Bird, Merlin 'Merle' Nickolas

Merlin “Merle” Nickolas Bird, 87, of Guttenberg, formerly from Cedar Rapids, went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, July 11, 2012. Funeral Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 16, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, officiated by two of his grandsons, Pastor Mike Pisney and Pastor Jeff Pishney. Visitation will be after 8:30 a.m. until time of service on Monday at the funeral home. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. A reception will follow the burial at Maranatha Bible Church, Cedar Rapids.

Merlin was born June 3, 1925, in Turkey River, Iowa, to Leo and Rita (Schaul) Bird. His parents raised him on the family farm and he attended Hunter School. As the oldest child, he learned the concept of hard work and responsibility which resonated throughout his life.

On May 12, 1947, he was united in marriage to his wife, Ruth (Harbaugh). He moved his family in 1956 to Cedar Rapids, where they resided for 37 years. He finished his working career at Heabel's Lumber Co. as yard foreman until its closure and then did carpentry work until his retirement.

His wife, “Ruthie,” took care of him at their home in Guttenberg until March of this year. He entered the Guttenberg Care Center and received such loving care. On May 12th they celebrated their 65th anniversary with family and staff at the Guttenberg Care Center.

Merlin is survived by his wife; Ruth (Harbaugh) Bird; his daughters, Pat (Dave) Pisney, Joyce (Ken) Wilson and Mary (Dale) Barnes; sister, Anna Mae (Frank) Barry; brother, Gene (Verna) Bird; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and one great grandchild on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Francis, Charles and Clyde; and daughter, Julie Bird Johnson.

Please sign the online guest book and share a memory about Merlin at .

Published July 15, 2012 in The Gazette