Merlyn L. Gray
August 22, 1918 ~ November 22, 2015
Merlyn L. Gray, age 97 of New Hampton, IA passed away on Sunday, November 22, 2015 at Patty Elwood Center in Cresco, IA.
Funeral services for Merlyn will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Pastors Kevin Frey officiating. Burial will be held at New Hampton Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, November 27, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton and will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral services on Saturday. Online condolences for Merlyn’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Merlyn LeRoy Gray was born on August 22, 1918 to John and Edna (Leichtman) Gray in New Hampton. He attended country school District #11 in Jacksonville Township. After his schooling, Merlyn continued working on the family farm until he entered into the United States Army where he served his country as a medic in northern Africa then moving to the European front from 1942-1945. During Merlyn’s time in service he was awarded several medals including three bronze stars recognizing his bravery and commitment to his country. He returned home to the family farm where he began his lifetime love of agriculture. It was on June 17, 1951, Merlyn was united in marriage to his loving wife, Edna Mae Moehle at St. John’s Lutheran Church Parsonage in Sumner, IA. The couple made their home outside of New Hampton where they began farming together and raised their five children and continued farming for the next 64 years. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Away from farming, Merlyn enjoyed gardening, boxing, fishing, playing cards, harvesting black walnuts and most of all spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Edna Gray of New Hampton; his children, Judy (Kenny) McEwen of Lake City, MN, Wayne (Shelly) Gray of New Hampton, LeRoy (Roxanne) Gray of New Hampton, Darvin Gray of New Hampton, Lois (Karen) Gray of Coralville, IA; his ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his brother, Harold Gray of Cedar Rapids, IA; sister, Gladys Lechtenberg of Cedar Falls, IA and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Ellsworth Gray.
We’re sorry to hear of your loss. He was certainly blessed with a long life. Thoughts and prayers for Merlyn and his family.
Aaron and Janet Blatti
Merlyn Gray through the years
My prayers are for the Gray family sorry for your loss
Sympathies from your neighbors.
Glen Laura Jenny
Schwickerath
We are sorry to hear about your dad. Please accept our sympathies.We will be unable to attend the wake or funeral as we are visiting family out of state.
My thoughts and prayers are with Merlyn’s family at this time. He was a wonderful neighbor and I always liked visiting with him and your mom.
Aaron and Janet, thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers, and we are so grateful that Dad had nearly a century on this Earth. We continue to focus on all of the positive and happy memories over the years that will carry his legacy forward. All best wishes to you and yours.
Carma, thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. It means a great deal to our entire family. We are grateful to have you and your family as such caring and supportive neighbors, and wish all the best to you and yours.
Family
Teresa, many thanks for holding our family in your thoughts and prayers. We are so grateful. All best wishes to you and your family.
Thank you so much for your condolences and support, and we are grateful to have such supportive neighbors. All best wishes to you and yours.
Thank you so much for your condolences for our dad, and please have safe travels to visit your family.