Merlin Raymond Anderson, 76 of Gering, NE passed away on June 7th 2023. He was born March 6th of 1947 in Blackfoot, Idaho, son of Mont and Irene Anderson. He is survived by his life long spouse JoAnn, his son Eric (Camyla) with their 3 kids, Jaron, Easton and Addison, along with son Travis (DeAnn) with their 4 kids, Brady, Brock, Brooke and Bryce. Merlin is also survived by his brothers Steven, Eugene and George and his sisters Kay and Yvonne. He is preceded in death by his parents Mont and Irene and his siblings Thayne, Joan, Edward and Neil.
Merlin graduated from Snake River High School in Riverside Idaho. After which he attended some local college and trade schools. He began his career with JR Simplot at an early age and was able to grow with the company. After retiring he stayed very busy, selling cell phones, working with other ag companies, valet parking cars for the hospital and most recently helping shuttle cars for his son’s business. Merlin served very diligently for his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He joined the church in 1985 and found ways to serve throughout the time he was alive. He was always first to help move, visit the sick and needy or volunteer at the local soup kitchen. His love of the Gospel and our Savior showed by how he treated everyone else around him. He also loved to be with his family. He made sure to be at all of the grandchildren’s events that he possibly could. He supported all of them in whatever it was that made them happy. His joy came from their joy. He is most noted for, on your birthday sending a very early morning text singing Happy Birthday in his less than angelic voice. Merlin’s other passion came from riding his bike. He was prepping for his 17th Triple ByPass ride in Colorado of which covered 3 mountain passes and around 100 miles. He was seen often in the summer riding to Kimball for a hamburger, Morrill to sharpen lawn mower blades or to Leymone to deliver a vehicle. He always got a laugh out of his super cool sock choices and his spandex biker shorts. Merlin never met a person that didn’t come away feeling like a better person. He always had an ear to listen, a smile to make you feel better and a heart full of compassion.
Visitation will be held Sunday June 11th from 5-7pm at Gering Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be Monday June 12th, 2023 at 10am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with Bishop Adam Harper conducting. Graveside service will follow at West Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations made in his name to Bike Walk Nebraska. www.bikewalknebraska.org
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.geringchapel.com for the Anderson family.