Obituary for Merlyn J. Fessler
Merlyn J. Fessler of Asheville, NC, died peacefully on December 29, 2020 at the age of 87.
Merlyn was born on January 25, 1933 to Hilda (Hewelt) and Lyle Clipper in Lake Benton, Minnesota. She spent the majority of her life in Addison and Huntley, IL before relocating to Asheville in 2015.
Merlyn was a remarkable, independent woman who met the challenge of raising five children on her own. Most endearing was her role as loving caretaker for her son, David, for 45 years due to his severe medical challenges from a brain tumor at the tender age of 12.
Merlyn leaves a legacy as a lifelong woman of faith. She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Asheville, NC. Merlyn was faithful in daily prayer, Bible study and truly knew the love of her Lord.
Merlyn was an avid baker, her cookies legendary. She also loved to travel, garden and read. She was an extraordinary knitter and was active in prayer shawl ministries as well as gifting lovely afghans, baby blankets, hats and mittens to her family. Her biggest love was her family, from her adult children to the little ones.
Merlyn is preceded in death by her beloved son, David as well as her lifelong friend, George Tomczak.
Merlyn is survived by her daughters, Patricia (James) Ward of Black Mountain, NC and Elizabeth McAdams of South Elgin, IL; and her sons, Michael (Susan) Fessler of Denison, TX and Douglas (Karen) Fessler of Mars Hill, NC.
Merlyn was a loving, devoted Grandma to ten grandchildren and beloved Great Grandma and GrGr to twenty-six great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 51 Wilburn Place, Asheville, NC 28806.
Merlyn was born on January 25, 1933 to Hilda (Hewelt) and Lyle Clipper in Lake Benton, Minnesota. She spent the majority of her life in Addison and Huntley, IL before relocating to Asheville in 2015.
Merlyn was a remarkable, independent woman who met the challenge of raising five children on her own. Most endearing was her role as loving caretaker for her son, David, for 45 years due to his severe medical challenges from a brain tumor at the tender age of 12.
Merlyn leaves a legacy as a lifelong woman of faith. She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Asheville, NC. Merlyn was faithful in daily prayer, Bible study and truly knew the love of her Lord.
Merlyn was an avid baker, her cookies legendary. She also loved to travel, garden and read. She was an extraordinary knitter and was active in prayer shawl ministries as well as gifting lovely afghans, baby blankets, hats and mittens to her family. Her biggest love was her family, from her adult children to the little ones.
Merlyn is preceded in death by her beloved son, David as well as her lifelong friend, George Tomczak.
Merlyn is survived by her daughters, Patricia (James) Ward of Black Mountain, NC and Elizabeth McAdams of South Elgin, IL; and her sons, Michael (Susan) Fessler of Denison, TX and Douglas (Karen) Fessler of Mars Hill, NC.
Merlyn was a loving, devoted Grandma to ten grandchildren and beloved Great Grandma and GrGr to twenty-six great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 51 Wilburn Place, Asheville, NC 28806.