Merlin Bird
June 3, 1925 ~ July 11, 2012
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. on Monday, July 16, 2012, 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 on June 3, 1925, in Turkey River, Iowa to Leo and Rita (Schaul) Bird. His parents raised him on the family farm and he attended the 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 to Cedar Rapids in 1956, where they resided for 37 years. He finished his working career at Heabel's Lumber Company as yard foreman until their 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, 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.
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Grandpas smell is implanted into my brain. The combo of sweat and rolled cigarettes. I will never forget all the good times together! I will miss you!
I am so blessed that you were in my life for 31 years. You were the best grandpa in the world and I will never forget you. My fondest memories of you were how loving and comical you were. I still remember when I was about six years old and I really wanted to lose my tooth. It was barely loose and you took your pli ers and yanked it out! You would also find the right time to tickle the feet, prick the earlobe, pull on one strand of hair or scare the living daylights out of us. I love you so much. Tell mom I said hi and I love her. Bye grandpa.
One of the things I remember most when I was a kid he trained this squirrel to take food out of his hands. I thought it was amazing.Shows what a gentle sole he has.We will miss you Merlin. Until we meet again.
You are all in our prayers as you journey with the passing of Merlin. May memories of good times bring you comfort and your strong faith bring you peace.
With deepest sympathy,
Karen and Germaine
Merle was one of my father’s best buddies, both in Cedar Rapids and up at the river. My Dad, George Thiher, always had alot of nice things to say about Merle. Now they’ve both gone to the great beyond.
Very sorry to hear about the loss of Merlin. You all have my deepest sympathy. I am very sorry I could not make it to the services today. We are expecting inspectors here today.
Take Care, Lavern & Karen & Girls.
Hello Everyone,
My sympathy to each of you on the loss of Merlin. I remember him as such a sweet, kind man. I wish I could be at the service, but am in Canada. Our thought and prayers are with each of you. Love, Jeff and Diane Bertsch and family
Dear Ruth and family,
I am sorry I am unable to see you in person but wanted to let you know my heart goes out to each of you on the loss of Merlin. May you find comfort among family and friends celebrating Merlin’s life and in the knowing that love and the memories of treasured time together is eternal.
With love,
Amy Heisdorffer-McFadden
Merlin (Grandpa) Bird will always remain an inspiration in my life. He has forever instilled in me how life should always be looked at from a positive and selfless point of view. I will cherish the comical and wonderful Merlin-isms he used to describe life. The smell of tobacco pipes and moth balls have never been a nuisance for it reminds me of the great man I have had in my life for 28 years. Grandpa was like another father for me and he will be greatly missed but never forgotten. I love you with all my heart and am thankful for all the loving memories you’ve given me. Good bye Grandpa and give one of your famous bear hugs to Mom (Julie Johnson) for me! Your loving Grandson, Chase Johnson.
I am very gratefull that I was able to know Merlin… I just wished it would have been before he had to go to the Guttenberg Care Center. I do know my dad (Herb or Bud Kann) did work for him when they lived up on the island. He had a smile that would light up the room… I’m truely thankful I knew a very great man.r
My father was a “Dad” to many. We have been blessed with his kindness, gentleness, encouraging spirit…and so have many others. Isn’t it beautiful how God can work through one man…I can hear God’s words to my father…”well done my faithful servant…well done”
We are so sorry for your loss,but yet so grateful for having met Merlin. Although we were not able to spend a great deal of time with him, we have gotten to know Ruth, Mary and Dale. And the family he has left behind says a lot about the man he was. He must have been an amazing father, definately a hard worker, a truly empathetic listener, and a gracious host. Again we are sorry for your family’s loss, and if you are in need of anything even just some-one to listen and celebrate a good man and his legacy, please feel free to ask.
My deepest sympathy for the loss of Merlin. I was out of town so was not able to attend the services. However, please know you have been in my thoughts.