Merlin Folkmann

Williamsburg- Merlin Adolph Henry Folkmann was born April 25, 1926, near South Amana, Iowa, the son of Christian Henry & Sophie (Baack) Folkmann. He attended country school and served in the United States Navy from 1945- 1946. On April 24, 1949, Merlin was united in marriage to LaVerna Sophie Johanna Sandersfeld, at St. John Lutheran Church, near Homestead. Together they lived and farmed in the Williamsburg community. Merlin was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Conroy, where he served as an elder for many years. He was also a member of Farm Bureau, and the Iburg Poulson VFW Post #8797. Merlin served on the Immanuel Lutheran Finance Board and the Lutheran Interparish School Board. He enjoyed collecting Oliver tractors, going dancing with LaVerna, cracking walnuts and playing sheephead. Merlin died on Monday, October 5, 2015 at the Highland Ridge Care Center at the age of 89 years.

He is survived by his wife LaVerna of Williamsburg; four children, Sharon (Marvin) Maas of Williamsburg, Kathy (Randy) Furler of Austin, TX, Kenneth (Shelley) Folkmann of Marengo and Sandra (Colin) Pinney of South Amana; ten grandchildren; three step grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; a brother Raymond Folkmann and a sister Loretta Schlesselman both of Williamsburg. He was preceded by his parents: two brothers Clarence and Richard Folkmann; and two sisters Florence Schaeffer and Edna Schmidt.

Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:30 AM on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Conroy. Pastor Gary Sears will officiate. Burial will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Conroy. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the Powell Funeral Home, Williamsburg. Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, Conroy or the Lutheran Interparish School. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com