Merlyn L. TOWNSEND

TOWNSEND, NOAH, UKER, BLUNT, BROOKS, STEENBLOCK, SMITH, ZARYBNICKY, WICKWIRE

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 9/24/2006 at 01:01:11

Merlyn L. Townsend, 82, died Sunday, July 21, 2002 at his home in Belmond, after suffering from heart ailments. Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 24, at United Church of Christ Congregational in Belmond, with Rev. Lynne Spencer-Smith officiating. Words of remembrance were given by Ryan Steenblock and Cheryl Wickwire. Acolyte was Rusty Steenblock. Music was by Carol Severson, organist; Susan Toftey, soloist. Casket bearers were Dave Barkema, Jeff Pentico, Matt Bluhm, Steve Walrod, Virgil Draper, and Jim Wickwire. Ushers were George Hinman and Louis Mennenga. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery near Rudd.

Merlyn L. Townsend, the son of Harold and Gladys (Noah) Townsend, was born March 29, 1920, in Charles City. He grew up and attended school in the Floyd County area. Prior to entering the Army, Merlyn was employed as a welder with Oliver Tractor Company in Charles City and later Walsh Manufacturing, also of Charles City. Merlyn was inducted into the United States Army at Camp Dodge on January 16, 1943. He served with the 563rd Engineers Boat Maintenance Battalion as a diesel mechanic and also a rifle marksman, Tec. 4. Merlyn was discharged from the Army on December 29, 1945. Following his discharge, Merlyn lived in California for a time before returning to Charles City to farm with his father. Merlyn was united in marriage with Viola Blunt Uker on September 17, 1949, in Yankton, South Dakota. To this union, one daughter Carol was born. Following their marriage, the couple lived and farmed in the Floyd County region. Merlyn and Viola moved to Belmond in the spring of 1961. Merlyn raised capons and was known as the largest capon grower in the state of Iowa. He retired from the poultry business in March of 1982. Merlyn enjoyed playing cards with Vi and with friends. He loved to fish and hunt and would often take the camper and boat to Okoboji of Lake Cornelia. He was a great kidder and really enjoyed his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was a member of the United Church of Christ Congregational.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Gary Townsend and Don Uker; sister, Naomi Brooks; and brother, Marvin Townsend. Merlyn is survived by his wife of 52 years, Vi of Belmond; a daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Bob Steenblock of Belmond, and their children, Ryan Steenblock and his wife, Arianne of Panora, Iowa, and Rusty Steenblock and friend, Crystle Asmus of Alexander; a daughter, Janet Smith of Omaha, Nebraska, and her children, Debbie Zarybnicky and her husband Dale of Austin, Texas, Jerry Smith and his wife, Susan of Weeping Waters, Nebraska, Cheryl Wickwire and her husband, Jim of Charles City, and Kevin Uker and his wife, Linda of Tucson, Arizona; several great-grandchildren; two brothers, Nolan Townsend of Charles City and Barton Townsend of Charles City; sister-in-law, Doris Townsend of Rawlins, Wyoming; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

July 23, 2002
©Belmond Independent 2002