Pastor Merritt M. Bebout, Sr.

A Home Going Service for Pastor Merritt Micheal Bebout, Sr., age 69, of Winona, MN, will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona. Visitation will start at 10 AM, with a service at 11 AM. Lunch will be served following the service at the funeral home, and burial will be at the Fremont Cemetery. 

Merritt returned to his heavenly home on August 30, 2024, after a valiant battle with cancer. He became the victor when he walked into glory hand in hand with his savior. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Merritt was born in Waterloo, Iowa to Patty Anne Gulsvig on July 20, 1955. He was the oldest of five children growing up and kept everyone on their toes. He loved to tell the stories of trading his newborn sister for a black lab puppy, going as far to place the baby in the doghouse. 

At the age of 21 Merritt gave his life to Christ. His first ministry service was at the Pentecostal Church as an Associate pastor. Life and family allowed him to have a variety of vocations as well. He was a painter by trade, having his own painting business. He sold cars in the 1970’s and was known to many as “The Wheel” a moniker given by Uncle Bud. In the 1980’s we worked at Rath Packing in Waterloo until its closing. He moved his family to Fountain City, Wisconsin and started work at Winona State University as a painter, moving up to become Safety Officer, he retired after 22 years of service. 

In 1997, he married Debra and together they mended each other’s broken hearts. Happily married for over 27 years, Merritt was the rock of the family. Family vacations to Alaska, Family Grill outs, Card Games, Fishing trips filled the years. Merritt welcomed many children into his home and heart who have called him Merritt, Poppa, Grandpa and Dad.

Merritt's experience with loss happened early in life with the passing of his first two wives, followed by his mother Patty, uncle Bud, sister Kelly and his son Gabriel David Bebout. Oh, what a sight, when they welcomed him home.

He will be deeply missed by his adoring wife Debra Bebout, and their children: Jackie (Bryan) Bebout-Williams, Merritt (Christy) Bebout Jr, Josh Johnson and Shauntel Bebout; grandchildren: Betty, Tristen, Chase, Mikaela, Aliyah, Alexis, and Hailey; and great-granddaughter, Londyn.

This is not Good-Bye as Merritt always says…. We’ll see you later.