Garman, Merle Allen 1936-2015

GARMAN, BLEICH, LENNON, CODER, POWERS, HANSEN, KOBRIGER

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 6/12/2015 at 09:29:18

Merle Garman
Ames

Merle Garman, 78, died Tuesday, June 2, 2015, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a vigil at 7:00 on Thursday, June 4 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 5, also at St. Cecilia Catholic Church with Monsignor Russell Bleich officiating, assisted by Father Jim Secora and Father Tom Braak. Burial will follow at Ames Municipal Cemetery.

Merle Allen Garman, son of Sylvester and Ann (Bleich) Garman, was born September 3, 1936 in Britt, Iowa. He attended school in Britt, graduating in 1954. He graduated from University of Northern Iowa in 1959 with a BA in Business Education and received his MA in Business Education in 1963. He played baseball at UNI, where as a switch hitter he led the team in hitting with a .392 batting average.

Merle married Teresa Lennon on August 5, 1961 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Duncombe, Iowa. The couple resided in Stratford and Pocahontas before settling in Ames in 1965. Merle was a lifetime teacher and coach. He taught at Newton, Lincoln Central, Stratford, Pocahontas Catholic, and then at Ames High School for 31 years. He was also a realtor, a farmer, and raised purebred hogs.

Merle is survived by his wife of 53 years, Teresa, of Ames; his children, Laura Garman, of Clear Lake, Rachel (John) Coder, of Ames, Robert (Erin) Garman, of Walker and Sarah (Tim) Powers, of Gilbert; thirteen grandchildren, Katie Hansen, of Des Moines, Torrie (Adam) Kobriger, of Ankeny and Macey Hansen, of Ankeny, Nathan, Jacob and Matthew Coder, of Ames, Britt, Berkley and Cade Garman, of Walker and Mason, Elise, Tate and Hank Powers, of Gilbert.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Duane Garman.

Merle was a loving husband and father and formed a unique bond with each of his 13 grandchildren. He took a special interest in teaching, coaching, and mentoring others. He enjoyed dancing, horseback riding, playing cards, and attending coffee with his friends.

Memorials can be directed to The University of Iowa's Lung Transplant Center or Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center or The University of Pittsburgh Lung Transplant Center. Condolences and photos may be shared at www.adamsoderstrum.com ~ The Des Moines Register Legacy, Des Moines, Iowa 8 Jun 2015.