Merrill Arnold Lovvik

Merrill "Mick" Arnold Lovvik, age 84 peacefully passed at his home on March 10, 2026. Mick was born on November 2, 1941, in Wauwatosa, WI. He was adopted as an infant by Harold and Esther (Ness) Lovvik and grew up in the north side of Eau Claire, where he was baptized at Hope Lutheran Church and attended Sam Davey Elementary School, Eau Claire Junior High, Eau Claire Senior High for one year and the first three-year class at Eau Claire Memorial. Mick was proud to be a member of the 1960 class; however, he was two credits short of graduating. He completed those credits and received his diploma in 1975 from Eau Claire Memorial.

On April 27, 1962, Mick and Mary L. Hanson married at Hope Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. They were blessed with two sons, Kevin and Paul, and two grandchildren, Mark and Emily.

Mick graduated from Graphic Technical Teaching School in Minneapolis, MN in 1964 to become a printer. Over the years, in addition to being an entrepreneur, Mick had many jobs, to include working at Sammy's Pizza, Rantul Press Company in Illinois, Huebsch Laundry, Chanel 13 TV, Singer Sewing Machine Company, Deputy Sheriff and jailor, Chippewa Herald, Limo Cab (which he started), Wonder Wash management and bus driver for Eau Claire Student Transit and the School District of Altoona. Mick especially enjoyed his years of driving school bus. He was also known as the "Rabbit" on the Cowboy Bob TV show, and enjoyed playing Santa and the Easter Bunny.

On January 22, 2003, Mick lost the love of his life, Mary, after 40 years of marriage. Following the loss of his wife, Mick became a spokesman for Life Source in Minneapolis, MN, supporting organ and tissue donations. He spoke about organ and tissue donation around the country, which was his way of honoring Mary's memory. In addition to speaking about organ and tissue donation, Mick especially enjoyed speaking on patriotism and flag etiquette,

On September 5, 2005, Mick married Linda Digby at St John's Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. They later divorced, but Mick always truly appreciated that Linda and her family helped him through the most trying time of his life.

In the summer of 2010, Mick met Debbie Holland at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska. It was love at first sight. Debbie moved to Eau Claire in 2015 and they have been together since. Although Mick enjoyed his life in Eau Claire, he considered Alaska to be his second home.

Mick took pride in the many organizations he belonged to, which included sons of The American Legion, Squadron #53, Masonic Lodge #351, Chippewa Masonic Lodge #176, Scottish Rite Valley of Eau Claire, Zor Shriners of Madison, Mehara Shriners of Eau Claire, Sahara Shrine Club of Jefferson Country, Zor Klassic Kruisers and Sawdusters. Mick was proud to have served as an officer in most of these organizations. He was President of the Mehara Shrine Club in 2011 and 2015 and was honored with the Mehara Shriner of the Year in 2014. He was active as a volunteer Eau Claire Transit Commission, special Assessment Committee, was an ambassador for Literacy Volunteer of America and spent time on the Honor Guard for the American Legion.

Mick is survived by his son Keven (Mary), grandchildren Emily (Damyon) and Mark and loving partner, Debbie Holland as well as many old and new friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Esther Lovvik, wife Mary and son Paul.

In lieu of flowers, Mick has requested that donations be made to the Shrine Hospital in Minneapolis, MN, Chippewa Valley Literacy or Luther Hospital Cancer Unity (in memory of Mary).

A memorial service will be held at the Cornerstone Apostolic Church, 110 Independence Drive, Elk Mound on March 28 at noon. A Masonic Funeral and interment will be held at Lakeview Cemetery at a later date.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.