Merlin John Laing

Merlin John Laing, 71, of Tipton, IA entered eternity on the evening of Sunday, April 3, 2022, while at St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, IA. On Wednesday, April 6, 2022 Fry Funeral Home will host a Visitation from 4pm – 7pm. Funeral Services will also be at Fry Funeral Home on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 10:00 am. Immediately following the funeral service, Merlin will be laid to rest at the Red Oak Cemetery, Tipton, IA. After Graveside Committal Services, family and friends are invited back to Fry Funeral Home for a luncheon at 12 noon. Family asks that all cards and memorials be mailed to 1000 Cedar St. Tipton, IA 52772. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com Merlin, son of John Henry and Marie Ardith (Buck) Laing was born on October 16, 1950 in Cedar Rapids, IA. He attended Tipton Schools and graduated with the Class of 1969. On October 20, 1973, Merlin married the love of his life, Joyce Ann Maiden, in Martelle, IA. Merlin worked for Cedar County Secondary Roads for over 44 years and was a member of Cedar St. Baptist Church in Tipton, IA. In his free time, Merlin enjoyed fishing, camping, working on his trucks and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who will always remember him as their “G-pa”. Merlin is survived by his daughter, Susan Rae Beranek of Tipton, IA; grandchildren, Jesse Beranek, Brady Beranek, Alicia Beranek and Brittany Beranek, all of Tipton, IA; sisters, Mary Lou Laing of Mechanicsville, Barb (Don) Kaalberg of West Liberty, IA, and Jean (Richard) Garrett of Cedar Rapids, IA; brothers, Danny (Kathy) Laing of Tipton, IA, Larry (Deb) Laing of Tipton, IA, and Ronnie Laing of Tipton, IA; brother-in-law, Ed Larew of West Branch; sister-in-law, Karen Maiden of Cedar Rapids, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie; wife, Joyce; and son-in-law, Jon R. Beranek and his two favorite pugs, Max and Sam.