Merlin Leonard Kirch

Merlin Leonard Kirch, of Salina, formerly of Attica, New York, passed away Wednesday, June 24th, 2020, at the age of 84 at his daughters’ home. He was predeceased by his parents Vincent and Ruth. Merlin worked for 34 years at Lapp Insulator and was Alexander Town Justice for many years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Attica and a life member of the Western N.Y. Gas & Steam Engine Association. Merlin served in the United States Army from 1955-1957. He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn of 60 years; children, Karen and Dan Groot, of Salina, Kansas, Doug and Dawn Kirch, of Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland; and Diane and Tim Brownell, of Saint Paul, Missouri; 8 grandchildren, Jason Kirch of Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, Steven Groot of Salina, Kansas, Kate Groot of McPherson, Kansas, Peter Kirch of Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, Joshua Groot of New Cambria, Kansas, Brian Kirch of Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, Andrea and Andrew Vesterberg of Minneapolis, Kansas, David Kirch of Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland; 1 great granddaughter on the way; brothers, Ralph Kirch, (Rosemary), of Tempe, Arizona, Harold Kirch, (Charlotte), of Winter Haven, Florida, Arnold Kirch,(Norma), of Alexander, New York, Myron Kirch, (Mary Ellen), of Pavilion, New York; sister, Ethyl Sojda, of Alexander, New York; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A memorial service will be held at a later date. He will be laid to rest at the East Bethany Cemetery. Donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Attica, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio, Salina, Kansas 67401.