Springfield, Il-Merle Casolari 82, of Springfield, passed away at 9:30pm on Friday, August 10th, 2018 at the Lewis Memorial Christian Village Nursing home surrounded by her loving family.
Merle was born on January 3rd, 1936 in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Edward A. Davis and Merle Davis. She married Albert B. Casolari Jr. on February 20th, 1959.
Merle was a graduate of Springfield High and attended Brown’s Business College. She did some secretarial/ office work for two optometrists before deciding to become a homemaker. Merle and Al met while roller skating at the “Moonlight Gardens” skating rink which used to be located where Shop N Save on Wabash is. Her hobbies included roller skating, family games, family time and pets. Merle had a very deep faith in the Lord and was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Springfield.
Merle was preceded in death by her father and mother and brother Edward. She is survived by her husband Albert Casolari, daughter Dawn James (husband, Edward), two granddaughters, Brooke James, Taylor James, and two great-grandchildren, Addelyn, and Logan, two brothers, Charles Davis, and John Davis, several nieces and nephews, and her loving Siamese cat, Pharaoh. She was truly an inspiration, devout Christian woman, loved her family, and was the love of Albert’s life. She will sadly be missed.
Visitation will be on Tue. August 14 from 5p-7p at Bisch Funeral home 505 E Allen St, Springfield, Illinois. Funeral Service will be on Wed August 15 at 10:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church at 2nd and Monroe, Springfield, Illinois. Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Radtke will officiate. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Charity contribution can be made to American Liver Foundation or Trinity Lutheran Church.
Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.