MERLIN WRIGHT

Merlin Wright of Peru, Nebraska died from cancer at the University of Nebraska Medical Center on June 28, 2022.

Merlin was born September 10, 1941, in Tecumseh to Dean and Opal (Riensche) Wright. He married Darlene Elliott of Dawson, Nebraska, August 19, 1961. They lived in the rural Tecumseh and Peru areas. They were church members at Maple Grove Church (Tecumseh), Auburn Christian Church, and finally Brownville Christian Church.

Merlin attended high school in Lewiston, Nebraska and then earned a teaching degree from Peru State College in 1963. He taught high school science in Auburn 1963-66 and Johnson 1966-76 before working as a chemist at Cooper Nuclear Station for 35 years.

Merlin had many passions over the years including running, bicycling, cutting wood, and donating blood. He was involved in the local community by serving as a county coordinator for Bluebirds Across Nebraska, volunteering on the Meriwether Lewis steamboat, helping prune grapes and bottle wine at Whisky Run, and supporting the Brownville Historical Society. He enjoyed connecting with friends over morning coffee and spending time with his family. The pursuit and sharing of knowledge was important for Merlin and he has left a legacy of diaries, notebooks and letters to friends. Merlin will be greatly missed and remembered by his family as one of the people who loved and accepted them most. Merlin believed that the most important thing in life is other people.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene, son Kevin (spouse Deanne) Wright of Madrid, Iowa; grandchildren Carsten & Talia Wright of Madrid, Iowa; one brother Harold (spouse Arlene) Wright, Tecumseh; and one sister Rita (spouse Garold) Larson, Fremont.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers LeLand and Roy, brother Darrel (spouse Jo) Wright.

Memorial service was held Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn, officiated by Rev. Renae Koehler. Janell Johnson provided accompaniment for congregational hymns. Burial of ashes will be held at a later date in Vesta Cemetery, at Vesta, Nebraska.

Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.