Merritt, Harold 1925-1952

MERRITT, RIEKE

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 6/6/2009 at 12:14:51

PLAN SERVICES WEDNESDAY FOR HAROLD MERRITT

The body of Harold Merritt, 26, was found shortly before 8 a.m. Monday in a basement room at the Hoffman Electric store in LeMars where he was employed as an electrician.

The young man had died instantly as the result of a self-inflicted shotgun wound in his chest, reported Coroner S.H. Luken, who was called to the scene immediately.

The body was discovered by Tony Hames, another Hoffman employee, and Mrs. Merritt.

She had talked to him over the telephone about 6:30 a.m. when she awakened to find he had already left their apartment over Skaggs store.

She called the electric shop and he answered and said that he had come down to work early, she said. The two had been married since Dec. 2. [1951]

She became alarmed and called Mr. Hames, who came down immediately to open the shop. The shotgun used was one of the number of hunting guns left at the shop by other employees.

Harold Merritt was born at LeMars, March 29, 1925, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Merritt, and had grown up here attending LeMars schools.

Following his graduation from high school, he served as a radio operator in the merchant marine.

In addition to his wife, the former Donna Beth Rieke, he is survived by his parents, a brother, Robert, of Carroll, Iowa, and two sisters, Mrs. Lois Hall, Iowa City, and Phyllis of Austin, Minn.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 2:30 p.m. at the Methodist church. Rev. H.V. Bartz and Rev. Miencke of Seney will officiate.

Burial will be in LeMars City Cemetery with the Mauer funeral home in charge of arrangements.

~The LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, February 12, 1952

Tombstone Photo
 

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