Merlin B. Sievers

Merlin Barnette, son of Herman Peter and Mary Esther (Barnes) Sievers, was born June 4, 1926, in Manning, Iowa. He grew up in Guthrie County near Coon Rapids and attended school near his home.

  From December of 1950 to November of 1951, Merlin served with the U.S. Army. He earned the rank of Corporal and was a welder in an engineer construction battalion.  Merlin served 14 months in Korea and received the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, and Meritorious Unit Commendation. 

  On February 2, 1954, Merlin was united in marriage with Claribel Olesen at the First Christian Church in Coon Rapids. Four children were born to this union.  Merlin and Claribel farmed south of Coon Rapids.

  Merlin was a member of the First Christian Church where he served as Deacon and Elder.  For four years, 1969-1972, he was a member and president of the Coon Rapids School Board.  He was also a member of the American Legion.  Merlin enjoyed being outdoors - hunting, fishing and farming.  He trained greyhounds and had many other dogs.  Above all, Merlin enjoyed caring for his family, helping his neighbors, and farming.

  In June 2015, Merlin became a resident of the Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, Iowa after being diagnosed in 2006 with Parkinson’s disease.  On March 3, 2020 he was diagnosed with influenza A, which he never fully recovered from.  He died on Monday, March 9, 2020 at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, Iowa.  He was 93 years, 9 months and 5 days of age.

  Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson Ryan Hagan, two sisters Beatrice (Leonard) Knudsen, Ila ( Nels) Knudsen, a brother Lyle (Shirley) Sievers and Claribel’s siblings: Harry (Evelyn) Olesen Jr),  Howard (Helen) Olesen, Naomi (Ernest) Golay, Earl (Jessie) Olesen, Ramona (Charles) Richardson, William (Barb) Olesen , Robert (Jerri) Olesen,  Jens Olesen and brother in laws Ronald Patrick and Howard Herron.

  He is survived by his wife Claribel Sievers of Coon Rapids; four children: Thomas (Debbie) Sievers of Coon Rapids; Cindy (Michael) Hagan of Carroll; Nancy (Scott) Taylor of Estherville; Joseph (Lisa) Sievers of Taos, New Mexico; six grandchildren; Eric (Amanda) Sievers of Norwalk; Todd Sievers of Norwalk; Adam Sievers of Audubon; Tyler Hagan of Coon Rapids; Matthew (Cassandra) Taylor of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Benjamin (Sarah) Sievers of Gardner, Kansas; and Amy Sievers of Taos, New Mexico; five great grandchildren: Taylor Howard, Natalie and Emily Sievers of Norwalk and Thomas and Lucas Sievers of Gardner Kansas; his in-laws Eunice Herron of Coon Rapids; Joan Strautman (James Sr.) of Carroll; Max (Karen) Olesen of Coon Rapids; Maryann Olson of Vail; and by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Service

Saturday, March 14, 2020  ~ 10:30 AM

First United Methodist Church, Coon Rapids, Iowa

Officiating

Reverend Joyce Webb

Music

“The Old Rugged Cross”    “In The Garden”   Congregation

 “How Great Thou Art”     “I’ll Fly Away”

John Richardson, Vocalist    Lula Garnes, Organist

Casket Bearers

Eric Sievers     Todd Sievers     Adam Sievers

Ben Sievers     Matt Taylor     Tyler Hagan

Honorary Casket Bearers

Thomas Sievers     Joseph Sievers     Michael Hagan

Scott Taylor     Amy Sievers

Interment with Military Honors

Coon Rapids Gurney Parker Post 357     U.S. Army Honor Guard

Orange Township Cemetery, Coon Rapids, Iowa