In loving memory of

Merlin "Hutch" Hutchinson
July 7, 1944 - March 3, 2019

Merlin "Hutch" Hutchinson, 74, of Fort Dodge, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2019 at his home.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 12:00 PM at Laufersweiler Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Friday, March 8th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Laufersweiler Funeral Home and from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday all at the funeral home.
Survivors include his 8 children, Dani (John Jr.) Mosley of Fort Dodge; Tracy Anderson of Janesville, WI; Shelly Hogan of Fort Dodge; Dave Hutchinson of Yellow Banks, IN; Lorie Belcher of Howell, MI; Michael Hutchinson of Fort Dodge; Heather (Matthew Knowles) Hutchinson of Fort Dodge; Lucas Hutchinson of Fort Dodge; 25 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Pat Smith of Spokane, WA; and his brother, James (Linda) Hutchinson of Webster City; and several nieces and nephews.
Hutch was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Margaret (McCauley) Hutchinson; infant daughter, Margaret Hutchinson; grandson, Liam Matthew-Earl Knowles; great grandson, Andre Patrick Stanberg; and his brother, Jack Hutchinson.
Merlin Dennis Hutchinson was born on July 7, 1944 in Lake City
He was done with school at the age of 13, started tinkering with cars in his free time. Hutch then was then employed at Morton frozen foods where his dad and brother both worked. He had a couple various jobs after that until landing a job at US Gypsum Mill for a number of years and then moved on to the IA DOT where he eventually became a mechanic and retired from there after 32 years of employment. Hutch was a self-taught mechanic and it was his passion. He was an avid pool player and loved to socialize with family friends. He will be forever missed by all who knew him.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

Tributes

Brian Vigneron wrote on May 24, 2019:

"Sorry to hear of his passing.I really liked Butch and I will truly miss him."

Kurtis & Kely Lawler wrote on Mar 9, 2019:

"Worked with Hutch for over 25 years at the D.O.T. Hutch was a good mechanic, very good friend, and a giving father who adored his kids. Could never say no to anybody & always got there autos running. He?ll be missed greatly & always remembered."

Tammy Evans wrote on Mar 7, 2019:

"I am so sorry for your loss. He would always make me laugh and smile when I would see him. Tammy Evans"

Debbie Gray wrote on Mar 7, 2019:

"We will miss you Uncle Butch, you had a big heart and was always giving to others. Our prayers are with your family. Debbie & Paul Gray"

Lynda Cribben wrote on Mar 7, 2019:

"I've loved this wonderful man since I was 16 and he was 19. I couldn't have found a better father for my children if I'd have tried. You've earned you wings Butch. We will all miss you so very much."

Lonnie (Fevold) Larson and Bob Larson wrote on Mar 6, 2019:

"We were saddened to learn of the passing of "Hutch". We first knew him as "Butch" becoming acquainted in the mid 1960's. We remember how proud and pleased he was when he drove in with the latest automotive triumph. His love of cars was equaled only by his talents. "Tune her up and she'll purr" he could be heard saying. Butch never lost his smile or care for others--doing his best to care for his family. He was a hard worker, honest, a good person--the real deal. We will never forget you. With thoughts and prayers for family and many memories of better times. Lonnie and Bob"

Jeff mabe wrote on Mar 6, 2019:

"Hutch is a guy like no other. many fond memories Of working on vehicles in the garage he taught me a lot he would step up when no one else would To lend a helping hand or shoulder to cry on You will forever be messed.R.I.P"

Nicki Klindt wrote on Mar 6, 2019:

"Hutch was always a sweetheart everytime I saw him. I remember hanging out at his house with Erica and Micheal as kids. Fun times, his house was always the hangout. He will be missed."

Patty Bessman wrote on Mar 6, 2019:

"Hutch was a wonderful and ornery guy. I have such great memories of him. Love you Hutch RIP my friend "

Jon Sandahl "P" wrote on Mar 6, 2019:

"Damn. Hutch was a great guy. Definitely a heart of gold and a throwback to days gone by. This man has been a father figure and very positive influence on my life. I'll always hold him in very high regard. Nothing but the utmost love and respect! Rest peacufully and thank you for everything, Hutch."

Gina and Mike Rutledge wrote on Mar 6, 2019:

" You we're a very kind funny guy Mike liked playing pool with you l remember when you looked at out truck for us you will be gratefully missed RIP HUTCH fly high with the angels"

Tina wrote on Mar 6, 2019:

"Always enjoyed seeing you..ya smile and silly comments. We'd stand in line at a store and make fun of people around us and laughed so hard id cry..sure am gonna miss you"

Ron and Ginny Settell wrote on Mar 5, 2019:

"We always knew you as Butch when we were neighbors out in Coalville. Them were the good ole days for all of us when were all raising our children. Our condolences go out to your children and family. We hope God had a car for you to work on when you got to Heaven. God bless!! "

Debbie Hurtt Monahan wrote on Mar 5, 2019:

"I'm thankfully I had the chance to meet you you was a good man and gave your heart to many people look down on your family and friends . Your friend Debbie Hurtt .Monahan"

Mary Crimmins wrote on Mar 5, 2019:

"I'm so sorry for your loss...RIP Hutch"

Ella Mcneely wrote on Mar 5, 2019:

"Dave sorry for your loss Jim.and Ella McNeely"

Jayme Mohr wrote on Mar 5, 2019:

"You were like a grandpa too me. I'll miss you Rip Grandpa Hutch"

Lisa Hill wrote on Mar 5, 2019:

"You were such a great person,,and a good neighbor,with a cool personality,always had nice words to say. Always had something to work on. I will miss seeing you outside,,,Rest in Peace Hutch,,,you will be missed.... Fly High"

Jay mabe wrote on Mar 4, 2019:

"great guy loved every body greatest guy you could ever meet "

Terry and Carol Elbert wrote on Mar 4, 2019:

"Terry with Snap On Tools. Says Hutch was a great guy. You will be missed !"