Merrill E. Stalbaum

Merrill Emmet Stalbaum (April 24, 1911 – August 30, 1999) was an American farmer, surveyor, and Republican politician from Racine County, Wisconsin. He served six terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Racine County from 1961 to 1973. His younger brother, Lynn E. Stalbaum, was a Wisconsin state senator and served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Biography Merrill E. Stalbaum was born on his family's farm in the town of Norway, Wisconsin, in Racine County. He lived nearly his entire life in the town of Norway, attending the Hill Crest primary school, the Rochester Agricultural School, and then graduating from Waterford High School. He worked on his family farm and also trained as a land surveyor.

In 1960, Stalbaum was a candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly in Racine County's 3rd Assembly district. The district then comprised all of the county outside of the city of Racine. He ran on the Republican Party ticket, challenging Democratic incumbent John R. Hansen. In the November 1960 general election, Stalbaum narrowly prevailed over Hansen, receiving 51.5% of the vote. Stalbaum would go on to win re-election five times, serving continuously until 1973.

The 1972 redistricting was the first to liberate districts from the county boundaries, and Stalbaum's Racine County district was divided between three new districts. Rather than running for election in the new district which contained his home, the 43rd Assembly district, he instead chose to enter the race for United States House of Representatives, challenging first term incumbent Democrat Les Aspin. Stalbaum faced a crowded Republican primary field, but managed to prevail with 43% over his three opponents. Aspin easily prevailed in the general election, however, with Stalbaum earning just 35% of the vote.

Stalbaum largely retired from politics after the 1972 election, but remained active in the community and the Norway Lutheran Church.

Merrill Stalbaum married Lucille Anna Hanson on July 15, 1944. They had one son, John, and were married for 44 years before her death in 1998.

U.S. House (1972)