Merlin L. Eshelman

Eshelman, Merlin L.
8-6-1957 - 7-23-2022
Merlin was born in Clarinda, Iowa, on 8-6-1957 to Robert and Luella (Helberg) Eshelman. He grew up in Red Oak and graduated from Red Oak High School in 1976. During his high school years, he rode a dirt bike and won a few trophies in motocross. Other trophies he won were with his coonhound at treeing competitions. His son, Phil, was born in 1979. Merlin enjoyed being a new dad and loved taking Phil everywhere with him. He was very close to his sister, Shari. They had so much fun together over the years. He always had a special prank planned for her on holidays. They had a special bond and were best friends as well as brother and sister. He moved to Omaha in 1990 and married Shelly (Merriman) in 1991. Together they have three children. Megan was born in 1993, John in 1997, and Danielle in 2000. He and John spent a lot of time together working on cars and tinkering with all things mechanical. He was protective of his daughters and tried to find things they were interested in doing as well. He loved his family and was so proud of all of his children and grandchildren. He had a successful career as a glazier until he retired in January 2022. He was very talented in his work. He was a perfectionist and never did less than his best. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. He spent a lot of time camping with family whether it was with the Eshelman clan at Hacklebarney, Two Rivers with his wife and kids, or the annual all-man camping trip with Shelly's dad, brother, and brothers-in-law. He had a special interest in classic cars and was working on rebuilding a 1970 Chevelle. He survived stage four cancer in 2004. Unfortunately, the radiation treatment for the cancer impacted his health over time, especially in the last five years. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Lu Eshelman. Those left to mourn his passing are his wife, Shelly; children, Philip Eshelman, Megan Galvan (John), John Eshelman, and Danielle Eshelman; grandchildren, Cameron Eshelman and Makenna Eshelman; sister, Shari Smith (Greg); brothers-in-law, Marlin Mainquist, Marty Merriman (Julie); sisters-in-law Kathy Mellor (Mike), Mary Reff (Ron) and Linda Merriman; nieces and nephews, Justin Archer, Kyle Archer, Ember Adams (Danny), Stephanie Mainquist, Christopher Mainquist, many nieces and nephews on Shelly's side and many other family and friends. His beloved dog, Buddy, passed away on the same day as Merlin and their ashes will be combined and scattered together.