Gorsh, Merlin Ray

Merlin Ray Gorsh, 60, formerly of Victor, passed away Jan. 11, 2013, at his home in California after a courageous 5-year battle with Lymphoma cancer. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, at Smith Funeral Home in Victor, with the Rev. Jim Davis officiating. Inurnment will be at Genoa Bluff Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends starting at 2 p.m. Monday.

Merlin was born March 25, 1952, to Vernon and Mary Heittmann Gorsh in Belle Plaine, Iowa. He was the youngest of four children. He grew up on the family farm near Victor, attended H.L.V. High School, then Las Lomas College, where he received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.

Merlin was married to Beverly McCallister Lehrkamp in 1969; from this union two children were born. Merlin moved to northern California in 1991, and in 2004, he married Lisa Tiffany on St. Patrick's Day, the same day they met three years earlier. The couple made their home in Gold Beach, Ore.

He enjoyed many things in this world, especially traveling. He and Lisa traveled to Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean and well as several states. He had an interest in history and science.

Merlin is survived by his wife, Lisa, of Gold Beach, Ore.; daughter, Tracy (Burton) Chaska of Nevada; grandson, Kyle Chaska of Nevada; son, Jason Gorsh of Des Moines; sisters, Cleo (Greg) Brecht of Norway, Helen (Butch) Baetsle of Harper and Dorthy (Larry) Wade of Grinnell; and several aunts and cousins.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents.

Published Jan. 27, 2013 in The Gazette