verly Jean Marshall were united in marriage on September 9, 1947 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. They made their home in Silver City, Iowa and were blessed with two sons, Rick and Steve. In 1957, they moved to Malvern, Iowa where he became a self-employed carpenter. Merlin built many homes in the area, did much remodeling, and helped put on the addition of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Treynor, Iowa. As a hobby he built a cabin cruiser which took him 3 years to build. Their family enjoyed using the cruiser in Minnesota. Well-known for his fine craftsmanship, he made the casket used for his friend, former congressman Bill Scherle. Merlin enjoyed fishing and hunting, collecting guns, playing cribbage, and dancing with Beverly. He loved spending time with his family, who were his pride and joy. Merlin loved to go camping, especially at Nevis, Minnesota. He enjoyed going to Branson to watch the big band shows. In 2014, Merlin was among the many Southwest Iowa WW2 veterans who went on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC. In December Merlin and Beverly moved to Atlantic, Iowa to be closer to their family. Merlin was known for his kind and quiet demeanor. He was always willing to help when someone was in need and never complained when times were tough. Merlin bravely went to be with his Savior on April 15, 2018 at the Cass County Health System in Atlantic, at the age of 96 years, 7 months, and 21 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Laura Tasto; son Rick Tasto in January of 2018; and sister Lucille Tasto. Merlin is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Beverly Tasto; son Steve Tasto; and daughter-in-law Nancy Tasto, all of Atlantic; granddaughter Jenny (Matt) Williams of Atlantic; grandsons, Jason Tasto of Des Moines, IA and Jared (Dacee) Tasto of Atlantic; great grandchildren, Alex, Maddy, Colten, Savanna, Kayden and Ciara; sister Marian Saar of Treynor; brother-in-law Jack Marshall of Council Bluffs, IA; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a host of friends.
Loess Hills Funeral and Cremation Center
Glenwood, IA 51534
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