West Bend, WI – Merlin Gerner was born in the town of Saukville and grew up on a dairy farm with one sister and three brothers.
Like generations of other farm families, working hard has always been a part of his life. But Merlin also had a special gift for gardening as well; you could say he has a “green thumb.” At age 14 he was hired as a gardener and was responsible for mowing and taking care of the flower gardens, including lots of zinnias.
At home, he helped with the milking and farm work, and as he got older he was left in charge of his uncle and aunt’s farm when they were away.
Read the rest of Merlin Gerner’s story in Cedar Community’s “Live More” magazine HERE.