Belvidere, IL

Merlin L. Carlson, 87, of Rockford, IL died March 20, 2015. Born December 8, 1927 in Rockford, IL. Son of David and Esther Carlson. Merlin married Marianne Dickow on April 28, 2007 in Belvidere, IL. Previously married to Marilyn Lembke for 55 years.  Merlin was self-employed all his life as a farmer, herdsman, geneticist, Registered Holstein and Draft Horse Breeder and sales manager, and Auctioneer both in Belvidere and Rockford, Illinois, Turlock, California. He was a lifelong member of the Covenant Church both in California and Illinois.

Merlin is survived by his daughters, Dana (Robert) Randel, Deborah Carlson; granddaughter, Miranda Randel; stepchildren, Deborah (Hans) Oehring, Cynthia (LeRoy) Nelsen, Edward (Lana) Dickow, Wayne (Adriana) Dickow; foster daughter, Tames Januk; grandchildren, Michael (Caitlin) Weslock, Ashley (Terry) Webb, Courtney and Joshua Oehring, Veronica, Paulina, Mallory and Jessica Dickow, Cody Januk and his pride and joy step great grandchild Tyler Webb; brother, Gordon (Wilma) Carlson; sister, Marge Carlson; nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is predeceased in death by his first wife, Marilyn and son Daniel.

A special thanks to Merlin's nurses Heather and Alex and to Cathy, his Palliative nurse who were so supportive to Merlin and especially the "whole" family.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, March 23, 2015 at 11AM at Belvidere Evangelical Covenant Church, 220 E. Harrison, Belvidere, IL, 61008 with Pastor Scott Nellis officiating. Viewing at the Church from 9:30AM until time of service. Visitation will take place Sunday, March 22, 2015 from 3PM till 7PM in Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Avenue, Belvidere. Burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In Lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established to the Church. To light a candle or to share a memory, please visit www.AndersonFCS.som