Lehmann, Merla J. (Steinfadt)

Merla J. (Steinfadt) Lehmann, 75, of Colesburg, passed away Dec. 28, 2010, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home. A memorial service will be held Thursday, Dec. 30, at the Colesburg United Methodist Church, where the family will greet relatives and friends at 11 a.m. followed by the memorial service at noon.

Surviving to honor her memory are her children, Steven (Diane) Steinfadt of Colesburg, Daniel (Peggy) Steinfadt of Mesa, Ariz., and Brenda (Jeff) Vorwald of Edgewood; eight grandchildren, Beth Steinfadt (Daryl Jaeger), Amy Steinfadt (fiance Josh Steffen), Justin, Nathan (Holly McLean), Travis and Danielle (fiance Vincent Steiner) Steinfadt, Heather (Dustin) Ernst and Brittany Vorwald; two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Benjamin Ernst; and three sisters, Joyce Hudson of Waterford, Conn., June Hodges of Palestine, Texas and Esther Stoll of Miles, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; her first husband, Richard Steinfadt; and her parents, Howard and Helen (Schroeder) Groth.

Merla was born Sept. 10, 1935, in Colesburg, Iowa. She graduated from Colesburg High School in 1953. She was united in marriage to Richard Steinfadt, who passed away in 1985. Merla married Joseph Lehmann on Dec. 28, 1982. She and Richard farmed until 1971 and then went to work for Ertl's in Dyersville for seven years. She retired from John Deere in Dubuque after 10 years of employment. Merla and Joe then moved to Dixon, Wyo., and returned back to the area in 1999. Joe passed away in 1999. Merla was a member of Colesburg United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, reading and walking.

Merla will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

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