Merle Rickels

1946 - 2024

Merle Rickels, 77, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Olin, Iowa. Military Honors will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Olin Cemetery. Merle was born, April 17, 1946, on the family farm in Center Junction, Iowa, son to Clarence and Martha (Behnken) Rickels. Merle earned his High School Diploma while serving two tours in Vietnam, in the Marines. He was honorably discharged in July 29, 1970. After being in the service, Merle worked as a truck driver for various companies. He married his first wife, Carolyn Dose, on April 17, 1971, but then later divorced. He married his second wife on September 1, 1989, Jean Gordon. Everyone that met Merle found out quickly that he had a unique personality. There was many stories and things that he did, that he should or shouldn't have done. Merle has experienced and done things that would equal the memories of ten people combined. He enjoyed tinkering with tractors and all sorts of equipment. He was a member of the American Legion and loved spending time with friends and family. He is survived by his children, Jenny Rickels (Ryan Haggerson) and Michael Rickels (Lacey Tipton); grandchild, Madison Rickels; siblings, Donna Joslin, Roger (Kathy) Rickels, and Darrell Rickels; and many loving family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Carolyn Rickels; second wife, Jean Rickels; sisters, Juanita, Deloris, and Velda; brothers, David, Rex, Virgil, Jerry, and Russell; and special German Shepherd dogs, Doomer, Duke, Ranger, and Booner. The family extends a special Thank-You to Moments Hospice, Visiting Angels, and Heather "Hailey" Ieronimo. Please share your support and memories with Merle's family on his Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.