Bernard L. Merrill
Born: March 12th, 1918
Died: February 10th, 2006
Obituary
Bernard L. "Bernie" Merrill, 87, of Burlington, died at 12:10 AM Friday, February 10, 2006, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Born March 12, 1918, in Ward, Iowa, he was the son of Charles Atlas and Martha Fry Merrill. On June 8, 1941, he married Irma M. Buckley in Coleman, Texas. Mr. Merrill was an inspector foreman at Iowa Army Ammunition Plant for 29 years. At the age of 13, he began working with his father in coal mines. Also, in his younger years, he worked at Lagomarcino Grupe and Co. and Buhmeyer's Oldsmobile Garage. He was a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant in the 113 Calvary, which was the last horse calvary to become mechanized, serving in Rakovic, Iceland during World War II. He had also later served as an M.P. and as a sergeant in the motor pool. He was a member of the Church of the Open Bible Church. He was a member of Full Gospel Businessmen, Disabled American Veterans, and National Rifleman's Association. He loved horses, was an avid rabbit hunter, and C.B. Radio operator. His C.B. handle was the Adjutant. He especially loved his God, his family, his country, and his horse, Spike. Survivors include his wife, Irma; three daughters, Marsha (Robert) Bence, Susan (Gary) Carr, and Roxanne (Mac) Osbourne, all of Burlington; seven grandchildren, Bill (Melanie) Bence, Tami (Larry) Hibbs, Chad (April) Carr, Ryan (Nicole) Osbourne, Nathan Carr, Adam Osbourne, and Kristin Osbourne; three great-grandchildren, Brandon Hibbs, Taylor Carr, and Noah Hibbs; two future great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Merrill of Fairfield, IA; three sisters, Vilene Given, Ilene Coulter and Ruth O'Brien, all of Ottumwa, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Shelly Rae, four brothers, and three sisters. Visitation will begin after 9:00 AM Sunday, February 12, at the Hass-Thielen Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until 5:00 PM. The Funeral Service for Mr. Merrill will be 10:00 AM, Monday, February 13, at the Church of the Open Bible with Pastor Kenneth R. Petersen officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by the Veterans Honor Guard, VFW Posts 10102, 9162, American Legion Post 52, Hamilton-Walters Marine Corps League, and AMVETS Post 29. Interment will be at Aspen Grove Cemetery. A memorial has been established for James Robinson Life Outreach.