Merck, Eugene

Eugene Merck, 90, of Montezuma, passed away Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, at Methodist West Hospital in West Des Moines. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the United Methodist Church in Montezuma. Burial will be in Jackson Township Cemetery, Montezuma. Visitation will begin after noon Monday at Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma, with the family present from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heifer International, Montezuma Food Pantry or the United Methodist Church.

Friends may sign the online guest book at www.hollandcoblefuneralhomes.com.

Holland-Coble Funeral Home of Montezuma is in charge of arrangements.

His memory is honored by his wife, Ellen Merck of Montezuma; his four children, Dwaine (Vonda) Gooding of West Burlington, Rebecca (David) Schlesselman of Brooklyn, Lynn (Donna) Merck of Kalona and JoAnn (Steve) Wiley of New Sharon; his nine grandchildren, Erik (Beth) Gooding of Moorehead, Minn., Ray Schlesselman of Brooklyn, Kathy (Henning) Bilgrav of Denmark, Jeannie (Christian) Zulauf of Keota, Elonda (Terry) Van Maanen of Sully, Missi (Clint) Spurgeon of Indianola, Chad Wiley of Burlington, Michelle Merck of Des Moines and Ryan (Kate) Merck of Wellman; 15 great-grandchildren, David, Robert, Emma, Kaylee, Tessa, Jarret, Lily, Dru, Zoie, Trevin, Joseph, Sara, Paw, Kate and Ian; one brother, Laverne Merck of Rochester, Minn.; and two sisters, Marlys Brown of North English and Vivian Kerns of Grimes.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Dorothy Merck; and a brother, Arthur Merck.

Published Oct. 28, 2013 in The Gazette