MERRISS, Richard L. "Tatter" 1928-2007

MERRISS, OLSON

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/3/2010 at 18:20:39

ROCKFORD, IOWA - Richard L. “Tatter” Merriss, 78 of 504 1st Ave. SW, Rockford, died Monday, May 7, 2007 at his home of natural causes.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM, Thursday, May 10, 2007 at Zion Lutheran Church, 805 E. Main, Rockford, Officiating will be the Rev. Patricia Shaw. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 PM, Wednesday at Fullerton Funeral Home, 302 West Main, Rockford and again one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Richard was born one of four children to Loyd K. and Bertha “Olson” Merriss in Clinton Township, near Sheffield, Iowa on August 20, 1928. He was a 1947 graduate from Marble Rock High School. For the next 30 years he was a Radial Drill Operator for White Farm in Charles City. Following his retirement he was engaged as a house painter.

For the past 52 years he and his wife have resided in Rockford. Tatter was united in marriage to June Etta Stiller on October 17, 1954 at Osage, Iowa. To this union was born three children, Netta, Rick and Julie. Over the years he has enjoyed playing “500” and other card games, gardening his vegetable garden and a few flowers, watching pro wrestling on TV and tinkering and fixing things. Whenever a baby or the grandchildren would arrive everything would stop so that he could play with them.

He was known for helping everyone and being a Good Samaritan. During summer he enjoyed being on the river in his johnboat catching fish and turtles. He enjoyed polka music and Spanish music while working. For a period of time he and his wife would go camping and he played on different pool teams. Tatter also made chili at Christmas and pancakes for everyone.

Those surviving are his wife of 52 years June; daughter Netta Nelson, Mason City; Son, Rick Merriss and his wife Cindy, Rockford, daughter Julie and her husband Keith Joyner, Floyd; six grandchildren Michelle and Matt LaCoste, Rod and Brittany Merriss, Danielle and Casey Joyner; four step-granddaughters, and eight Step-Great Grandchildren.

His parents, two sisters Lorene Keith and Arlene “Sis” Wagner and one brother Bud Merriss all preceded him in death.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 123 2nd St. SE, Mason City, IA. 641-423-8676 www.fullertonfh.com

Floyd Obituaries maintained by Lynn Diemer-Mathews.
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