Merlin Wipf, age 69, of Huron, passed away Thursday, May 5, 2022, at his home.

His funeral service was held at 10:00 AM, Monday, May 9th, at Bethesda Church. Burial followed in the Ideal Cemetery. Merlin's service was live-streamed from the church's website.

Visitation was from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Sunday, May 8th, at the Kuhler Funeral Home, with his family present during that time. A prayer service was held at 6:00 PM Sunday evening at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed toward James Valley Christian School , Byron Bible Camp , Child Evangelism Fellowship, and Capitol Commission .

Merlin Mel Wipf was born July 19, 1952 to Elmer E. and Dorothy (Hofer) Wipf of Huron. He attended Milfred Country School and Doland School. Merlin accepted Christ as his Savior on January 19, 1965, and was later baptized May 31, 1970, at Hutterthal Mennonite Church.  Merlin married Judy Wedel at Huron on October 18, 1974.

Merlin worked all of his life on the farm or in the truck service industry. For 40 years, he worked for Goodyear/OK Tire. He liked staying connected to the farm and understood that man is created to work, that all work is noble, and that we serve God best by working faithfully and diligently in our calling.

Although known for his work ethic, he gave his family even higher priority.  There was always time for bike riding, ball playing, a game of checkers, and other family activities.  Later, he enjoyed helping his children with home improvement projects and spoiling his grandkids.

Merlin's faith was especially important to him.  He always made sure his family was in church and led them in nightly family devotions.  He was a member of Bethesda Church where he served as an usher, on the cemetery committee, and in AWANA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant twin siblings, LaVerne and LaVonne; and one brother, Dwayne Wipf in 2022.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Judy of Huron; and four sons and their families,  Jory (Becky) Wipf and their children, Josalyn, Jacey, Rylin and Brady, all of Huron, Jarvis (Crystal) Wipf and their children, Jensen, Anders, Henrik and Karina, all of Highmore, Jasper (Denna) Wipf and their children, Ahmyah, Janessa and Emerleigh, all of Lemmon, and Jay (Rachel) Wipf and their children, Ruth, Jacob, Anna and Sarah, all of Huron.

Merlin is also survived by his siblings, Norman (Gerry) Wipf of Huron, Janelle (Bob) Butler of Huron, Allen (Delane) Wipf of McKinney, Texas, Harlin Wipf of Huron, Connie Simmons of Hot Springs, Mark (Melanie) Wipf of Huron, Cindy (Paul) Andreas of Tenstrike, Minnesota, Philip (Rochelle) Wipf of Wessington Springs and Jim (Gayla) Wipf of Chancellor; his mother-in-law, Gladys Wedel; his brothers-in-law, Joel (Cathy) Wedel of Omaha, Nebraska and Jerel Wedel of Huron; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews.

View Merlin's Floral Arrangements