Merlin Charles Vought, Jr., age 86 of Rice Lake, (formerly of Barron) went home to be with his heavenly Father on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.

Merlin was born February 26, 1937, to Merlin Sr. and Naomi Vought in Ashland. He attended school in Bruce and Barron. Merlin was united in marriage to Janet Niceswanger of Chetek on August 16, 1958.

Merlin worked at the Barron News-Shield before coming to Indianhead Carpet in Barron, to assist his father with the business. Merlin and Janet later purchased Indianhead Carpet and over the years made many friends while serving people through the business.

Merlin valued his faith in Jesus Christ, spending time with his family and close friendships. He loved visiting with people and sharing a good joke! He made life-long memories camping with his children and grandchildren, and deer hunting up north. He was an avid walleye fisherman and earned the nickname “The Magic Man” from his fishing buddies.

He was skilled in many areas of construction and used those skills to help friends and family with remodeling projects. He and Janet found joy in serving others and participated in the Laborers for Christ program of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Merlin was also an active volunteer at Camp Luther in Three Lakes, WI. He and Janet also served as volunteers with the Lutheran Counseling and Family Services of Wisconsin.

Merlin was a devoted church member at Salem Lutheran Church in Barron, Christ Lutheran Church in Lampson, and First Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, where he served as elder, youth leader, treasurer, and boards and committees over the years. He loved singing in the choir, especially the old Gospel hymns that reminded him of his childhood.

He is survived by his loving wife Janet; four children, Debra (Thomas) Wampfler of Barron, Daniel Vought (Trent Plexico) of Columbus, OH, Gary Vought (Debra) of Crandon, and Stacy Winjum of Eden Prairie, MN; 5 grandchildren, Jacob (Alexandra) Wampfler, Samuel Wampfler, Rebekah (Joshua) Henderson, Josiah Wampfler, and Andrew (Keely) Vought; four great-grandchildren, Naomi Vought, Noah Henderson, Josephina Vought, and Adelaide Vought; brother, David Vought (Chris), many nieces and nephews, other extended family and dear friends.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Lois (Roger) Amdall, Norma (Ward) Sussenbach and Naomi Vought; sister-in-law, Marie (Lyle) Strong; brother, James (Nancy) Vought; brother-in-laws, Roger (Lois) Amdall and Doug (Nelda) Tweed; nephew, Randall Niceswanger.

Services for Merlin will be held on Monday, November 13 at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, with Pastor Jonathon Cluppert officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Private burial will take place at Wayside Cemetery in Barron.

The family would like to thank all the health care workers that have cared for Merlin over the last few years and Rev. Jonathan Cluppert of First Lutheran Church. Because of Merlin’s love for Camp Luther, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to the Every Kid to Camp ministry at Camp Luther, 1889 Koubenec Rd, Three Lakes, WI 54562 or give online at campluther.com.  

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: Nov 09, 2023 1:21 pm CST