Merlin D. Hutchinson, age 61, of Storm Lake, IA, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at Unity Point St. Luke’s Medical Center in Sioux City, IA.

   Merlin Dean Hutchinson, son of Virgil and Charolette (Nation) Hutchinson, was born June 6, 1955, in Sac City, IA.  Merlin grew up in Sac City and attended the Sac City Community School, graduating with the Class of 1973.  He was baptized and confirmed at the First Christian Church in Sac City. After graduation, Merlin continued his education at DMACC in Ankeny, IA, and KU Medical in Kansas City, KS, where he received his Certification as a Special Procedure X-ray Technologist.  He spent many hours doing his clinical studies at the Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.

   On February 14, 1992, Merlin was united in marriage to Melody Robuck in Des Moines.  Together they were proud parents to Donald, Eugene, Virgil and Jacquelyn.

   Throughout his career,  Merlin worked in Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa as a Radiological Technologist.  In January of 2002, Merlin and his family moved to Storm Lake, IA, where he continued his career until his health forced him to retire.

   Merlin was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals.  He attended and enjoyed tailgating at home games. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, horse- back riding and  going to car races. Merlin had a passion for music and loved to play his guitar and sing.  This love for music led him to become active in the Summit Evangelical Free Church in Alta, IA.

   Merlin’s life will always be cherished and celebrated by his family which include his wife: Melody of Storm Lake, IA; daughters: Stephanie Bals of Lennox, IA, and Jacquelyn Hutchinson of Storm Lake, IA; sons: Donald Miller of Overland Park, KS, Eugene Hutchinson of Overland Park, KS, and Virgil Hutchinson of Storm Lake, IA;  7 grandchildren;  mother  Charolette Hutchinson of Sac City, IA; sisters: Martha Sharpe of Temple, TX and Mary Coleman of Nemaha, IA; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

   Merlin was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Hutchinson.