Bill Joe Merritt, 67, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on June 28, 2026, at Luther Manor in Dubuque, Iowa.

A private Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 5th. Bill’s favorite holiday was the Fourth of July, making it especially fitting that we will celebrate his life during the holiday weekend. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. is assisting the family.

Bill was born on December 18, 1958, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of John and Elvera (Pickel) Merritt. Bill was a lifelong resident of Dubuque, where he built a life centered around family, hard work, and friendship. He spent most of his career at Eagle Window & Door, later Andersen Windows, where he worked for many years before retiring.

Bill had a passion for sports and was a devoted fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Minnesota Vikings. He also loved getting together with family and friends for a game of euchre, sharing stories, laughs, and making memories around the table.

He enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, having a cold beer, listening to music, spending summer evenings around a backyard fire, and being surrounded by the people he loved. Bill never passed up an opportunity to have a good time and was always happiest when family and friends were together. He will be deeply missed by his family and everyone who knew him.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Laura (Stallsmith) Merritt; sons, Dustinn (Sarah) Merritt, and Dylan (Bailey) Merritt; grandchildren, Blair, Paige, Brooks, Hayden, Landry, and another grandchild on the way; brothers: Robert (Rory) Merritt, and Steve Merritt; brother-in-law, Norb Bakewell.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister Sharon Bakewell.

As one final act of generosity, Bill chose to donate a portion of his brain to the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics to support ongoing research into dementia and other memory-related diseases. It was his hope that this gift might help advance understanding and improve the lives of others facing these illnesses in the future.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Cozy Corner Adult Day Care, and Luther Manor Memory Care for the kindness, patience, and exceptional care they provided Bill throughout his journey.

The Merritt family sincerely appreciates the love, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time.

Cards and memorials can be sent to Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, Iowa.