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BORN
1954
DIED
2025
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Toni Merfeld Obituary
August 20, 1954 - May 5, 2025
Toni Jean Fuller Merfeld, founder and former President of Metro West Learning Center (now Balance Autism Metro West) in Clive and a leader in Iowa's special education community, died unexpectedly on May 5, 2025.
Toni was a teacher, advocate, mentor, and friend to so many in her professional life. She was an organizer, demonstrator, and champion for policies that lifted up children, women, and families struggling to make ends meet. In the span of a 46-year career, Toni's work improved the lives of thousands of students with special needs and their families.
Toni is survived by her parents, Donald and Bernadine Fuller, husband, Tom Merfeld, sons Joseph Harrington and Andrew (Alana) Harrington, stepdaughter Samantha Merfeld, grandchildren Sydney and Miles, sisters Lynn Fuller and Melanie Nutting, as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Please join Toni's family for a celebration of her amazing life on Sunday, June 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Noce Jazz and Cabaret (a favorite of Toni's for entertainment) off downtown Des Moines at 1326 Walnut St., Des Moines, Iowa 50309. Condolences at www.caldwellparrish.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory - Urbandale Chapel8201 Hickman Rd., Urbandale, IA 50322
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