Merlin Everald Peterson, 71, of Wooster died on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Wooster Community Hospital
After a good life with a loving wife, Linda and his children: Michael (Megumi) Peterson and Sharon (Chris) Simpson, Bill (Stacy) Conover; God has decided his life has been fulfilled. Merlin was blessed with three grandchildren, Ashley Conover, Elliot Simpson, Oliver Simpson and one great grandchild, Connor Taylor.
Merlin was born in Minnesota spending his early years on the family farm. As it turned out that had a major impact on his life. He worked meaningless jobs to earn money for college. Those jobs taught him there was no way he would spend his life doing that kind of work.
He attended the University of Minnesota earning a degree in Ag Economics. That was a major where he learned a little about a lot, but not a lot about a little, except basic economics.
He learned from his mother how to be able to talk with virtually anyone. But more importantly he learned how to ask questions and listen. He found you’ll never learn anything about other people if you only want to talk about yourself.
Eventually after graduation he got a job with Westway Feed selling specialized molasses products in the agricultural industry. That fit his background and personality perfectly and had a 40 year career calling on people much like himself, a farm kid.
Merlin had a firm belief in God and the need to be a Christian. It was always his attempt to find the good in people. Although sometimes it was a challenge.
At a later time in his life Merlin learned something about himself from a friend who taught at the College of Wooster. Merlin had great difficulty reading and remembering what he read, however a strong point was math. He was dyslexic. That same friend suggested there are tests to show if he was dyslexic to which Merlin said, why bother to test as it’s worked out just fine for 70 years.
He had a small side business tilling gardens with a compact tractor. That fit him well as he could putter with a tractor, he loved the smell of dirt, and he really liked helping people. He never really made any money, but didn’t care.
He is survived by three brothers, Lynn, Delwin, Burnell and their families. An older brother, Lowell passed away in 2018.
He was a member of Izaak Walton for over thirty years being a local officer and a national director. He enjoyed a great deal to be able to be outdoors and work with his many like-minded friends.
A Service of Remembrance will be held on Monday, May 10, 2021 at 10:30AM at St. Christopher s Anglican Church, 445 N. Bever St., Wooster and streaming via Facebook Live at St Christopher’s Anglican, Wooster. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed.
In honor of Merlin, casual attire is highly suggested and blue jeans are encouraged.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation to either Izaak Walton- Wayne County Chapter or the local pet shelter. He liked dogs.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Memorial Contributions
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation to either Izaak Walton- Wayne County Chapter or the local pet shelter would be nice. He liked dogs.
Service
A Service of Remembrance will be held on Monday, May 10, 2021 at 10:30AM at St. Christopher s Anglican Church, 445 N. Bever St., Wooster and streaming via Facebook Live at St Christopher’s Anglican, Wooster. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed.
Visitation
We are very saddened about the loss of Merlin. He was an amazing neighbor, helping others without being asked. I loved talking to him as he walked Gracie, or when he was out in his truck and would stop to say Hi. Our deepest sympathy to the family. Many prayers.
We are very saddened about the loss of Merlin. He was an amazing neighbor, helping others without being asked. I loved talking to him as he walked Gracie, or when he was out in his truck and would stop to say Hi. Our deepest sympathy to the family. Many prayers.
Merlin was like a second father to me. I always looked forward to my conversations with him as I knew they would always be informative and very entertaining! I feel very fortunate to have been able to catch up with him a few years ago. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed. Thoughts
and prayers to Mike, Sharon, Linda, and the rest of the family. He will be greatly missed.
We are saddened to read of Merlin’s passing. He was such a wonderful person to know and we both enjoyed the time we spent with him through Isaac Walton. He will be missed by many. Deepest sympathy to the whole family.
I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I will always remember the times we spent talking in the driveway and spying on each other’s kids. Merlin was a treasure and a great friend.
I never met Mr. Peterson, I’m sure I would’ve liked him a lot. Especially if his son Mike, one of my favorite people in the world, is anything like him. It saddens me to know the pain Mike and his family are feeling right now. But that’s a good pain. This shows how missed he’s going to be. This shows he led a good life and left a good impression. My condolences to the Peterson family. May you cherish those good memories forever……..
Merlin was a true inspiration to all who knew him, hard working, friendly, made you laugh, and knew how to get a job done. He was a huge contributor to the Izaak Walton League in many ways and will be missed dearly. Condolences to Linda and the family.
Our hearts are broken… Merlin and Roger were “deer camp” buddies for over 25 years. So many memories from a wonderful and kind person. He left a great legacy:). Prayers, thoughts and hugs to Linda and family.
All of our very best to the Petersons.
While reading Merlin’s story and so many wonderful comments filled with love, I can truly say that his care for others & unique sensibility has passed to Mike and will live on through him. I have the wonderful pleasure of calling him my friend and benefiting from these very rare traits on a daily basis.
