Merlyn Schuler

Proud veteran Merlyn Ray Schuler, 84, of State Center, passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Bickford of Marshalltown. Per the wishes of Merlyn and his family, cremation rites have been accorded and there will be no formal services. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife at Rose Hill Memorial Garden. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Merlyn and his family. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Merlyn was born May 25, 1937 in Colo, Iowa to parents Russell and Lucille (Troutner) Schuler. He and his three siblings grew up in Rhodes, where he graduated high school in 1955. Shortly after graduation, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Betty Lee Faircloth. Merlyn honorably served his country in the United States Navy as an airplane mechanic. He was stationed in Hawaii and Japan during his four years of service. Merlyn was a hardworking man, working two jobs to support his wife and children. He dedicated over 35 years as a machinist at Fisher Controls while also working the land on the family farm. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and gardening. He also liked spending time with his friends, particularly enjoying playing cards together. Merlyn was a member of the local UAW and an active member of the Melbourne Methodist Church, helping at fundraisers and singing in the church choir. His love of music also led him to attend many local concerts at the Marshalltown High School Roundhouse. Merlyn’s family fondly remembers him as patient, talented and organized. They added with a smile that he was also “smooth with the ladies.” He loved to show his family old photos on a slideshow, particularly proud of his time overseas. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. Those left to cherish his memory are his six children: Melissa “Missy” (Rod) Christensen of Melbourne, Stacia (Lennie) Turner of Ames, Rene (Douglas) Fierce of Van Wert, Jeff Schuler of Melbourne, Erin Schuler of Brainerd, MN and Tony (Jamie) Schuler of Melbourne; 16 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings: Morris (Elaine) Schuler of Albion and Eilene (Richard) Jones of Rhodes; sister-in-law, Jean Schuler of Marshalltown; several nieces and nephews and many close friends. In eternal life he is reunited with his beloved wife, Betty; three children in infancy: Merlyn Arthur, Celeste Marie and Angela Rene; granddaughter, Victoria “Tori” Fierce; his parents, Russell and Lucille; and his brother, Gerald “Joe” Schuler.