Merlin, Imelda Esther 1917-2016

MERLIN, BINNEBOESE, HELMKE

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Co. Coordinator (email)
Date: 12/29/2020 at 13:46:02

Imelda Esther Merlin, 98, passed away March 27, 2016, at her home in Alameda.

She was born Aug. 6, 1917, near Hinton, Ia., the daughter of Albert and Emma (Helmke) Binneboese. Growing up on a farm near Hinton, Imelda graduated from Sioux City Central High School in 1935. After high school, she graduated from Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind. in 1943. In 1951, Imelda married Captain Paul R. Merlin, Jr. USN. He passed away on board a ship on Jan. 12, 1961. He was based in Japan.

Upon his death, and after finishing the year teaching servicemen’s children for 11 years in Japan, she returned to California. She settled in her home in Alameda, and continued her education. She received her Master’s Degree from UC Berkeley in 1964. Her teaching career continued in schools in the area. Her thesis was published in 1977 as a book Alameda, a Geographical History, by Friends of the Alameda Free Library, Alameda. It has been reprinted several times.

She was an active member in her community, participating in chorus groups, volunteering for the Alameda Food Bank, and other charitable functions. Imelda loved to travel to other countries where she participated in “learning tours” to understand the history of the region. She also kept fit by walking most days, or using exercise equipment. She believed in conserving and protecting the resources of our earth.

Preceding Imelda in death were her parents, husband, three sisters: Eldora McEntaffer, Norma Maxine, Lucile Reiman; and two brothers: Donald and Eugene Binneboese. Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews and their families. She will be greatly missed by her family and numerous friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 13, at 2 p.m. at the Home of Truth, 1300 Grand St., Alameda. Interment will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Hinton on a later date.

Editor’s note: Merlin’s thesis paper and book "Alameda: A Geographical History" provided an incredibly important document to Alameda historians that we refer to on a regular basis. Her contribution to local history cannot be overestimated in our opinion.
~Alameda Sun, Alameda CA
Published on: May 5, 2016

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