THADA, Merlyn "M.J."

THADA, BERDELSON, HARMON, CARD, BAACK

Posted By: Sharon R. Becker (email)
Date: 5/4/2014 at 02:17:53

Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa

Obituary - Merlyn "M.J." Thada
October 21, 1922 ~ May 16, 2005

Merlyn "M.J." Thada, 82, formerly of Thornton, Iowa, died Monday, May 16, 2005 at Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake. A memorial service was held Thursday, May 19, at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Thornton, with the Rev. Robert Hetrick officiating. Inurnment was at the Pleasant View Cemetery. According to his wishes his body has been cremated. Memorials may be given to the M.J. Thada Memorial Fund.

M.J. was born Oct. 21, 1922 in Thornton, the son of Harold and Ellen (Berdelson) Thada. Merlyn was baptized in the American Lutheran Church of Thornton where he is still a member. M.J. married Helen Harmon Nov. 15, 1940 in Mason City, Iowa. In 1945 he enlisted in the Army. He owned and drove trucks for Thada Truck Lines. He was also an auctioneer for 33 years all around North Iowa. He graduated from Reisch Americans School of Auctioneering March 11, 1950. Using his talents, he helped with the "Pie Auctions" at the church.

M.J. was a volunteer at the fire department and a life member of the American Legion. He enjoyed playing in bands, especially Thada's Thumpers, for 17 years at the Clear Lake V.F.W. and other places. He loved to fish.

M.J. is survived by his daughter, Barbara Card, St. Louis Park, Minn.; two grandsons, Kyle Card and wife, Jill, and Cameron Card; great-grandsons, Ryan, James and Joey; brother, Dean Thada and his wife, Elvira, Clear Lake, and brother-in-law, Roy Baack, Thornton.

M.J. was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen, on Sept. 5, 1998; his son, Dickie, on Dec. 15, 2002; sister, Bernice Baack and two brothers, Lyle and Stanley. Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, April of 2014