Merlin M. Kuester, 87, of Kiel, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024 surrounded by his loving family, at Aurora Medical Center, Sheboygan.  Merlin was born October 16, 1936, in the Town of Meeme, to the late Harvey and Luetta (Mueller) Kuester.  Merlin graduated from Kiel High School in 1954.  He met the love of his life, Geraldine, on a blind date.  On December 27, 1958, he married the former Geraldine Rabe.  Merlin proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea.  He was employed by Land-O-Lakes, retiring in 2001.

Merlin enjoyed gardening, wood crafting, fishing, and hunting.  He also enjoyed a good Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet.  Merlin was a fan of gaming, game shows, playing cards bowling, as well as the Wisconsin sports: Brewers, Bucks, and the Packers.  Merlin was always up for an adventure, even attending the Green Bay Packers Ice Bowl in 1967 with his wife, Geraldine.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Geraldine, his sister, Gloria Jean Buchmann, his step-brother, Eddy (Karen) Arnold, his step-sisters, Jean (Robert) Spalding and Nancy (Dwight) Petersen; his brother-in-law, Ruben Rabe, Jr.; his sister-in-law, Rachel (Bob) Schwark; his nieces and nephews, Doug Schwark (longtime companion, Brenda), Todd Rabe, Kevin Rabe, Tina Rabe and Dan (Mary Ann) Schwark;  his great-nieces, Megan and Kaitlyn Rabe, Andrea,  Alexis  and Alayna Schwark and his loving dog, Buddy.  He is further survived by many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Everett Kuester,  his step-mother, Marilyn Kuester, his mother-in-law, Anna Rabe, his father-in-law, Ruben Rabe, Sr., his sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Rabe, Donna Rabe and his  brother-in-law, Jim Buchmann.

Funeral Services for Merlin will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Meiselwitz-Vollstedt-DeTroye Funeral Home (815 6th Street, Kiel) with Rev. Mike Stafford-Kennedy officiating.   Visitation will be on Saturday, at the funeral home, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.  Interment will follow at New Holstein City Cemetery.  Please visit www.meiselwitzfh.com to send online condolences.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Aurora Medical Center, Sheboygan that took care of Merlin.