Merlin Zurcher

Merlin D. Zurcher, 92, of Berne passed away Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, at Swiss Village in Berne. He was born Aug. 13, 1931, in Adams County to Christian F. and Martha (Ebnit) Zurcher.     He was married May 14, 1955, in Berne to Leah M. Andrews.
He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War as a medic. He fulfilled his duty as a conscientious objector of which he was very proud. He spent his time overseas at the 28th General Hospital in Chapeau, France before being honorably discharged.
He was a member of First Church of the Nazarene in Berne. He was a longtime janitor for the church. Additionally, he served the church as an usher, song leader, Sunday school superintendent and former member of the church board.
He worked in furniture production at Dunbar Furniture in Berne. Following the closing of Dunbar Furniture, he was employed at EP Graphics until he retired … at 80+ years old!
Helpful, humble, hardworking and meticulous were all words used to describe Merlin. He enjoyed gardening and sharing in the success of his garden. He was known for collecting apples from his trees, taking them to be made into cider and sharing the cider with as many people as possible. He was a faithful servant to the Lord throughout his life.
He is survived by three daughters, Beth (Roger) Reeve of New Haven; Pam Zurcher of Berne; and Gail Fogwell of Decatur; son, Daniel Zurcher of Swayzee; two sisters-in-law, Marjorie Zurcher of Berne; and Evelyn Zurcher of Rockford, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Chris Reeve; Andrew Reeve; Jared Reeve; Jenn Reeve; Katie Fogwell; Ben Schneider; Barb Schneider-Schulty; Mark Schneider; and Jordan Zurcher; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife on Nov. 16, 2021; son, Kevin Zurcher; five sisters, Berniece Davidson; Iva Williams; Irene Fox; Evelyn Yohe; and Delores Hirschy; two brothers, Marvin Zurcher; and Raymond Zurcher; son-in-law, Leroy Fogwell; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Zurcher.
Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 8 from 3-7 p.m. at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne and one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. funeral service Saturday, Dec. 9 at First Church of the Nazarene, 604 Sprunger St., Berne. Officiating will be Pastor Matthew Phillips. Burial will be at MRE Cemetery in Berne.
Memorials may be made to Berne First Church of the Nazarene World Evangelism Fund; Gideon’s International; or Swiss Village-dementia unit.
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne. To sign the online guest book, visit www.zwickjahn.com.