Merle W. Harris

MASON CITY: Merle W. Harris, 78, of Mason City, died Tuesday, December 9, 2014 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, December 13, 2014 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 329 East State Street with Rev. Sid Bohls officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to services Saturday at the church. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Merle W. Harris Memorial Fund. Merle was born September 29, 1936 in Mason City the son of John and Louella (Brown) Harris. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1954. Merle married Beverly Cawley October 17, 1954 in Mason City. He enlisted in the US Army in August of 1955 and was honorably discharged in August of 1958. Merle worked for Sears Roebuck and Company for 37 years retiring in 1990. Following his retirement, he worked for Zilge Appliance Center for 7 years. Merle was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Mason City Bowling Hall of Fame. Merle was an avid bowler and bowled in various men's and mixed leagues. He and Beverly enjoyed making vacations out of traveling with friends to bowling tournaments across the country. He also enjoyed golfing and playing cards. He loved watching all sports, but especially enjoyed cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and St. Louis Cardinals. Merle's grandchildren were the light of his life and he never missed an event. No matter what the activity, whether it be a sporting event or cheerleading or dance competition, Jenny, Sam, Erin and Robby always knew grandpa would be there on the sideline supporting them; he was their biggest fan. He is survived by his wife, Beverly of Mason City; 2 daughters, Patti (Tom) Wetter of Mason City, Pamela Harris (Jeff Hain) of Mason City; grandchildren, Jenny Wetter of Denver, Colorado, Sam Wetter (Lindsay Schrage) of Rockwell, Erin Mahoney (Evan Schwarz) of Iowa City; sisters, Jean Davis of Des Moines, Mildred (Robert) Johnson of Mason City, Dorothy Nolte of Mason City, Lillian (Marvin) Baker of Canoga Park, California; brother, Art (Betty Lou) Harris of Mason City; several nieces and nephews. Merle was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Robby Mahoney.