Merle Harris Mamminga, 84, of Grundy Center, Iowa, died Thursday, March 5, 2009, at Grundy County Memorial Hospital in Grundy Center, Iowa. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Thursday, March 12, 2009, at the First Presbyterian Church in Grundy Center with Pastor Tom Bower officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center. Visitation will be from 4 pm to 6 pm on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Grundy Center. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church or Operation Threshold both of Grundy Center.
Merle was born October 31, 1924 the son of M.G. and Reka (Barkhoff) Mamminga in Grundy Center, Iowa. He graduated from Grundy Center High School in 1943, where participated in music activities. Merle was united in marriage to Mildred Colberg on October, 28, 1953. Mildred died May 5, 1983. He married Betty (Frisch) Martin on February 2, 1984. Betty died on August 18, 1989.
Merle retired after 44 years in the grocery business, mostly working at the Grundy Food Market which was owned by his brother, Frank. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the church choir. Merle sang for many funerals in the Grundy Center area during his singing career.
Merle is survived by one sister-in-law, Esther Mamminga of Grundy Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wives, and three brothers, Arthur, Russell and Frank.