Merrifield, Louis A.

Louis A. Merrifield, 81, of Robins, Iowa, died Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, in the home he built on his grandfather's farm land. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Friends may call the prior evening, Friday, April 13, from 4 to 8 p.m. The Rev. Thomas E.S. Miller of First Presbyterian Church will be presiding. Louis will be buried at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Betty); and sister, Anita Peet (Jack) of Cedar Rapids; and daughters, Susan Merrifield of Iowa City, Bonnie Underwood (Mark) of Jonesboro, Ark., and Kristine Schwickerath (Lon) of Alburnett; and son, David Merrifield.

Grandchildren include Layla Merrifield, Jessica Johnson, Allison Schwickerath, Lisa Jolley, Todd Schwickerath, Micah Merrifield and Philip Schwickerath. Great-grandchildren are Madison, Sienna, Gus, Annie and Emma. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Louis was preceded in death by his parents.

Louis was born on Sept. 1, 1930, in Cedar Rapids, to Louis and Lillian (Donda) Merrifield. He attended Franklin Elementary School in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Wilson High School in 1948. He had many friends from Wilson High; class reunions were always important to him. Louis married Dixie Floyd in 1949 and they had four children. He received a BA of Arts from the University of Iowa and continued there to law school earning his law degree in 1971. Louis practiced law in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City from 1971 to 1986. He also worked at Friend of the Court and ran for Linn County Attorney in the mid 70s. Louis married Elizabeth Benzies in 1971 in Baraboo, Wis. He retired in 1986, due to health problems. Louis had a 50 year history of heart disease, with numerous interventions. However, on Dec. 25, 2011, he was admitted to the University of Iowa Hospital due to lung cancer. After a short duration of radiation and chemotherapy, he became too ill to continue treatment. Mercy Hospice in Hiawatha provided ongoing care and support which enabled him to remain at home until his death.

Fishing, hunting and being outdoors were important to Louis all his life; he had wonderful stories to tell of his many adventures. He also loved music and art and attempted to learn to play numerous instruments. He enjoyed movies and had a varied collection of foreign films, classics, musicals and academy award winning films which he loved sharing with others. A significant interest was military history, specifically World War II. He appreciated learning and sharing art history and especially enjoyed creating cartoons and personalized gifts for friends and family. Louis was a member of First Presbyterian Church.

The family appreciation extends as well to Dr. Allyn Mark, Dr. Rebecca Davis, Dr. Clamen and Dr. Jeanette Harrington for their care of Louis over the years at UIHC in Iowa City. The family requests that no flowers be sent and a memorial in Louis' name will be established.

Please leave an online condolence for the family at under Obituaries.

Published in The Gazette April 10, 2012.