Merle Rickels
April 17, 1946 ~ April 14, 2024
Merle Rickels, 77, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Olin, Iowa. Military Honors will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Olin Cemetery.
Merle was born, April 17, 1946, on the family farm in Center Junction, Iowa, son to Clarence and Martha (Behnken) Rickels. Merle earned his High School Diploma while serving two tours in Vietnam, in the Marines. He was honorably discharged in July 29, 1970. After being in the service, Merle worked as a truck driver for various companies. He married his first wife, Carolyn Dose, on April 17, 1971, but then later divorced. He married his second wife on September 1, 1989, Jean Gordon.
Everyone that met Merle found out quickly that he had a unique personality. There was many stories and things that he did, that he should or shouldn't have done. Merle has experienced and done things that would equal the memories of ten people combined. He enjoyed tinkering with tractors and all sorts of equipment. He was a member of the American Legion and loved spending time with friends and family.
He is survived by his children, Jenny Rickels (Ryan Haggerson) and Michael Rickels (Lacey Tipton); grandchildren, Madison Rickels; siblings, Donna Joslin, Roger (Kathy) Rickels, and Darrell Rickels; and many loving family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Carolyn Rickels; second wife, Jean Rickels; sisters, Juanita, Deloris, and Velda; brothers, David, Rex, Virgil, Jerry, and Russell; and special German Shepherd dogs, Doomer, Duke, Ranger, and Booner.
The family extends a special Thank You to Moments Hospice, Visiting Angels, and Heather 'Hailey' Ieronimo.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Mount Vernon
My condolences to his family and friends. I am thankful to have been able to work with him. Merle was a rascal I’ll never forget. He could light up a room with his smile and humor. Much love & light to you all. ~Cassie
There was no one like Merle. He always came in with his ornery laugh, told a story and laughed some more, followed by a long low “shuuuut up”. I never walked away from him without a smile. He will be deeply missed. Rest easy my friend. You can reunite with all your loved ones again. Keep it down up there. Until we meet again, sir! ❤️
MERLE was definitely my craziest uncle, never a dull moment when he was around. Definitely a favorite uncle too. He had a heart of gold. Always a crazy funny story to tell. He would show up at our house when I was a kid during the night while back from Vietnam. He brought me a Vietnam doll that I still have and treasure. I called him a few times and tried to get him interested in the trip for veterans to Washington, but i just couldn’t convince him to take that bus trip. My husband and children also loved him dearly. We will all miss you , RIP crazy man. Thanks for being a great uncle and thanks for your service to our country. Love you Deb Olson
Love and miss you guys! He will be truly missed.
Our thoughts and sympathy Jenny, Madison and Mike.
Uncle Merle will be missed as his laugh, stories, and smile are a rarity. The picture of him in his rabbit suit always makes me laugh as he brought crazy fun to whatever he did. He could fix small engines for me when local shops in IL told me to toss it. He loved to swap, trade, and repair. When our dad Rex, and Merle got together the stories only got bigger and louder. We lost someone who leaves a legacy of laughter and fun; and we all will miss him very much. Condolences to the family for your loss.
I loved when Rex and Dad were together it was like double the trouble double the fun. Plus in their later years I swore they could have passed as twins.