Merlin Leonard Ohrt

Merlin Ohrt, age 67, of Marshalltown, Iowa passed away on December 17, 2023, at Unity Point Hospital.

Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a private family visitation will be scheduled. Memorials can be directed to his family. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Merlin was born November 6, 1956, in Marshalltown, Iowa and his parents were Leonard and Barbara L. (Kurth) Ohrt. He attended high school here in Marshalltown and graduated with the class of 1975. Merlin was a dedicated employee at JBS Swift and Company and had just celebrated 40 years of service. He was a proud member of the Ridge Rider Saddle Club of Tama, Pony Express, and the Iowa Polled Hereford Association. Most knew him and enjoyed his company and antics. He enjoyed raising Polled Hereford cattle, riding horses and later in life mules. Merlin will be remembered by many as the life of the party. He also enjoyed camping down at 4-J Big Piney for several years in a row. Most will also remember Merlin getting “pitched” off his mule Jasper or one of his famous sayings while deer hunting, “There is no shame in taking a knee.”

Merlin Ohrt is survived by his daughters: Christina (Tim) Butler, Stacey (John) Handsaker, and Victoria (Randy) Lass, his grandchildren: Cody, Colton, Kayla, Taylor, Baylee, Emma, Charles, Elizabeth and Alice, his great-grandson, Colt., and his siblings: Roseann, Mark, Marcella, and Freeman, his mule Jasper, and numerous fur babies.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents Leonard and Barbara L., and son-in-law Tim Butler.