Dearest dad,

It's been almost 5 months since your untimely passing, but I still miss you terribly everyday. We don't know what exactly happened on that fateful day, May 10th 2011, and will probably never know, but we will have to live with that I guess. I know in my heart that you are in a better place, but I miss your smile, your laugh, our chats, sharing a joke, or a special moment in our lives, and just knowing I always had you there for some intelligent advice when I needed it. You were truly a friend to all who knew you, and a wonderful father and provider for your family. I will always remember the lessons you taught me, and will try to be the person you taught me to be. I love you soooo much, and may God be with you til we meet again, XXOO Diana

Diana and family - it was our pleasure and honor to know your dad, and a joy to see him walk his only daughter down the aisle in June 2010. God's Speed Merrill, you have left a legacy of family, love, smiles and laughter.

I work for Life Serve Blood Center in Ames, IA. Merrill visited our fixed site often and ALWAYS had a smile on his face and a cheerful comment or two. What an wonderful man! What an amazing life he had :-) I 'm blessed to have know Merrill - and you have my deepest sympathy.

I am so saddened by the loss of my friend, Merrill. I was so shocked to hear of his passing. Such a strong and vibrant man, always on the go, had to keep moving. Always greeted me with a smile. I met Merrill 6 years ago at The Blood Center of Iowa/LifeServe Blood Center where he volunteered. When I would call to see if he would take a trip where products were needed he never said no. I loved this mans stories,we shared lots of interests and I will so greatly miss him. Rest in peace Merrill, I will miss you so much. To his family, your in my thoughts and prayers.

I am so saddened by the loss of my friend, Merrill. I was so shocked to hear of his passing. Such a strong and vibrant man, always on the go, had to keep moving. Alawys greeted me with a smile. I met Merrill 6 years ago at The Blood Center of Iowa/LifeServe Blood Center where he volunteered. When I would call to see if he would take a trip where products were needed he never said no. I loved this mans stories,we shared lots of interests and I will so greatly miss him. Rest in peace Merrill, I will miss you so much. To his family, your in my thoughts and prayers.

We are so saddened to hear of your family's loss. We send you prayers and hope you can find comfort in the many wonderful memories you have of Merrill. May God bless you and keep you.

We share gtief of the nexpected passing while remebering all of the experiences, sorrow, joys and just good old times we have shared. We wish that all could share our never ending adventures in the Holy Land. It was a trip that morphed into a pilgrimage. Can you our imagine us worshiping together, hand in hand, in Jesus' Garden Tomb next to Golgotha,or walking up Via Delarosa on Ash Wed. Just 3 weeks ago we had a good belly laugh about an experience we shared at Lazaris' Tomb..

Merrill and I worked together for many years at the IRS. I learned much from him as my Manager and thoroughly enjoyed talking to him on many topics. He always had a positive attitude to share. He will be missed.

Merrill always had a smile on his face the would light up the room. We had many good times with him at various Shrine events. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all his family at this time. Merrill will be missed by all that were fortunate enough to get to know this great man. I know he will continue to smile down from above on all that knew and loved him. Rest in Peace Merrill.

Diana, Greg and family

So sorry to hear about your dad

I had not seen him since we were growing up but

got to visit with him again at Diana's wedding last summer.

What a delight it was seeing him walk Diana down the aisle

His father of the bride speech was priceless!

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Vicki

I didn't know Merrill very long but he was easy to get to know very quickly and was always willing to enter into a friendly Cyclone/Hawkeye spat whenever possible. Merrill was instantly likable, broadly knowledgeable and very savvy of a broad spectrum of life's experiences. He will be missed.

Merrill was truly a great person good friend to everyone that he met. He Will be greatly missed.

My husband and I never met Merrill, but we came to know him through our

dear friend, Lowell Smalley. We also talked many times to Merrill on the phone.

He had such a lively, intelligent, and sunny spirit! My husband and I had

hoped to meet Merrill and his wife Norma this summer, as they had mentioned

they might be traveling to Colorado. Needless to say, we are so disappointed

that this cannot happen now. However, we greatly value the times we did

get to chat with him on the phone and in Emails.

I have known Merrill for over 40 years and have enjoyed working with him for many years at the IRS. We have been sitting almost next to Merrill and Norma at the Hawkeye football games cheering on the Hawks. He was a great guy and one that I always looked up to and respected. He truly enjoyed life to the fullest. God Bless.

I have great memories growing up with the Smalley family in Coralville. Merrill was always kind, and was like a second father to me. He always showed leniency when Lowell and I somehow ended up in trouble. It is with great sorrow I am unable to attend the funeral services on Sunday. Your family will be in my Prayers.

I truly will miss Merrill. I met him in '99 when I started at Consumers Coop, and he has always been a delight to know. Merrill always made an effort to stop at my desk to say Hi! Even after he moved to Ankeny, whenever in IC, he'd stop and talk horses with me, he was so interested what I was doing with them. Enjoyed visiting with him at the I-Club breakfasts, also.