Merlin Ralph Vetter, the son of Ralph and Louise Lindner Vetter was born December 24, 1936 in Montgomery County, Iowa near Grant. He passed away peacefully on Friday, April 22, 2011 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 74 years, 3 months and 29 days. Merlin was raised in rural Montgomery County near Grant, Iowa. He graduated from Griswold High School in l954 and began farming. Merlin was united in marriage to Janice Swanson, daughter of Harry and Aura Swanson on April 6, 1958 in Red Oak, Iowa. Merlin served many years on the board for Noble Township Mutual Insurance and was a longtime member of the Pilot Grove United Methodist Church. Merlin loved farming and working in his shop, and was known as a wonderful neighbor and friend who could fix anything. He also enjoyed refurbishing guns, hand-crafting beautiful wood stocks. Merlin and his late wife, Jan traveled extensively with their dear friends, Allen and Charlene Hines, and spent many Sunday evenings together planning their next trip or reminiscing about their last one. Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Louise Vetter; wife, Jan on March 25, 2006; and two sisters: Loretta Barr and Maxine Orstad. Merlin was most proud of his family and is survived by one daughter, Barb Allen and husband, Mark of rural Stanton, IA; two sons: Greg Vetter and wife, Lisa of rural Red Oak, IA; and Gary Vetter and wife, Kris of rural Elliott, IA; eight grandchildren: Brayton Allen and wife, Lindsey of Stanton, IA; Bryce and Kara Allen, of Stanton, IA; Mallie Kludt and husband, Steve of Sioux Falls, SD; Mandie Reynolds and husband, Joshua of Council Bluffs, IA; Sydney Vetter of Sioux Falls, SD; Jacob Vetter and fiancee, Jordan Ecklin of Atlantic, IA; and Jordan Vetter of rural Elliott, IA; three great-grandchildren: Alexis Kludt, Maven Allen and Ayden Vetter; and sister, Dorothy Gridley of Villisca, IA; along with many other relatives and friends. May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn. Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, April 25, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak Burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak Rev. Gordon Scott, Officiating Visitation with the family present will be held at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home on Sunday evening, April 24th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to your local Fire & Rescue Department in Merlin's name. Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.