Sturdivan, Mervyn L. 'Merv'

Mervyn L. “Merv” Sturdivan, 76, of Cedar Rapids, passed away very unexpectedly, Friday afternoon, Oct. 15, 2010, at St. Luke's Emergency Room. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, at New Covenant Bible Church, with a luncheon and fellowship to follow the committal service. Entombment with military honors will be in Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Surviving to honor his memory are two daughters, Sheryl “Sheri” Sturdivan-O'Donnell (Mike) of Cedar Rapids, a stepgrandson. Patrick O'Donnell of Des Moines, a stepgreat-granddaughter, Emma Barton-O'Donnell of St. Lucas; and Sandra “Sandi” (Joe) Wiltgen and their two children, Tanner Wiltgen (whose birthday is shared with Grandpa Merv) and Amber Wiltgen, who all live in Ankeny, Iowa; and his brother, Richard “Dick” (Judy) Sturdivan, and their two daughters, Susan Fontal and Tracy Schell, all of California.

Merv is also survived by his very special friend and companion, Rita Rummells and her family of Cedar Rapids, as well as many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Mabel Sturdivan; his wife, Jayne Ann on Dec. 21, 1987, his very special friend and companion, Bernadine “Brownie” Fritz, on May 18, 2003; and his faithful companion miniature Schnauzer, “Mitzi.”

Merv was born on April 26, 1934, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of LeRoy and Mabel (Faas) Sturdivan. He was a lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids, and graduated from Franklin High School in June of 1952. He was the unofficial class historian. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in Korea from September 1953 to May 1956.

On Oct. 27, 1956, he was united in marriage to Jayne Ann Stewart at Kenwood Park Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids.

Merv worked at Ledford Engineering as a tool and die maker for 27 years, retiring in May 1996. After retirement, Merv enjoyed volunteering at St. Luke's Hospital, his travels to Branson and abroad, his numerous cruises, working on his many rental properties, yard work and antique cars.

He was a lifelong member of Kenwood Park Presbyterian Church since 1943 and served as an elder, and was also a member of the New Covenant Bible Church – Pathfinders and Young at Heart Groups, as well as an usher and folding bulletins on a weekly basis. He was an active member of Landlords of Linn County for many years, a caller and organizer for YEWS for 17 years, a member of the Widow and Widowers, LADOS, the Corvette Club and Marion American Legion Post No. 298.

Merv thoroughly enjoyed taking his daughters, their husbands and grandchildren on trips to Branson, as well as on a Caribbean Cruise quite a number of years ago.

He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to everyone. We will miss him tremendously and will love him forever.

Military honors by Marion American Legion Post No 298.

A memorial fund has been established. Please leave a message or tribute to the Sturdivan family on the web page, under obituaries.