Merlin Joseph Gagner
1931 - 2023
Merlin Joseph Gagner, age 92, entered into rest on February 28, 2023 at Prosser Memorial Hospital. He was born in Prosser on January 26, 1931 to Emery Edward and Mianda (Sisseck) Gagner. He attended Prosser schools and graduated with the class of 1949. After graduating, he enlisted in the Air Force and attended aircraft repair school. He went to Japan in 1951 and then to Korea for 9 months. He spent 1952 to 1954 at Roswell Air Force Base.
Merlin and Jacqueline Braconnier were married on October 29, 1959. They moved to Seattle that fall where he worked for Boeing for 40 years.
Merlin and Jacqueline raised 7 children in Kent, Washington; Todd, Jeffrey, Daniel, Susanne, Christopher, Mary and Dorothy.
Merlin is survived by his wife, Jackie; 6 children; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was also survived by a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel.
Merlin retired in 1994 and moved back to the area, living in Whitstran and Prosser and spending winters in Arizona.
He enjoyed fishing, camping and was happiest in his garden. He also enjoyed meeting new people, square dancing and telling his stories
He was a member of Sacred Heart Church and the Knights of Columbus.
Visitation will be held on Friday March 17, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 Pm at Prosser Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prosser. Burial will be at Gethsemane Cemetery in Federal Way, Washington March 21, 2023 at 1:00 PM