Sending all of our love & compassion to the Peterson family.
WE are so sorry to hear about Merlin passing. He was always there for me at Izaak Walton when I had questions. He will be missed by so many.
Many, many memories and my childhood was spent with you, Merlin. You were always there to listen,make time for others and simply just be the genuine father to Mike, Sharon and all us kids. You have raised two amazing children and left us with a lifetime of stories to share. Much love to Linda, Mike, Sharon and the Peterson family. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.Until we meet again..take care, Merlin. P.S. I still won’t eat Fig Newtons.
I am a classmate of Merlin from Minnesota. I am very Dad sorry to learn about his passing. Merlin was awesome. I enjoyed talking with him at our class reunion in 2017 which was our 50th.
There are many words I can write to show my respect for Merlin. Merlin was of the highest of character, integrity, and genuine. Merlin always had a way of making people around him feel comfortable.
My sincere and deepest condolences to Linda and the entire family. I pray and hope the entire family can find peace and comfort knowing Merlin is in God’s Kingdom of Glory.
We were only neighbors with him for a short time but In that time we saw a man who was always on the move. I always had great conversations and with Merlin and enjoyed his humor. He was a great neighbor always willing to lend a hand or help. He offered great advice and wisdom and I am glad we’ll see him again someday and that He has peace with Jesus. I will miss seeing him driving around the Orange tractor. Praying for the family and will be here to support and encourage in the days ahead.
Merlin will be greatly missed. Such a wonderful person and a leader with IWLA.
RIP our friend. Lots of love and hugs
Linda, I’m so sorry for your loss! My prayers are with you .
We are in shock with the passing of Merlin. A stalwart Ike who was an amazing leader of the Izaak Walton League of America. Elaine was on Facebook and saw it this morning.
Merlin’s dedication to the Ikes’s was unwavering. Merlin was a true steward of God’s creation. Merlin now with rests in God’s loving arms.
Sincerely,
Elaine and Rick
So sorry to hear Merlin passing he was such wonderful man with big caring heart I know he will greatly missed I know he and my dad and mom are having great time heaven .Merlin built beautiful plate rail in my mom and dad’s house which after brothers sold place the tore the rails in kitchen and part dinning room down when they remodeling it which was so sad .Sorry won’t be able attend we now live out of Ohio now but heart and prayers are with you all
Merlin and family were part of our lives from his time on Burger Dr onward. Fond memories are a benediction for his life.
We’re so sorry for your lost Linda. Merlin was a real blessing to know him and spend time with.Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Linda and family Greg and I send our heartfelt sympathy to you. Merlin was always kind and caring. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Merlin was a wonderful neighbor and was a friendly person. Linda I am so very sorry for your loss. Your relationship was one to envy. Prayers to you and your family.
I am sad today. Merlin and I were neighbors with same-aged children on Quinby for several years. What a fine man. One time, as I was painting my house myself he offered his ladder. And a ladder it was, laminate and long it weighed a ton. He picked that up that long professional tool and hoisted it up against the house all by himself with an ease and confidence that reflected his strength and skill. As we were converting the big old house back to single family we had to remove an outside stairway and overhanging roof. We’d tinkered with it for hours when Merlin showed up with a spud bar. Six or seven good whacks and the whole structured came down in a pile. I moved and our kids grew up and Merlin remained in my memories as vivid as those afternoons from two doors down the street. To Mike and Sharon, I am so sorry. Doug
My thoughts are with you at your time of loss. Merlin set an example for all around him and I am proud to say, I was one whom he influenced. His good works with the Ike’s will survive in all that knew him.
We are so saddened at Merlin’s passing. How sudden and surprising! He has been a wonderful neighbor and friend. Steve and Merlin used to “catch up” in the street and out back in the woods, often. Merlin taught Steve how to shoot, and we found a white wild turkey together in the back 40. Muck work in the ditch together and sawin’ logs and brush…”guy stuff,” he happily used to say! Merlin was such a good force in the neighborhood, too; unifying and communicating to all in such friendly ways. We will miss him and his daily smile. We send warm thoughts and love to all his family. Steve and JoAnn
On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of the Izaak Walton League of America, I extend our deepest sympathy to Linda, and Merlin’s entire family. We all appreciate Merlin’s leadership within the League at the state and national levels. More importantly, we valued his friendship. Please take care.
Connie and I are very sorry to learn of the passing of Merlin. Our sincerest condolences go out to Linda and family.
The first time I meet Merlin he was walking down the street in Chicago and I instantly knew who he was, he and his son share a quite striking resemblance. As I got to know him through the years it was clear to see how good of a man he was and how his influence helped make Mike and Sharon the people they are today. I do know that there were times where they didn’t agree but I believe he was probably proud of that because he raised them to be independent thinkers and stand up for what they believed. He will be greatly missed but what he instilled in his family will live on.