Merlin Faldet

Merlin Faldet, age 90, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Wellington Place in Decorah.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Canoe Ridge Lutheran Church, 1316 Canoe Ridge Road, Decorah, Iowa with Rev. Matthew Rossler presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery with full military rites.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Helms Funeral Home, 306 E Water St., Decorah, Iowa. Immediately following the visitation, the family will head to the church, everyone is welcome to join the family at the church for the service.

Merlin was born on May 22, 1935, in Pleasant Township, Winneshiek County, to Carl and Thelma (Lundy) Faldet. The third of five children, Merlin was raised on a farm in rural Decorah and graduated from Waukon High School in 1953.

After high school, Merlin proudly served his country in the United States Army. While on leave, he married the love of his life, Suzanne (Nodland), on June 17, 1956, at Canoe Ridge Church in Decorah. Together, they raised four children.

Merlin spent most of his life as a dairy farmer—a calling that was more than a job, it was a passion. He had an abiding love for his land and cattle. Even after retiring from farming in 1985, Merlin continued attending dairy-related events to stay connected to the community and traditions he held dear.

After leaving the farm, Merlin worked as a school bus driver for the Decorah Community School District and later as a maintenance technician at Aase Haugen Home. In every role, he was known for his gentle nature, dependability, and infectious smile that could light up a room.

He found delight in life’s simple pleasures: dancing with grace and enthusiasm, spending time near water—whether fishing, swimming, or waterskiing—and celebrating special moments with family. His greatest joy came from being a grandfather and great grandfather, attending countless events and activities to cheer on his grandchildren. He was their biggest fan, and they knew it. No one brought a smile to his face like his grandkids. He often joked that he had “many favorites” among them.

Merlin is survived by the love of his life Suzanne; his children, Deborah Kirkeby (Wayne), Dawn Pappas (John), Marcus Faldet (Jody), and Martin Faldet (Jenny); his sister, Janice; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include Merlin’s grandsons: Chad Halverson (Vella), Chandler Faldet (Rachael), Reed Faldet (Addison), Nathan Maloney (Ari), Mac Faldet (Alyssa), Noah Faldet, and Alex Pappas.

Honorary pallbearers are Merlin’s granddaughters: Kayla Timp (Marcus), Lindsey Pappas, Stephanie Pappas, Deidre Toppin (Tim), and Kirscha Faldet.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Lowell and his wife Shirley, Curtis and his wife Ileta, his sister Shirley Severson and her husband Philip, granddaughter Chanda Halverson, and nephews Terry Faldet, and Craig Faldet.

The Faldet family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Wellington Place for their wonderful and loving care. Special appreciation also goes to Howard County Hospice for providing comfort and guidance during Merlin’s final days.