle continued to work part time as a Bailiff and was a member of the Baraboo Police and Fire Commission. He served as a citizen member of the Sauk County Human Services Board supervising foster child placements.Merle was also very active in his church and community. Merle was parishioner of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Baraboo where he served as an usher, was a fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, Past Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator, Guard Commander, and was a Senior Knight twice. He was past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler of the Baraboo Elks and was named Elk of the year twice. He was also a past president of Renewal Unlimited.Merle is survived by his wife, Dorothy, children Therese (Olaf) Wick of Hammond, WI; Ann (Juan) Lopez of Raleigh, NC; Mary Jo Alt of Baraboo, WI; Michelle (Salvador) Leon of Yorkville, IL; Michael Alt of Baraboo, WI; seven grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; brother James (Rita) Alt of Spring Green, WI; brother Thomas (Della) Alt of Spring Green, WI; sister Cheryl Alt of Middleton, WI and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Edith Alt; brother Kenneth Alt and brother Reginald Alt.A memorial mass for Merle will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 12, noon at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Jay Poster officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the mass at church on Tuesday. The Knights of Columbus will pray the rosary in Merle's memory on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at church. Inurnment with military honors will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery following the mass. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family.