Merlin J. “Whiskers” McDermott, 82, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away, on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa, surrounded by his family.

The family of Merlin will greet friends and relatives from 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Thomas McDermott officiating.  Burial will be held at a later date.

Merlin was born February 5, 1942 in Cascade, Iowa,  son of Louis and Irene (Horsfield) McDermott.  He received his education at the former St. Martin’s School in Cascade.

He served in the Army National Guard, and was a member of the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

He is survived by his life partner, Becky McCallum of Cascade, IA; four sons, Mitchell McDermott of Madison, WI, Marshall McDermott and Miles McDermott both of Cascade, IA and Mace McDermott of Dubuque, IA; three grandchildren, Jeremy, Alex and Sean; six siblings, Louise (Wayne) Tauke of Edgewood, IA, Leo “Stud” (Suzanne) McDermott of Bernard, IA, Marilyn (James) Ryan of Dubuque, IA, Ellen Koerperick of Placid, IA, Jean Steffen of Dubuque, IA, and Gery “Baldy” (Jane) McDermott of Bernard, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents;’ a brother-in-law, Ronald Koerperick; one nephew, Greg McDermott; and his two favorite dogs (co-workers), Twilight and Benji.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com