Singer, Merlin Charles 1920-2014

SINGER, BENTZ, BERKENPAS

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/16/2015 at 14:56:43

Merlin C. Singer, 94, of Le Mars, died Thursday, May 15, 2014, at the Good Samaritan Society-Le Mars.

Merlin Charles Singer was born on Jan. 1, 1920, in Elkton, S.D., to Urban and Katherine (Bentz) Singer. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School in Le Mars. Following high school, Merlin worked at the local bowling alley.

He enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard in Le Mars. He had served three years when the unit was activated during World War II.

On Dec. 21, 1941, Merlin and Lois Berkenpas were united in marriage at Elk Point, S.D.

Merlin was inducted into the United States Army on Feb. 10, 1941, and served as a staff sargent. He earned his honorable discharge on Aug. 14, 1945.

When Merlin returned from the war he went to Pew Auto and worked as a mechanic. He later worked at the Sinclair Service Station before taking a position at Sioux Tools in Le Mars in the late 60s. Merlin retired from Sioux Tools at age 65.

Merlin was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars.

He enjoyed woodworking and carpentry. He and Lois also made many craft projects.

He was an avid sports fan and followed the local teams closely.

He rarely passed up an opportunity to play his harmonica for others to enjoy.

He will be lovingly remembered by his four daughters, Nancy Rensink, of Hinton, Linda and Dean Oloff, of Le Mars, Barbara and Alton Jackson, of Hastings, Neb., and Patricia Singer of Colorado Springs, Colo.; grandchildren, Keith and Rachael Rensink, Greg and Abby Rensink, Eric Rensink, Cami Hofmeyer, Matthew and Lori Hofmeyer, Ryan and Ann Oloff, Erin and Tan Singh, Pastor Brett and Paige Mackey, and Chad and Jen Vink; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Florence Deidiker, of Le Mars; sisters-in-law, Alvira Singer, of California, Opal Hanke, of Remsen, Lillian Berkenpas, of Le Mars, and Margaret Ideker, of Le Mars; and several nieces and nephews.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois, on Dec. 4, 2002; a sister Viola (Cleo) Hoffman; brothers, Herb, Elmer (Evelyn), Melvin, and Vern; a brother-in-law, Don Deideker.

Funeral services were at 10 a.m. today (Monday) at St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars. The Rev. Jean Ziettlow and the Rev. Peter Rosenkvist officiated. Burial followed at at Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars. Graveside military honors were conducted by Wasmer Post #241 of the American Legion. Visitation was after 2 p.m. Sunday at the Mauer - Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. The family was present from 4-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. There was also one hour of visitation at the church prior to the service on Monday.

The Mauer - Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars is assisting Merlin's family with funeral arrangements. Memorials in Merlin's name may be directed to Good Samaritan Society-Le Mars or Hospice of Siouxland.

Le Mars Daily Sentinel
Monday, May 19, 2014
Le Mars, Iowa