Paul Meerdink, 82, of Charles City, Iowa, died peacefully surrounded by loving family, at his home on Thursday, September 15, 2022.
A funeral service for Paul Meerdink will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at Bethany Alliance Church in Charles City with Pastor Coulter Page officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City at a later date.
Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the start of the service at the church on Thursday.
Paul was born at the family farm south of Charles City, the son of Floyd and Gladys (Smith) Meerdink, on September 15th, 1940.
He graduated from Charles City High School in 1960. While in high school, he worked with his dad at the family’s cow-milking operation. Paul met Marian (Boofer) at a church youth group bowling party. They were married on June 29, 1962.
Paul was a life-long member of Bethany Alliance Church dating back to the early days in Powersville, IA. He held numerous positions on the church board throughout the years. He worked at Oliver/White Farm Equipment for 30 years, finishing his career there as a Final Inspector when the factory closed. In the mid-1970’s, Paul bought and refurbished his first of four houses, long before house-flipping was popular. He returned to carpentry after White Farm closed.
Finding beauty in nature was particularly enjoyable to Paul. Family vacations were often spent in the Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone National Park with the pop-up camper in tow. He also enjoyed NASCAR, gardening, bird-watching and spending time with family. He will always be remembered for his love of cars, especially El Caminos and Monte Carlos. It was not uncommon to find Paul cruising Main Street, windows down with 50’s tunes blaring. He was an artist at heart and enjoyed helping his children and grandchildren complete numerous school projects. His craftsmanship was also shown in his numerous woodworking projects and impressive snow sculptures that graced their front yard many winters.
Paul and Marian shared many trips to Florida with Tammy’s family, spending time on the beach, at Disney World and at the Daytona Speedway. He loved feeding the seagulls from the hotel balcony. A practice shunned by the hotels and which, gleefully to him, drew much attention from his embarrassed wife. He was a man with a great sense of humor.
Troy and Paul enjoyed working on cars together from the time Troy could walk, attending the Chicago Auto Shows and hunting for rare Hot Wheels and model cars. Troy and Greg also helped Paul complete numerous carpentry projects over the years.
He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, involving them in his numerous projects, and planned elaborate Easter egg hunts for them. He also helped ensure Troy and Greg earned Trophies at the Boy Scouts’ Pinewood Derby on numerous occasions.
Paul is survived by his wife, Marian and children: Tammela (Terry) Frascht and Troy (Kim Woolworth) Meerdink. Grandchildren: Lynsie Kirksey, Greg (Nicole) Nehls, Brandi (Braden) Roberts, Chelsi (Nick) Podrazik and Brody Frascht. Great-grandchildren: Addison Humphrey, Aubrey Kirksey, Kaden Kirksey, Rian Frascht and Stevie Podrazic. His Brother, Earl (Barb) Meerdink; Sister, Carol Brown; Sisters-in-law: Evelyn (Jim) Johnson and Betty (Larry) Franke; Nieces and Nephews: Christine Kennedy, Amy (Andy) Engberg, Joel (Carin) Meerdink, Elizabeth Meerdink, Melissa Solak, Gina (Scott) Phearman, Angela Sinnwell, Kelly (John) Powell, Shawna Davis, Steven Johnson, Mikel (Jamie) Johnson, Kim (Del) Nollmeyer, Jeff (Lisa) Franke, Lisa Franke; and many great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sibling, Janet Meerdink; Mother-in-law, Helen (Boofer) Meerdink; and Brother-in-law, Garry Brown.
Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.
