MERLIN CARL JOHN HARNACK 1925-2005

SCHROEDER, HARNACK, BERGER

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 1/27/2006 at 17:16:02

Merlin Harnack

Funeral services for Merlin Harnack were held Monday, December 19, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul Lutheran Church at Postville, Iowa. The Reverend Steve Brackett officiated. Joann Martins was the organist. Casket Bearers were: Clifford Harnack, Judy Harnack, Marje Nading, Mike Upton, Ronald Upton, Leslie Upton, Kenneth Upton, and Duane Berger. Burial was in the Postville Cemetery. The Schutte Funeral and Cremation Service of Postville was in charge of arrangements.

Merlin Carl John Harnack was born September 28, 1925, to Louis and Mary (Schroeder) Harnack, near Postville, Iowa. He passed away Friday morning, December 16, 2005, in the Good Samaritan Center at Postville, Iowa, at the age of 80 years, 2 months and 21 days.

He was baptized on October 15, 1925, by the Reverend E. T. Finck and confirmed November 13, 1938, by the Reverend Frederick R. Ludwig, both in St. Paul Lutheran Church at Postville, Iowa. He attended a rural school near Postville. On April 24, 1966 Merlin was married to LaVila Jane Berger in St. Paul Lutheran Church at Volga, Iowa, by the Reverend Roger Buhr.

Merlin was employed as a Policeman for the City of Postville for many years. He also drove school bus for Postville Community Schools for a number of years. Merlin was active in the community, serving as a volunteer Fireman and on the Big Four Fair Board. He was a member of the Brotherly Love Masonic Lodge.

He enjoyed watching sports. Some of his favorite teams included the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Cubs. Merlin also had a love for fishing. You could often find him fishing in his boat near their cabin at Harpers Ferry. Merlin will be remembered as a good friend who was very helpful and loved to joke with his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Harlan and Orville Harnack.

Surviving is his wife LaVila, a brother, Milo (Ruth) Harnack of Webb, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Postville Herald-Leader, December 28, 2005