Merlin Herbert Weitzel, 93, long time resident of Fonda, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, August 19 at his apartment in Prairie Bluffs Sr Living, Eden Prairie, MN where he lived with his wife Sophia. Merlin was born in Jackson Township, Sac County, Iowa May 5, 1932, to parents Herbert and Ida Weitzel.

Merlin grew up in and around Sac City, Iowa and graduated from Sac City High School in 1949. He had varied jobs until he joined the US Army in 1952.  In January1954 Merlin and Sophia Frerichs married.  Merlin returned to Fort Leonard Wood, MO while Sophia remained at her parents' home and finished high school. Both Merlin and Sophia loved to tell us how foolish this was. Despite this “foolish” start they were married for 71 years. Merlin and Sophia welcomed three Children: Rebecca, Keith and Kathryn.

After leaving the service, Merlin worked as a meat cutter and Grocery store manager in Sac City, Iowa. In 1973 he bought and operated a grocery store in Fonda Iowa. After several additional years of ownership, he left the grocery business and went to work for the Cargill Elevator in Fonda. He retired from work in 1994 to a lawn mowing hobby business.

Merlin was an avid fisherman and enjoyed an occasional round of golf. Being a young parent, he could always be counted on to start and join the fun. We had many picnics, fishing trips, camping trips and sledding in winter that are part of our family memories.

Merlin is survived by his wife Sophia, his chilren Rebecca (Tom) Lennon and Keith (Vanese) Weitzel; six grandchildren, Sean and Dan Lennon, Jeanie(Ryan) Tiffany, Peter and Claire  Weitzel and Justin Schoolen; two great-grandchildren, William and Sophia Tiffany

He was preceded in death by his daughter Kathryn.

At the end he was worried about leaving Sophia, admonishing Becky and Keith to “take care of your mom”. He told Sophia he was saving the last dance for her.

A memorial Service will take place Saturday, September 20 at 1:30 p.m. at Discovery United Methodist Church, 275 Lake Drive East, Chanhassen, MN 55317

Family asks in lieu of flowers, donation can be made to one of Merlin’s favorite charities, Boys Town. Online: https://wwwboystown.org. or Boys Town, 14100 Crawford Street, Boys Town, NE 68010