Charles L. Merrick of Mesa, Ariz., died on March 1, 2003, after battling lung cancer for two years. Memorial services will be held on May 10 at First Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Iowa, with committal at Garden of Memories in Waterloo. Charles was born on Feb. 8, 1934, to Ira and Margaret Merrick in Iroquois, S.D. He married Gladys White in 1954 South Dakota; she preceded him in death in 1996. He married Jeanne Hein in May 1998 in Waterloo, Iowa. Chuck worked all his adult life in the meat-packing industry. He loved his family, friends and church. He especially loved his vacations fishing and visiting in Minnesota. He will be missed by many. Charles was preceded in death by his wife Gladys and daughter Mona Bebout, both in 1996; two brothers, Donald in 1939 and John in 1975; and one sister, Mary Bergstrom in 2001. He is survived by his wife Jeanne of Mesa, Ariz.; sons Donald (and Cindy) of Kenna, W.V.; Tim (and Marianne) of Washburn, Iowa; Paul; Mike (and Cammie) of Waterloo, Iowa; daughter Cathy (and Keith) Pencha of Waterloo, Iowa.; step-children James (and Ruth) Hein of Jamesville, Iowa, and Jane Long of Maricopa, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren, one step-grandchild and four great-grandchildren; brother Tom (and Karen) of Waverly, Iowa; sisters Vel (and Stan) Hernandez of Sun City, Ariz.; Arlene (and Clifford) Callander of South Haven; Vera (and Ron) Klein of Burnsville; and by many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Memorials are preferred to Banner Hospice in Mesa, Ariz., and to First Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Iowa.
