Merton "Mert" J. Fulwiler

Merton “Mert” J. Fulwiler, 85 of Oshkosh, passed away at Bethel Home on Saturday, October 8, 2022. He was born in Green Bay on December 22, 1936, to the late Homer and Gladyce (Taylor) Fulwiler.

Growing up in Green Bay, Mert attended Annunciation Catholic Grade School and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1955. After high school, he went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1959 with his bachelor’s degree. He began his career as a schoolteacher in Suring.

He was blessed with three sons from his first marriage to Lois Gross, whom he was dedicated to for 36 years before divorcing. Mert worked for the cooperative educational agency, AB CESA. He was admitted to teach at the Winneconne Elementary School where he worked from 1965 until 2001 when he retired as an English and Special Education Teacher. He later earned a master’s degree, and taught night classes at the local Technical School. During his years of teaching he participated in Project Harmony Exchange with schools in Russia, where he met the love of his life, Ekaterina “Katya” Matveyeva who he spent the next 27 years with.

Earlier in life, Mert was very active in Boy Scouts and obtained its highest rank of Eagle Scout. Later in life he joined the Conservation Corps. He was very fond of the North Woods and spent many years with his family at his property on Big Saint Germain Lake. He was a member of Mensa International. He enjoyed learning about history, reading, and biking around Lake Winnebago. He was known for his numerous jokes and great sense of humor. He was interested in stamp collecting and financial investing.

Mert is survived by his wife, Katya Fulwiler; sons: Mark, Todd and Eric Fulwiler; daughter: Olga (John) Seager; grandchildren: Ilya (Modesta) Nikulin, Zachary (Anna) Seager, Ksenya (Cody) Hammer and Sofia Seager; great-grandchild: Asher Hammer; brother: Douglas (Sandra) Fulwiler; beloved sister: Mary (George) Holubar.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish-St. Peter’s site, 449 High Ave with Fr. Jerome Pastors officiating. Visitation will be held at the church home from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass. Burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery.

Katya is forever grateful to Mert for bringing her and her family to America. Throughout their years together, Katya was always in awe of his acts of kindness and compassion to the many people in need throughout Russia and America. He will be cherished in the hearts of many.