Merlin William Gesing

Merlin W. Gesing, 56, of Waukon, IA, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, February 28, 2015, surrounded by his family following a long, courageous battle with cancer. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, March 4th at 11:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon, with Rev. Msgr. Ed Lechtenberg officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, rural Waukon. Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 pm Tuesday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon where there will be a 3:45 pm scripture service.

Merlin William Gesing was born July 16, 1958, in Waukon, IA, to Joseph and Leona (Komarek) Gesing. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick Catholic Church, attended St. Pat's School through eighth grade, and graduated from Waukon High School in 1976. He attended the University of Iowa for one year after which he decided to return home and farm with his father. He was united in marriage to Rebecca Lynn Prestemon on June 27, 1981, at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon. To this union five children were born.

Merlin was a lifelong farmer, operating a dairy herd and raising beef cattle, hogs, and crops, and in more recent years organic laying hens. Merlin became interested in organic crop production in the early 90s. He eventually transitioned the entire farm into organic production as well as raising dairy, beef, and eggs organically and received numerous conservation awards for his sustainability efforts. He always appreciated his own organic farming mentors, and in turn mentored many new organic farmers as well.

Merlin was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Church where he served on Parish Council, St. Pat's School Board of Education, director of Men's CEW, CCD teacher, and confirmation table leader as well as volunteering as Eucharistic Minister, lector and altar server. He was active in the community as well. Merlin was a 4-H Leader, member of the Allamakee County Extension Council, Pork Producers, Waukon Athletic Boosters, and was a Jefferson Township Trustee. He was also a volunteer coach for his children and grandchildren's sports endeavors.

Merlin will be remembered as a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He had an indescribable charisma, sense of humor, and ability to make people feel both welcome and important. He was a humble man and led by quiet example. He touched many lives through his spirituality and faith, especially throughout his illness with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST). Merlin was an avid learner as well, researching and implementing many new farming practices to increase the sustainability and profitability of his farm.

Merlin taught his children the importance of understanding the world around us. He traveled with Becky and the children internationally, including several European countries, South Africa, Peru, and Ecuador. In the last year he fulfilled a lifelong dream when he and Becky traveled to Ecuador doing medical mission work and being God's hands through building a church and working in an orphanage.

His favorite times were spent with his family. No matter how busy he was on the farm he was never too busy to support his children's interests and activities; his advice and quiet reassurance was frequently sought after. His grandchildren brought their "Papa" lots of joy and he loved roughhousing and holding his precious grandbabies. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his devoted wife Becky of Waukon; four children: Meghan (John) Palmer of Waukon, Leah of Madison, WI, Vaughn of Dubuque, IA, and Hannah (Pat) Kelly of Ft. Atkinson, IA; his mother Leona Gesing of Waukon; five grandchildren: Faith, Ethan, Norah, Naomi, and Roslyn Palmer; 3 brothers: Wayne of Dubuque, IA, Mark of Maricopa, AZ, and Kevin (Mary) of Cedar Rapids, IA; and a sister Joanne (Paul) Jacob of Suisan City, CA. He is also survived by his parents-in-law John and Sheryl Prestemon of Waukon; brother-in-law Brad (Kari) Prestemon of Northfield, MN; sister-in-law Shari Prestemon of Eden Prairie, MN; Becky's grandmother Marcie Opfer; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Merlin was preceded in death by his infant son Ethan and his father Joseph.

Memorials should be directed to The Life Raft Group - whose mission is research, education, advocacy and support for GIST cancer patients and their family members - or St. Patrick's School.

Honorary casketbearers are Merlin and Becky's CEW Christian Community, Tom Christensen, Brian Drew, Dave Prestemon, Kent Schlitter, Kirk Snitker, Dennis Stika, Gary Welsh, and Joel Winnes.