Merlin James Mohler

Merlin James Mohler was ushered into heaven on June 7. He was the oldest of four children born to Merle and Miriam (Wolf) Mohler on April 26, 1947, in Modesto, California. He grew up in Ripon and attended Ripon Elementary and Ripon High School. As a young teen on a tractor in a dusty field, he knew God had called him to farming. In 1971, Merlin joined his brother Hub to form Mohler Brothers, starting their own business farming row crops and using heavy equipment for agricultural land-leveling and ripping. As the business grew, God provided ways for more pieces of equipment and increased acres. Tree crops were added to the business in 2003 and the partnership continued 50 years until Hub’s passing in 2021. Merlin’s favorite aspect of the business was meeting and talking with business friends and associates.

Of most importance to Merlin was his faith in Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.  He often told people that he was so thankful to be redeemed and recently shared how excited he was to be joining Jesus in heaven for eternity.  Merlin can best be remembered by his love for Jesus, his family, farming and equipment (especially Caterpillar), and hymns and gospel songs.

He is survived by his wife Barbara (Davenport) Mohler; sons Timothy and Philip Mohler; daughters Rebeccah Mohler and Mary (Casey) Alvernaz; and sister Carol (Ron) David. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Miriam, and younger brothers, Hubert and Donald.

Friends and family members are invited to attend the viewing/visitation on Wednesday, June 15, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Deegan - Ripon Memorial Chapel, 111 S. Palm Avenue, Ripon. A graveside service will be on Thursday, June 16, at 9:00 am at Wood Colony Cemetery, 3511 Dakota Avenue, Modesto followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am at Calvary Chapel Modesto, 4300 American Avenue, Modesto.

Donations may be made in his honor to: Calvary Chapel Modesto, 4300 American Avenue, Modesto, CA 95356; Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356