Schramm, Merlyn Elmer (1932-2019)
SCHRAMM, GERDES, WOLFMEYER, NANNINGA, GREVER, FIELDS, MCCARTY
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 5/18/2021 at 17:36:22
Merlyn Schramm
December 18, 1932 ~ May 25, 2019Merlyn Elmer Schramm, 86, of Atlantic, was called to his eternal home in heaven by his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 25, 2019. He passed away at Cass County Memorial Hospital after a short illness.
Merlyn was born on December 18, 1932, in Storm Lake, Iowa, to Albert and Florence (Gerdes) Schramm. Baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, he grew up in Truesdale, Iowa, where he attended Truesdale Elementary School and Zion Lutheran School. He graduated from Truesdale Consolidated High School in 1950.
Merlyn proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. Then, he returned to the lumber business to work in that industry for over fifty-two years. He carried kindness wherever he went, earning him many friends. In September 1961, he extended that kindness to a woman with a flat tire. She, later, became his wife. On August 12, 1962, he married Shirley Ann Wolfmeyer. Together, they created a loving home and raised three children: a son, David, and two daughters, Kathy and Lori. A gentle witness for his Lord and Savior, Merlyn served quietly without fuss within Zion Lutheran Church.
Merlyn, thoroughly, enjoyed traveling and was especially proud to note that his travels had taken him to all fifty states. Known for his exceptional knowledge of cars, which he loved, he memorized all kinds of car statistics and facts through the years and relished being quizzed on his knowledge. After a quizzing, he, frequently, prodded “ask me more” with a knowing grin that he would not be stumped.
Blessed with an engaging personality and a memory that never let go of a number or date, Merlyn will be remembered for his sharp wit and ability to weave humor into any story. He counted his German jokes among his favorites. He loved to laugh and even more, making others laugh. Fittingly, he cited his graduation motto as “What is life without a laugh?” which foretold the cheerful way he led his life. A much-loved husband and father, Merlyn will be missed beyond measure.
Inurnment with full military honors will be held on Friday, May 31, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2019. A Celebration of Life Memorial service at Zion Lutheran Church will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., Pastor Daryl Tompkins officiating. A luncheon will follow.
Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Florence (Gerdes) Schramm; his stepfather, J.J. Nanninga; an infant brother, Virgil; and his sister, Norene Grever.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his three children: David (Tania) Schramm, of Waukee, Kathy (Greg) Fields, of Lexington, Kentucky, and Lori McCarty, of Salt Lake City, Utah; and his grandchildren: Nathan McCarty, Kasey Fields, and Joseph and Benjamin Schramm; as well as by extended family members and friends.
The family, respectfully, requests that memorials be directed to Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Merlyn’s family and his arrangements.
Roland Funeral Service, Atlantic, Iowa, 2019.
Buena Vista Obituaries maintained by LaVern Velau.
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