Geuder, Merlin H.

Merlin H. Geuder, 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 15, 2013, at Lantern Park Nursing and Rehab Center. Graveside services to return both Merlin and Irene to their place of rest will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Guttenberg City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Ronald McDonald House, 730 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, or the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home, 313 Elkader St., Strawberry Point, IA 52076.

Merlin was born in Guttenberg, Iowa, on June 19, 1926, the son of John and Ilo (Walke) Geuder. He grew up in Guttenberg, attended local schools, and later married Irene Peake in Guttenberg on Feb. 13, 1945. A short time after getting married, Merlin proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After returning home from the service, Merlin farmed for over 30 years and also worked as a salesman for Stutsmans in Hills before retiring in 1992.

Merlin, along with Irene, were not only active within the Iowa City/Coralville communities, but also with their church, Christ the King Lutheran Church of Iowa City. They both volunteered countless hours at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Before to moving to Coralville, Merlin and Irene were also members of St. John's Lutheran Church in Guttenberg as well as Merlin serving for a number of years as a Clayton County Area Lay Minister.

Survivors include his son, Dennis Geuder (Patti Liming-Morrill) of Janesville; two brothers, John Geuder Jr. (Betty) of Guttenberg and Donald Geuder of Guttenberg; a sister, Jaleen Fassbinder (Gerald) of Guttenberg; and a sister-in-law, Jerri Geuder of Guttenberg.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Irene; two daughters, Diane Geuder and Janet Ann Geuder; and a brother, Douglas Geuder.

Online condolences may be directed to www.lensingfuneral.com.

Published July 18, 2013 in The Gazette