Merlin Stelton, 94

Merlin Stelton of Watkins died Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Hilltop Health Care Center in Watkins. He was 94.

A private family graveside service will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Watkins.

Merlin Michael Stelton was born March 23, 1931, to Vernon and Edna (Stelten) Stelton in Kimball. He graduated from high school in 1949, and was united in marriage to Lorraine Langer on May 22, 1954, at Church of St. Anthony in Watkins. Merlin served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. They lived in Inver Grove Heights for 26 years, and moved back to Watkins in 2000. He was a member of the Church of St. Anthony.

Merlin was not one to sit still. He liked to be busy helping people, taking care of his garden and lawn, adn volunteering his time at Hilltop Heath Care Center. He enjoyed a yearly trip to Las Vegas, playing cards, fishing, water skiing, traveling, and taking road trips.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lorraine, son Keith, sisters Bev Dobis and Carol Lou Fuchs; and brothers-in-law Merlin, Don (and Rose), Gary (and Diane, and John (and Anna).

He is survived by his son Craig (and Sara) Stelton of Watkins; step-grandchildren Trisha, Abby and Ian; and brother-in-law Richard Fuchs.