Obituary of Merlin Wuebker
A Mass of Christian Burial for Merlin Wuebker, 95, of Milford, will be held Friday, December 3, 2021 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 2nd from 4:00-6:00pm followed by a Rosary at 6:00pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church
Merlin Herman Wuebker, the son of Joseph and Viola (Tacke) Wuebker, was born on April 8, 1926, in Carroll, Iowa. Growing up, Merlin attended school in Carroll and earned his high school diploma.
On July 18, 1951, Merlin enlisted in the United States Army where he honorably served his country until July of 1959.
On August 25, 1953, Merlin was united in marriage to Rita C. Berning at St. Bernard’s Church in Breda. They lived in Ayrshire before moving to a farm west of Milford in 1960. After retiring from farming on April 8, 1986, they moved into town.
In his free time, Merlin loved socializing and was always current on what was going on. He enjoyed farming, fishing, and the news. He was an avid sports fan, especially St. Louis Cardinals. Merlin was also active and often would say, “You can’t sit home and look at the four walls and watch the clock!” He often went for coffee anywhere his friends would gather and loved spending time with his family.
Merlin was a man of great love for his family, faith, and volunteering. He started his day with daily mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford where was a longtime member. Merlin also volunteered at the Harvest Dinner, Chicken & Noodle Dinner, and was an usher for all funerals at St. Joe’s. He was active in the American Legion in Milford where he participated in the Veterans Day Program at school and putting a flag on every veteran’s memorial plot at the cemetery.
He was a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved all the projects they were involved in, especially their Famous Apple Pie, The Pancake & Sausage Supper, Spelling Bee, and the Free Throw Contest.
At 95, Merlin was still helping with the harvest by bringing the grain to the elevator. Most of all, he loved people, talking to them, and learning from them. Everyone was a friend to Merlin.
Merlin passed away November 29, 2021 at his home in Milford.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Richard Wuebker of Milford, Iowa; Mary (Eldon) Kraninger of Milford, Iowa; Joann (Joe) Kobes of Des Moines, Iowa; Gary (Kirstin) Wuebker of Milford, Iowa; brothers: Bill (Colleen) Wuebker, Jim (Stella) Wuebker, Dr. Ralph (Dr. Margie) Wuebker; sisters-in-law, Mary Jo Berning and Bonnie Wuebker; grandchildren: Heather Wuebker (Jesse Avery), Angela (Harvey) Olson, Jody (Tim) Gunderson, Chad Wuebker (friend, Brandi), Adam (Jenn) Kraninger, Brent Kraninger (Arielle Ahrens), Samanatha Wuebker, Zach Kobes; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Merlin was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Wuebker; son, Tom Wuebker; parents, Joe and Viola Wuebker; brother, Bob Wuebker; sisters: Donna Mae (Don) Wilkie, Norma Jean (Paul) Ocken; Florence (Dennis) Fischer; in-laws: Alfred and Lois Hoffman, Clarence and Sally Berning, Ed and Lorraine Gehling, Leo Berning; grandchildren, Chloe Kobes and Tori Wuebker.