Merlin A. Keller

Merlin A. Keller, 88, Marysville, died Monday, March 12, 2018 at Cambridge Place, Marysville.Visitation was held 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., Thursday, March 15 at Kinsley Mortuary, Marysville.  The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m.A funeral service was 10 a.m., Friday, March 16 at Evangelical United Church of Christ, Marysville with Gary Phillips officiating.   Musicians were Deb Bruna and Pat Breeding and the hymns were “Here I Am Lord,” “How Great Thou Art” and “On Eagles Wings.” Pallbearers were William Nelson, Alex Welday, Jeramie Keller, Deanna Taphorn, Doug Schroller, Jennifer Taphorn and Emily Yantz. Burial was in Marysville City Cemetery. Merlin was born January 3, 1930 at Blue Rapids to Charles and Clara (Kloxin) Keller.  He graduated in 1948 from Marysville High School. He was united in marriage to Opal Weichbrodt and two children were born to this union.  They later divorced.  In November of 1972, he married Norma Schroller.  She preceded him in death. Merlin was a carpenter and laid Torginal seamless flooring for many years.  He then worked as a conductor for the railroad. Mert was a jack of all trades and enjoyed helping family and friends.  He spent many years using his handyman skills repairing many things at the American Legion and for other people.  He provided the tent and pretzels for the German Fest.  Merlin was a member of the Moose Lodge and a woodworking leader for the Balderson Boosters 4-H Club.  Spending time with family and his grandchildren and great grandchildren, brought him great joy.  He loved spending time in his garden, attending garage sales, flea markets and auctions.  Merlin collected barbed wire, thimbles and eagles.  He wintered in Florida in the Pine Island area. Mert will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity and always thinking of others, before himself.Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Norma; and granddaughter, Michele Schroller.He is survived by son Jeffrey Keller, Albany, GA; daughter, Debra Nelson, Marysville; step son Dennis (Diane) Schroller, Marysville; and step daughter, Sheila (Francis) Taphorn, Marysville; grandchildren, William Nelson, Lisa Welday, Melisa Brown, Jennipher Beahn, Jeramie Keller, Doug Schroller, Jennifer Taphorn, Emily Yantz and Deanna Taphorn; and great grandchildren Alex and Olivia Welday, Landon and Rylee Brown, Kaitlyn, Kennedi and Laynie Beahn, Justin, Jessica, Liam, Matthew, Katelynn and Joshua Schroller and Sammy and Darren Yantz.A memorial fund is established and will be designated later.  Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Merlin A. Keller, please visit our flower store.