Merlin Suderman

Merlin Lee Suderman, 77, died Saturday, November 1, 2026 at his home in Wichita, Kansas.

He was born on March 31, 1949 in Hillsboro, Kansas, the son of Leon and Ruby Grunau Suderman. The family lived on a farm Southeast of Hillsboro. After graduating from Hillsboro High School, Merlin attended Wichita State University.

On his first night at Brennan Hall at WSU, Merlin played his first game of Bridge. Throughout his college days there were regular bridge games around campus that he played in. He later started to play Duplicate Bridge and would play in many tournaments. Merlin was very active at the Wichita Bridge Center where he had served as Director.

After serving in the Army Reserve, Merlin married Roberta Lee Thornburg on December 21, 1973. Robby’s family owned a funeral home in Seneca, Kansas, that’s where they were married. They have lived in Wichita since being married.

Through the years Merlin was a C.P.A., working for Garvey Rentals and Harter, Inc before starting his own computer programing business. One of his highlights as an independent contractor was working with the Sedgwick County Zoo.

Merlin also enjoyed playing the blues and jazz on his guitar and keyboards. His ability to sing ended when he was diagnosed with Squamous cell carcinoma even though he would become a cancer survivor 17 years ago.

He is survived by his wife Robby of the home; sister Becky Nuss and husband Dale; along with his brother Gary Suderman, all of Hillsboro.

Merlin is preceded in death by his parents and brother Jerry.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 7:00 P.M., at the home, 1105 North Bedford Circle in Wichita.

Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Kansas.