Merlin Pins

Merlin J. Pins, 83, of Cedar Rapids, and formerly of Luxemburg, Iowa died Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at Monticello Nursing & Rehab. Center, Monticello, Iowa. Friends may call from 9 - 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 16, 2010, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Luxemburg, Iowa, with burial in the church cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Raymond Burkle. Merlin was born on August 1, 1926, in Holy Cross, Iowa, the son of Alphonse and Margaret (Theisen) Pins. He married Gladys M. Kortenkamp on January 10, 1950, in Lamont, Iowa. They resided in Independence until they divorced, and Merlin moved to Cedar Rapids where he worked for Allen Motors & Handlers. Merlin loved to work on cars and ride motorcycles. Survivors include his 4 children: Michael of Cedar Rapids, IA, Gerald (Socorro) of Henderson, NV, Ronald (Luann) of Independence, IA, Julie Creech of Houston, TX, 5 grandchildren: Jason Pins, Brianne Pins, Brandon Pins, Billie Jo Gaiser and Jaclyn Pins; 2 great grandchildren, 3 step-great grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Larry Lechtenberg of Loveland, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jeanette Lechtenberg of Loveland, CO.