Merlin M. Barry

COLESBURG, IOWA

Merlin M. Barry, 93, of Colesburg, Iowa passed away Saturday, October, 21, 2023 at Edgewood Convalescent Home surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11 a.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the Guttenberg United Methodist Church. Funeral services will commence at 11 a.m. with burial to follow in Bethel Cemetery. Pastor Neil Hofer will officiate.

Merlin was born on October 28, 1929 in Turkey River, Iowa, the son of Frank and Edith (Miller) Barry. He attended the country school in Turkey River until his family moved to the family farm when he was a freshman in high school. His father passed away when he was a junior in high school, leaving him and his brother, Frank, to run the farm. He graduated from Colesburg High School in 1948.

He was called into the army in January of 1952 and served his country during the Korean Conflict where he was stationed in occupied Germany until January of 1954, a service of which he was very proud. He returned to the farm and his sweetheart, Eunice Hansel, from high school. He popped the question; and, on August 21, 1954, he married Eunice at the Methodist Church in Guttenberg, Iowa. They lived on the Barry farm and farmed until he retired in 1994 and remained on the farm until his passing. He also loved music and played a guitar with the Frank Barry Orchestra / Band of Stars for many years playing in Iowa, Wisconsin and as far away as the Rockford, Illinois area. He instilled a love of music in his children by having the dance band practice at his home. He decided to retire from the band when he was getting home from playing at dances in time to milk cows in the morning.

He was an avid fisherman with his favorite being ice fishing. He also enjoyed a good game of cards with friends and was never one to turn down a potluck social gathering. His favorite past time was spending quality time with his wife, 4 children, 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and all their spouses.

Survivors include his loving wife of 69 years, Eunice; children: Debra (Dan) Doelz, Michael (Lori) Barry, Diane (Marlin) Johnson and Patricia (John) Robinson III; grandchildren: Jeffrey (Jackie) Doelz and children, Parker, Blake and Jordynn; Jason (Kelly) Doelz and children, Mary and Connor; Lisa Barry (Rick Felder) and children, Kiera and Jaxen; Vanessa Barry (Steve) Forest and children, Emma and Lucca; Joshua (Becca) Barry and son, Declan; Crystal Johnson (Shannon) Hansel and children, Sawyer, Brayden, and Azalea; Melanie Johnson Roling and daughter, Hannah; Colin Robinson; step-grandchildren: Sarah Robinson Jeanes and children Shane Norman, Samantha, Madison and Gavin; John (Krista) Robinson IV and children, Spencer and Lilian; and a sister-in-law, Janette Hansel.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Frank (Anna Mae) Barry; in-laws: Cecil and Myrtle Hansel; granddaughter, Alissa Barry; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Bethel Cemetery, Guttenberg United Methodist Church, Guttenberg Library or the Guttenberg Veteran’s Memorial.

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com . Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 207 S 1st St., Guttenberg IA 52052.