Michael 'Mike' R. Merritt

MICHAEL "MIKE" R. MERRITT

Cedar Rapids

Michael "Mike" R. Merritt, 73, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, April 24, 2021, at

his home. Services: 2 p.m. Friday, May 7, at Stonebridge Church by Pastor Brandon Levering. Burial: Maple Hill Cemetery, Montour. Per COVID-19 guidelines, attendees are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Mike is survived by his wife, Norma; daughter, Alicia Merritt and son, Eric Merritt (Jamie Hall); two sisters, Sally (Tom) Sherwood and Sue (Bob) Brown; and two brothers, Jim (Denise) Merritt and David (Mimi) Merritt.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lucille.

Michael Robert was born on Jan. 25, 1948, son of Charles and Lucille Manfull Merritt in Marshalltown. He graduated from SEMCO High School and went on to attend Iowa State University (ISU), graduating with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. After ISU, Mike attended Colorado Christian, and received a Master's degree in Biblical Counseling. He married Norma Joy Fowler on May 10, 1975, in Cairo, Neb. For 39 years, Mike worked in ministry and counseling for The Navigators. During this time, he served as a missionary in the Philippines for 10 years.

Mike will be remembered for his way of turning strangers into friends and his love for sharing God's love with people from all walks of life. He enjoyed gardening and sharing his produce, but above all, Mike loved his family and was a devoted husband and father.

Instead of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Mike's name.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.