Merlin J. Bachellor

 Merlin J. Bachellor, 92, of Minnetonka, Minn. passed away peacefully Thursday morning Nov. 9, 2023, at his residence with his family and personal caregiver at his side singing to him. 

Merlin was a loving husband of 61 years, devoted father, grandfather and will soon to be great-grandfather. Merlin grew up in Clear Lake and he and Carol raised their family in Bettendorf, Iowa. They were longtime active members of Edwards Congregational UCC church in Davenport, Iowa. Later in life they moved to Minnetonka to be closer to their family and joined Wayzata Community Church (UCC). 

Merlin, the “musician” not the “magician,” loved to compose choir, instrumental and piano music. He composed “Carol’s Song” on the piano the night he proposed and played it from memory at his 90th birthday party. He also composed and directed music for churches and schools. Merlin was an avid Boston Red Sox and Iowa Hawkeye fan. He loved to sing in church choirs and with singing groups including The Augustana Oratorial Society for 20 years. He also enjoyed volunteering with music at senior living facilities and coordinating blood drives at church. 

Merlin enjoyed camping and traveling with his family, including two different summer cross-country trips that helped his family see most of the 50 U.S. states and many of the National Parks and created lots of lifelong memories. 

Merlin graduated from Ohio Wesleyan with a BA Arts and BA Music where he was a member with Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Beta Sigma Tau Fraternities. He also obtained an MA in Music Theory from The University of Iowa. Merlin was a music teacher for 37 years and a World Book Encyclopedia sales manager during many summers and taught piano lessons and college composing. He taught multiple students including his two sons. 

Merlin was preceded in death by his mother, Doris; father, Raymond; brothers, Paul and Bruce; sister, Clarice; nephews, Larry, Gary, Dennis; and niece, Lynn. 

Merlin is survived by his wife, Carol; sons, Steve (Patty) Bachellor, Allen, Texas, Bill (Jeannette) Bachellor, Minnetonka; grandchildren, Blake (Julia) Bachellor, Oakland, Calif.; Ali (Chris) Alexander-Bachellor Georgetown, Texas; and several nieces. Merlin’s family is thankful for all the loving care he received from The Orchards of Minnetonka, Allina Hospice, and other private caregivers. 

Merlin’s Celebration of Life will be announced later. In lieu of flowers please prayerfully consider donating to the following organizations: American Glaucoma Society https://www.americanglaucomasociety.net/ags-foundation/donate, Edwards Congregational UCC (Davenport Iowa) https://edwards-ucc.org/giving, or donate your blood, time, or money to your local blood bank. Arrangements by Sunset Funeral Home.