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Obituaries & Online MemorialsDes Moines Register Online Obituary
| Nevada Journal Online
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Merlin Roorda | Service:
Saturday, March 28, 2009
11:00 AM
Pella Church of the Nazarene
303 University Street
Pella, IA 50219
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| | | Merlin Mitchell Roorda, 94, died January 29, 2009, at Story County Long Term Care in Nevada, Iowa.
Merlin was born at Harvey, Iowa on July 13, 1914, the son of Albert L. and Pearl (Mitchell) Roorda. His father passed away when Merlin was 17 years old, leaving him to care for his mother and a farm heavily in debt. Merlin worked very hard and was able to save his beloved farm. Merlin was united in marriage to Josephine Van Der Peut on October 30, 1938. Merlin had driven a school bus for a few years, but farming was his life. It was difficult for Merlin to hold his farm sale and move into Oskaloosa. On October 7, 1989, Merlin was saddened to see all his equipment lined up around the farmstead as his treasures were sold. Merlin and Josephine had farmed for 51 years, moving to Oskaloosa on October 28, 1989.
Merlin went to school in Chicago where he learned to weld. He helped many surrounding farmers by welding together the breaks in their equipment. He also had made several lawn ornaments and flower stands. Merlin had also made all the light fixtures for the Oskaloosa Church of the Nazarene.
Merlin invited the Lord into his heart and then attended church regularly for many years, helping Josephine teach Sunday School for 40 years. They hosted many Sunday School parties at the farm and everyone had a great time. Their Sunday School students called them “Grandma and Grandpa.”
Merlin and Josephine lived in Oskaloosa until December 2002. Josephine passed away January 1, 2003. Merlin then moved to his granddaughter’s home in Forest City for 6 weeks and then to Story County Long Term Care in Nevada, where he resided until his death.
He is survived by two daughters: Jeanne Van Houweling of Des Moines, Iowa; Janice (Gary) Carr of Three Rivers, Michigan; five grandchildren: Sheryl (Steve) Putz, Cindy (Dan) White, Steve (Melissa) Van Houweling, Jori (Toby) Withers, Gretta (Mark) Zeimet; eleven great-grandchildren; and one sister: Alberta McGee of Deming, New Mexico.
Preceding him in death were his parents and wife, Josephine, who died January 1, 2003.
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