Merlyn J. Weidemann, age 93, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 1:55 p.m., on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at home, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Merlyn’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road, with Rev. Phillip G. Gibbs officiating. To celebrate Merlyn’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Dubuque Post #6.

Merlyn was born on February 5, 1925, in Rickardsville, Iowa, son of John and Susan (Lex) Weidemann.

Merlyn honorably served his country during WWII with the U.S. Army. He was proud of his service and was grateful to have been invited to attend the Honor Flight on October 19, 2010, along with his fellow veterans. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Patricia Wilfawn, on May 10, 1949, at St. Joseph Church in Rickardsville, Iowa, and the two would be blessed with 5 children and 60 wonderful years together, before she was sadly called home ahead of him on February 20, 2010. Merlyn was born and raised in the country, where he learned the value of hard work early on, and he would put that strong work ethic to good use at Farley & Loetscher and finally with the John Deere Dubuque Works as a machinist for 28 years until his retirement. After his retirement, he and Pat would embrace the “snowbird life”, wintering in Texas for 13 years. Merlyn loved being in the great outdoors, and golf was definitely his game of choice, playing in several leagues and taking trips to check out different courses. Merlyn was known to his family as a “Man of Wisdom”, and a “Master of Gadgets & Gizmos”, he was an extremely talented craftsman, making intricate wooden toys and unique display cases to house them throughout the years. Also, as any good Dubuquer does, Merlyn loved a spirited game of Euchre. Merlyn was a faithful member of the Church of the Resurrection, as well as the American Legion Dubuque Post #6, the Foresters and the U.A.W. Retirees. We are deeply saddened at the loss of the patriarch of our family today, but are grateful for the 93 years we have had with him. Merlyn was a wonderful role model of what a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother should be, and we will proudly carry on his lessons for generations to come.

Those left to cherish Merlyn’s memory include

his children,
Jim (Char) Weidemann, Dubuque, IA
Judy (Kent) Roebken, Durango, IA,
Joan (Rick) Herbst, Durango, IA,
Rick (Sharon) Weidemann, Sherrill, IA
and Rhonda (Pat) Coleman, Peosta, IA;

his 14 grandchildren;
Jim (Cathy) Weidemann, Jason (Jenny) Weidemann, Jeff (Chrissy) Weidemann, Jenny (Billy) Ostola, Chad Roebken, Doug (Kris) Roebken, Kris (Troy) Wright, April (Randy) Hall, Jacob (Jill) Herbst, Shelby (Chris) Wahlert, Nicole (Jerry) Roling, Gina (Jim) Boxleiter, Lexi (fiancé Ryan Sindt) Weidemann and Sam (Shawn) Thomas;

his 36 great-grandchildren;

his sister,
Rita Loch, Dubuque, IA;

and a sister-in-law,
Dorothy Huffman, Ottumwa, IA.

Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patricia Weidemann; a sister, Magdalen (Elmer) Wagner; 3 brothers, John (Irene) Weidemann, Herbert (Martha) Weidemann, Gilbert (Florence) Weidemann; and a brother-in-law, Matt Loch.

Merlyn’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque, especially Cindy and Amy, for being there to guide us through this journey and for all of their kindness, compassion and wonderful care of Merlyn.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com