Merlin J. "Whisker's" McDermott, 82, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away, on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa, surrounded by his family.

The family of Merlin will greet friends and relatives from 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Thomas McDermott officiating.  Burial will be held at a later date.

Merlin was born February 5, 1942, in Cascade, Iowa, son of Louis and Irene (Horsfield) McDermott.  He received his education at the former St. Martin's School in Cascade.   Whiskers served in the National Guard.  He then owned and operated Whiskers Electric for 42 years.

He served in the Army National Guard and was a member of the Cascade American Legion Post #528. Whiskers loved stock car racing and won many championships. He's in the Dubuque Speedway Hall of Fame. His other favorite activities included woodworking, gardening, cutting firewood, and playing euchre.  He was known for his generous spirit and helping family, friends, and strangers alike. Whiskers will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He was also a member of the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

He is survived by his life partner, Rebecca "Becky" McCallum of Cascade, IA; four sons, Mitchelle McDermott of Madison, WI, Marshall McDermott and Miles McDermott both of Cascade, IA and Mace McDermott of Dubuque, IA; three grandchildren, Jeremy, Alex and Sean; six siblings, Louise (Wayne) Tauke of Edgewood, IA, Leo "Stud" (Suzanne) McDermott of Bernard, IA, Marilyn (James) Ryan of Dubuque, IA, Ellen Koerperick of Placid, IA, Jean Steffen of Dubuque, IA, and Gery "Baldy" (Jane) McDermott of Bernard, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents;' a brother-in-law, Ronald Koerperick; one nephew, Greg McDermott; and his two favorite dogs (co-workers), Twilight and Benji.

An online video may be viewed and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com