In loving memory of

Merlin Tasto
August 24, 1921 - April 15, 2018

Merlin Tasto, 96, of Atlantic and formerly of Malvern, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at the Cass County Health System in Atlantic. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the Loess Hills Funeral Home in Malvern. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Open visitation (family will not be present) will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at the funeral home.

Memorials: At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, memorials are direct to MABA (Malvern Area Betterment Association).

Merlin Cord Tasto, one of three children of Harry and Laura (Miller) Tasto, was born on August 24, 1921 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He graduated from Treynor High School in 1940. Following graduation he learned to be a sheet metal worker at the Frye Aircraft Company in Omaha, Nebraska. That led him to work as an airplane engine mechanic in New York and California. In March of 1943 he joined the United States Air Force during World War II as a BC3 and BC10 airplane engine mechanic. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, he returned home to farm with his father.

Merlin and Beverly 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.


Tributes

Bill and Mary Davis wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"Bev, we have had so much fun with you and Merlin, camping at Bellevue, 5 campers of us heading to Branson for shows, shopping, eating fried chicken, Starving Marvin?s, blueberry cobbler with ice cream, all ten of us in one vehicle touring and spending three hours in a craft shop. Guys in the car reading visiting, sleeping or whatever. We all had a good time together. We will miss Merlin..."

Sharon McClure Larson wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"So sorry to hear about Merlin?s passing. My Dad really enjoyed working with him. Sharon McClure Larson, Fargo, ND"

Mrs Bill Hoover wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"Sorry for your loss two so close together sincerely.Eleanor Benton Hoover in Arlantic,Ia"

Pat Boydston wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"Bob and I are so very sorry to hear of Merlin's passing. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

Pat Mercer wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"So sorry to read of your husband's passing, Beverly. Thoughts and prayers sent your way."

Kellie Jimerson wrote on Apr 16, 2018:

"You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your dad with us and letting us get to know him. Kellie Jimerson Atlantic Specialty Care"

Colleen Gipe wrote on Apr 16, 2018:

"Sending love and sympathy at this very sad time! Merlin was a true gentleman."