VORHIES, Merle Daniel 1929 - 2023

VORHIES, MANNING, VAUGHN, LANDES

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 7/16/2023 at 14:07:11

"Southeast Iowa Union / Fairfield Ledger"
Friday, June 23, 2023
Page 6, Column 1

MERLE DANIEL VORHIES
Fairfield

Merle Daniel VORHIES, 94, of Fairfield, IA. passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at the Jefferson County Health Center. As were Merle's wishes, his body has been cremated. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. Burial will be in the Vorhies Cemetery near Lockridge immediately following the service. Memorial contributions in Merle's honor may be directed to the Arc of Jefferson County. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. A livestream of the service may be accessed through his obituary page.

Merle Daniel VORHIES was born on March 31, 1929, in Lockridge, IA, to his parents, Vern and Exie MANNING VORHIES. He grew up on the family farm in Lockridge and graduated from Fairfield High School with the class of 1947. It was there that Merle's lifelong for farming and the outdoors began. He went on to serve his country bravely during the Korean War (sic - Korean Conflict), and upon returning, worked at Rockwell for several years while also farming. Eventually, Merle dedicated himself to farming full time, cultivating row crops and raising livestock. Farming was not just a profession for Merle, but a true passion that brought him great joy throughout his life.

On June 2, 1953, Merle married the love of his life, Darlene, who sadly passed away before him. Together, they enjoyed over 67 years of marriage, filled with love, laughter, adventure, and lots of playful bickering. Merle is survived by their children, Greg VORHIES (Rhonda VAUGHN) of Fairfield, Roger (Karen) VORHIES of Fairfield and Janet VORHIES of Washington. He also leaves behind numerous adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many extended family and friends.

Merle's interests extended beyond farming and family. He enjoyed playing cards and would often travel to Las Vegas with Darlene for a bit of excitement. Merle was an avid turkey hunter and fisherman, embracing the beauty and bounty of nature. After moving to town, he continued to nurture his green thumb by planting and caring for a garden that was the envy of his neighbors.

Always appreciative of the beauty around him, Merle and Darlene were known for going on drives together to take in the countryside and spend quality time with one another. As a proud grandfather, Merle would light up whenever he was in the company of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their laughter and happiness were a constant source of joy for him.

Merle VORHIES will be deeply missed by his family and friends but will be remembered for his love of life, dedication to his family, and his unwavering commitment to the land he cherished. His legacy will live on through the lives of those who knew and loved him, and the fertile fields that continue to bear the fruits of his labor.

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Darlene LANDES VORHIES' obituary -- click here
 

Jefferson Obituaries maintained by Joey Stark.
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