Merlin J. Tucker

Merlin John Tucker, 89 of Sioux City, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Bickford Assisted Living. A Memorial Service will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at Westlawn Presbyterian Church with Reverend Paul Speidel officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, June 15th at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel with family present at 6:00 p.m. and a Prayer Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.meyerbroschapels.com Merlin was born on May 20, 1926 in rural Brunsville, Iowa to Elmer J. and Johanna (Mammen) Tucker. During his education in the Le Mars Public Schools, Merlin worked at Cudahy's and met the love-of-his-life, Frances Jones. He was drafted into the United States Army before his graduation and was in charge of the dispensary at Fort Lewis during his military career. Following his honorable discharge, Merlin obtained his G.E.D. Merlin married Frances on September 9, 1945 in South Sioux City, Nebraska. He was a Federal Meat Inspector for 36 years, mostly in the Sioux City area, and retired in June of 1982. Merlin enjoyed his membership to the Westlawn Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, served on various boards and committees, and was church custodian for five years. He was an avid fisherman, always catching his limit and never coming home empty handed. Merlin loved to garden, was well known for his pickles, and could make jelly out of anything. The family enjoyed camping almost every weekend, and they often took along friends of their children. Later in life, Merlin and Frances enjoyed wintering in Texas. Merlin is survived by his sons Forrest (Penny) Tucker of Brookings, SD, Maurice Tucker of Sioux City; daughter Jeffrey (Tom) Boyle of Sioux City; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters Margaret Neely and Mersella (Chuck) Estochen. Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, wife Frances in March of 2012, son-in-law Robert Boyle, sister Elnora, and two brothers Arnold and Eldon.