Obituary of Dustin Merrill

   Dustin Thomas Merrill, of Sterling, IL, died unexpectedly on Monday, April 24, 2023. 

   He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Dustin was born on May 5, 1982, in Sterling, the son of Steve and Nancy (Smith) Merrill. He graduated from Sterling High School in 2000, Illinois State University in 2004 with a BS in Psychology, and later earned his Master of Social Work from Aurora University. He married Katherine (Katie) McGee on October 14, 2015. He was passionate about his career and helping families in the community working as a school social worker at Bi-County Special Education, Moeller, Myers & Associates as an LCSW, and Sauk Valley Community College as an adjunct instructor. He also served on the Whiteside County Health Department Board.  

   In Dustin’s free time he loved to be with his family and adored his children. Making his children’s sporting events, school functions, and father-daughter dances a top priority. He loved being with his close friends and cherished those relationships. He also loved spending time in his yard, fishing, and golfing any chance he had.  

   He is survived by his wife, Katie, of Sterling, IL; his children, Aiden Lacy, Ellie, and Emmie Merrill; his father, Steven Merrill (Jane Mead) of Rockville, MD; his in-laws, Dan & Mary Jo Johnson of Rockton, IL and James McGee of Oak Park, IL; his sister, Jennifer McCormick (Stephen) of Louisa, VA; his brother, Cameron Foreman of Sterling, IL; and nieces and nephews, Gage, AJ, Mikey, Victoria, Tucker, and Bree. He is preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Merrill, and maternal and paternal grandparents. 

   Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Schilling Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 1, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sterling, IL, with burial taking place at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL. \

   A memorial has been established to his children.

   Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com