"Dear Irene and Family. My prayers go out to you during this sad time. My sincere sympathy. Ramona Metz"
In loving memory of
Merlin Doblar
April 19, 1937 - July 31, 2019
Merlin Doblar, 82, of Winona died Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at Sugar Loaf Senior Living in Winona. Merlin was born April 19, 1937 in Money Creek to Archie and Mildred (Hanson) Doblar and graduated from Rushford High School. Merlin married his high school sweetheart, Irene Feine, September 8, 1956. They made their home in Money Creek. In 1957 Merlin and Irene moved to Winona where he worked for Briggs Transportation. During a strike at Briggs he took a job at Bay State Milling, where he worked until retiring. In his retirement Merlin drove hearse for Hoff Funeral Homes. "Best job I ever had", were his frequent words. He loved to work and to drive. Merlin enjoyed traveling and seeing the country, especially Alaska, Hawaii, New York and their many bus trips. The family vacation at Lake George was an annual highlight for the Doblar's. Merlin was a faithful member of St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winona.
Survivors include his wife, Irene, three children; Ron (Ruth) Doblar of Lewiston, Gordy (Misty) Doblar of Rochester and Randy (Sandy) Doblar of East Troy, WI, 11 grandchildren; Rebecca (Jeremy), Robert (Shawna), Ryan, Kyle (Christine), Cole (Haley), Alex (Rachel), Bradley (Corrine), Brandon, Ashley, Sam and Sydney, five great-grandchildren; Skye, Alexis, Kailey, Tyler and Gavyn, a sister, Betty (Phil) Lilleberg of Billing, MT, brother-in-law, Ken Feine of Rushford, sisters-in-law, Delaine Kjos of Rushford and Caroline Doblar of Rochester. Merlin was preceded in death by his daughter, Penny Doblar Prang, two-great grandchildren, a brother, John, and brother-in-law Carroll Kjos , sister-in-law, Doris Feine, his parents, Archie and Mildred and Irene's parents, Willard and Eleanor Feine.
Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at St. Martin's Ev. Lutheran Church with the Reverend Richard Moore officiating. Burial will be in Money Creek Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, August 6th at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview. Friends may also call one hour before services at the church on Wednesday. Please share a memory of Merlin at his on-line guestbook and view his video tribute, when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Sugar Loaf Senior Assisted Living for taking such great care of Merlin.
Tributes
"Deepest sympathy to Irene and the whole Doblar family, what a great mentor and friend, will surely miss the smile and conversations, in Sandy's and my prayers."
"I will remember Merlin for his wonderful smile; he graduated from High School with my ex-husband (who was in Merlin's graduating class, 1956). His brother, John, was in my class (1958). Upon moving back to Rushford following my retirement, I would run into Merlin at the many funerals I attended (often at my church - St. Mark, Rushford)......he liked to come down to our kitchen and have lunch, while the funeral was taking place. His smile was most contagious, and all who have known him will remember him, not only for his smile, but for his kind nature. I am praying for Irene, and all who are mourning this untimely loss. Margaret Markegard Boehmke."
"We r so sorry to hear the news he was such a happy person all the time it was always a pleasure to all to him he will be missed by all we send our best luv ya bunches Claudia and dan kohnson"
"Very sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathy to the Doblar family."
"Irene and family, so very sorry for your loss, such a nice man Merlin was, keeping you in my thoughts and prayers."
"Ron and Family, We are very saddened to hear of your father passing. He looks like a very kind man. Blessings to your family at this sad time. Orv and Janell Dahl"
"Irene, children and families: There could never be such a nicer guy than Merlin. No matter where i would see him, he would smile that same smile and start visiting. His cheery face too for the years he worked at Hoff and greeted all the sad people coming in Irene: you will miss him for you were married so many years. Try to remember all the good times you had and later when you think of him, it will bring a smile to your face. He will be a bright star shining up upabove when you look up at night. Someday you will be together again. Bonnie Boettcher"