Obituary of Edwin Meerdink

Edwin James Meerdink, the son of Henry and Jennie (Klein) Meerdink, was born near Hull, IA on November 26, 1924. He was baptized and confirmed at the Hull Reformed Church in Hull, IA. Ed received his early education in a country school near his home. Following his school years he went to work helping his father on the family farm as well as helping neighbors with their farm work. On March 5, 1952, Ed was united in marriage to Arlene Pals at the Hull Christian Reformed Church in Hull, IA. To this union seven children were born; Ken, Ron, Denny, Bob, Rick, Charla and Kim. Following their marriage the couple farmed near Hull for four years. In 1956 they bought a farm near Hartley. In 1973 they moved to the home place and continued farming until Ed’s eyesight forced him to stop in 2009. He continued with the sheep operation, gardening and other activities on the farm. On February 21, 2013, Ed passed away at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 88. Over the years Ed and Arlene had many opportunities to travel. Destinations included California, Hawaii, Washington State, Washington D.C., Alaska, Bahamas, Europe, and the Netherlands. They were extremely active in the Northwest Iowa Sheep Producers Association, raising sheep for over 30 years. Together they manned the Sheep Producers booth at the Clay County Fair for over 10 years. They also enjoyed attending the State and County fairs and helping out when needed. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Arlene; his children: son: Ken (Terry) Meerdink of Federal Way, WA, and their children, Matthew, Laura and Haley, daughter-in-law: Joan (Jim) Thompson of Primghar, IA and granddaughters, Allison (Derek) Vande Griend and their children Ethan and Luke, Rachel (Richard) De Graw and Ellen Meerdink, son: Bob of Mena, AR, son: Rick (Cheryl) Meerdink of Redondo Beach, CA, daughter: Charla (Steve) Pearce of Hartley, IA, and their children, James, Sarah and Katherine, son: Kim (Delores) of Hawarden, IA, and their children, Susan Meerdink (Zan Preston), Rebecca and Emily; brother; Marvin (Betty) Meerdink of Hull, IA other relatives and friends. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Ron and Denny, and a sister Evelyn and brother-in-law Bill Kamstra In loving memory Edwin J. Meerdink Born ~ November 26, 1924 Died ~ February 21, 2013 Age ~ 88 years 2 months 25 days Memorial Service 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 25, 2013 United Methodist Church Hartley, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. Steve Campbell Organist ~ Deb Bleeker Soloist ~ Rev. Bruce Branson Special Music ~ “How Great Thou Art” Congregational Singing Processional ~ “In The Garden” #314 Processional ~ “Because He Lives” #364 Pallbearers Ken Meerdink Jim Thompson Bob Meerdink Rick Meerdink Steve Pearce Kim Meerdink Ushers Bill Rausch ~ Ron Sterk Burial Pleasant View Cemetery Hartley, Iowa (At 10:00 a.m. on Monday)