Merlin Ninmer, 98, of Kiel died peacefully Thursday morning August 13, 2026 at Field of Dreams Assisted Living where he had been a resident for the past six years. He was born on December 20, 1927 son of the late Edwin and Alvina (Wriedt) Ninmer. He attended Hillside Grove School in the Town of Schleswig. On May 21, 1949 he was united in marriage to Doris Mae Henning at Bethlehem UCC. Merlin and Doris Mae settled on the Ninmer Homestead where they farmed and raised their family. Merlin enjoyed going to Kelly Kramer's night class for area farmers. In June of 1992 they moved to Kiel. Merlin and Doris Mae were able to celebrate 75 years of marriage in May of 2024 before she preceded him in death on September 3, 2024.

Merlin was a lifelong member of Bethlehem UCC Church, where he was confirmed. He also was a former choir member, served on the consistory and was a member of the former Men's Brotherhood. Merlin enjoyed taking bus trips and time spent traveling to most of the United States, Hawaii and twice to Europe. He also enjoyed driving school bus for Kiel Schools for 44 years, driving a milk truck for Otto Henning and Everett Henning's Cheese factory for 21 years. Merlin liked bowling, playing Sheepshead, feeding the birds and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Survivors include his children; Randy (Carol) Ninmer, Wanda (Art) Matzdorf, Paula (John) Mahloch, grandchildren; Kevin (Sara) Matzdorf, Lauren Ninmer-Nelson (Jared Nelson), Adam Ninmer (Jackie Tran), grand daughter-in-law; Angie Matzdorf, great grandchildren; Alison Matzdorf, four step great grandchildren; Sawyer, Beau, Reid, Jack. Further survived by his sister-in-law: Helen Henning along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife; Doris Mae, grandson; Gerald “Jerry” Matzdorf, brother; Clarence (Arlene) Ninmer, infant brother; Raymond Ninmer, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Everett (Jellane) Henning, Elvera (Milton) Voigt, Leora (Herman) Thomas, Lorraine (Keith) Boardman, father-in-law and mother-in-law; Otto and Norma Henning.

Funeral services for Merlin will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, (11608 Lax Chapel Road, Kiel) with Rev. Randy Koppenhaver officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, at the church, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., when brief family rites will be held. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the friends who stopped for visits and the staff of Field of Dreams for the care and friendship the past six years. They would also want to thank Allay Hospice for keeping him comfortable in his last days.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Merlin's name.