Merlon Kranz

MERLON KRANZ

Newhall

Merlon G. Kranz, 79, died Feb. 27, 2014, at his family's Century Farm near Newhall. Memorial Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall, with the Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating.

Committal services will be at St. John Cemetery near Newhall. Visitation will be at the church from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday.

A memorial fund has been established.

Merlon was born May 30, 1934, to George and Hilda (Moeller) Kranz on his parents' farm in Eden Township near Newhall. He graduated from Wilton High School in 1951.

On Aug. 11, 1952, he married Joyce Anna Ford at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. The couple were both 18 and the wedding day was the bride's birthday. They enjoyed a loving marriage until Joyce's death in 2011.

In addition to farming, Merlon had been employed by Collins for eight years and at FMC Link Belt for 21 years.

In his leisure he enjoyed gardening and crossword puzzles.

Merlon was admired for being a wonderful and loving care provider for his wife.

His memory will be cherished by his children, Kathy (Michael) Collins of McAlester, Okla., Miriam (George) Simpson of Ventura, Iowa, Marty (Julie) Kranz of Iowa City and Steven Kranz of the United Arab Emirates; his grandchildren, Gina (Jim) Hiscock of Centreville, Va., Aaron (Dr. Peggy) Simpson of Madison, Wis., Jonathan (Rayanna Hosokawa) Collins of Arlington, Texas, Gregory Collins of Tulsa, Okla., and Kelsey (Kevin Brown) Kranz of Washington, Iowa; his great-grandchildren, Thomas, Charlie and Anna Hiscock and Baby Simpson expected in June; and his best friend, Gus, his Pug dog.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mark W. Kranz; and his brother, Wilbert Kranz.

Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left at: www. phillipsfuneralhomes.com.