Merlin E. Maack

Merlin E. Maack was born on a farm in rural Dow City, Iowa, July 27, 1928, the son of Edward Otto Herman and Hilda Johanna Meta Preul Maack. He was received into God’s Kingdom of Grace through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism August 19, 1928 at St. John Lutheran Church, Charter Oak, Iowa, and confirmed in his Christian Faith June 18, 1944 at St. John Lutheran Church, Stockholm Township. During his youth the family moved to a farm near Kiron and later to the farm north of Vail. He received his education in the rural schools and following his education, helped on the farm. From December 7, 1954 until his honorable discharge December 6, 1956, Merlin served his country in the United States Army.On June 27, 1954, Merlin was united in marriage with Ruth Mae Petersen at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Their union was blessed with four children: Donald, Duane, Denise and Diane. During his time in the service they made their home in Texas and following his discharge they returned to the farm north of Vail, Iowa. In 1965 they moved to Denison where Merlin began working at IBP from which he retired in 1992. He kept busy during his retirement years assisting Craig Brodersen farming, helping Loren Nelson at Evergreen Acres and working at Carnavan Sand and Gravel.In his leisure time Merlin enjoyed woodworking, fishing and sitting on the front porch with Ruth enjoying the activities in the neighborhood.He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Denison and the American Legion Post 8, Denison, Iowa.Merlin died early Sunday morning, April 24, 2016, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 87 years, 8 months and 27 days.Including his parents, Edward and Hilda Maack, Merlin was also preceded in death by his sister, JoAnn Meyer and his beloved wife Ruth who died March 29, 2016.Those remaining to cherish his memory include four children: Donald Maack and Duane Maack of Denison, Iowa, Denise (Kelly) Jones of Boone, Iowa, and Diane (William) Smith of Denison, Iowa; 9 grandchildren: Kelsey (Matt) Younggren of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Laura (Chris) Hollander of Cameron, Wisconsin, Kyle Crum and friend Leah of Boone, Iowa, Lucas Maack of Carroll, Iowa, Elizabeth Smith, Trevor Maack, and Alex Smith, all of Denison, Iowa, Dillon Jones of Boone, Iowa and Nate Smith of Denison, Iowa; 3 great grandchildren: Delilah and Erin Hollander of Cameron, Wisconsin and Jack Younggren of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Lyle Meyer of Denison, Iowa, Marie (Lawrence) Wordekemper of Denison, Iowa; Bernhard (Marilyn) Petersen of Schleswig, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 28, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, Iowa with Rev. Kurt R. Kaiser officiating. Music for the service included Larry Boeck singing “On Eagle’s Wings” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and the Congregation singing “I know That My Redeemer Lives” with Karen Kahl serving as organist. Honorary Pallbearers were Dillon Jones, Elizabeth Smith, Lucas Maack, Laura Hollander, and Kelsey Younggren. Pallbearers were Kyle Crum, Nate Smith, Trevor Maack, Alex Smith, Charles Meyer and Terry Preul. Interment was at Morgan Township Cemetery in Schleswig, Iowa with Military Honors by American Legion Post 8, Denison, Iowa and Father Paul Kelly playing Taps. Following interment everyone was invited to return to the church for fellowship and a luncheon provided and served by Zion Ladies Aid. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , Denison, Iowa was in charge of arrangements where friends called from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday.