Merton Wolcott

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Merton Wolcott, it is easy to see both his unyielding strength and unconditional love for his family. He was a shining example of kindness and perseverance, and he was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. Nothing brought Mert greater joy than spending time with his loved ones, no matter how simple or brief the moments. His unshakable faith formed the foundation of his entire life. Forever loved, Mert will be deeply missed by those who knew him best.

The 1930s are truly among some of the most trying years for the United States. The Great Depression was in full swing, and families all across the country worked tirelessly to make ends meet. During this dark time, however, there was a ray of light for Ralph and Louise Wolcott of North Adams, Michigan, as they awaited the arrival of their first child. On April 8, 1934, their son, Merton Newell, made his entrance into the world.

Growing up, Mert was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home in North Adams alongside his two siblings, Winifred and Walter. Mert’s unique personality began to come to the surface at a young age. He was typically on the shy side, but he was also known to get into a bit of mischief from time to time. During WWII, the Wolcott family moved to Chicago, Illinois, where Mert got his first paper route at the age of 10 in order to have some spending money. The family soon returned to Michigan. Merton had fond memories of fishing with his grandfather during his summers in upper Michigan. He attended local schools and completed seventh grade in a one-room schoolhouse. Mert then attended Sturgis High School until he graduated in 1952. He would later pursue further education at Emmaus Bible School, Franklin Linotype School, and Western Michigan University.

Exciting changes were in store for Mert as he met the woman who would eventually become the love of his life. Her name was Jane Gallup, and the two were first introduced by Mert’s sister, who worked with Jane at Walgreens. Mert started driving Jane home from work. Their relationship slowly blossomed as they fell deeper in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Merton and Jane were married in the basement of Sturgis Wesleyan Church on August 29, 1953. The newlyweds then took a romantic honeymoon up North. Before long, Mert’s family grew to include their firstborn daughter, Christine.

In 1956, Mert and Jane felt pulled to follow their calling of service to God across the world. They stepped out in faith and moved to Nyankunde in the Belgian Congo, Africa. Soon after beginning their work there, Mert and Jane were overjoyed to welcome their two sons, Alan and Steve, into the Wolcott family as well. Mert thrived in his role as a father, and he was a strong example for his children of faith, hard work, and forgiveness. Later in life, he was overjoyed to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. Of all the things Merton loved in life, it was clear to everyone around him that he cherished his family. He considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

While still living in Sturgis, Michigan, Mert began working as a printer. He learned Linotype and how to operate and maintain the equipment, which allowed him to find work at Bronson Journal. After settling down in Africa, Mert continued working in printing of Christian literature. He became friends with men from several local tribes and quickly began picking up on the languages and learning the cultural details about the villages in the area. Later on, Mert would hike between villages and worked hard to reach more people.

The Wolcott family spent several years living and serving in Africa, with Merton even staying through great civil unrest in 1964. The Wolcotts left Africa in 1971, but their work was far from over. Mert and Jane started Missions Type Inc. in 1972 and spent the next twelve years nurturing its mission in both Michigan and France. They continued their work in Zaire (the former Belgian Congo), returning in 1985. Mert and Jane eventually followed the Lord’s leading to work with Christian Missions in Many Lands, where they were the administrator host and hostess at the headquarters in New Jersey for sixteen years. They helped create a new printing of the Bible in the Swahili language. Mert and Jane faithfully served God together, inspiring many others to do the same, and they surrounded themselves with God-loving communities wherever they went. In 2008, they retired and settled down in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

As family and friends will certainly agree, Merton Wolcott exemplified what it meant to walk by faith each and every day. He was a constant source of strength, and he strove to build deep and personal relationships with God and everyone around him. A dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Mert was a friend to many and beloved by all. His heart of service allowed him to impact the lives of countless others for the better. Though he will be dearly missed, Merton leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Merton Newell Wolcott, age 90 of Grand Rapids, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 27, 2024. Merton is survived by his wife of 71 years, Jane; daughter, Christine (Dale) Hamilton; son, Steve (Debbie) Wolcott; daughter-in-law Sheri Wolcott; grandchildren: Heather (Jon) Miller, Sarah (Mark) Rondeau, Joshua Hamilton, Janis Dohring, Jeremy (Kate) Wolcott, Rachel (Livingstone) Lohia, Benjamin Wolcott, Abbie Kim, Aaron (Bethany) Wolcott, Audrey (Francis) Sims; 18 great-grandchildren; sister Winifred Andrews; sister-in-law Barbara (Darvin) Suter as well as nieces and nephews. Mert was preceded in death by his son, Alan; his parents, Ralph and Louise Wolcott, and by his brother, Walter.

The service to remember and celebrate Merton’s life will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025 at 2 PM at Rest Haven Homes, 1424 Union Ave NE, where friends are invited to visit with his family beginning at 1:30. Interment in Lester Cemetery in Algansee, Township, MI. To read more about Merton, to share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com