Schmitz Funeral Home obituary - Gary F. Merschman, 82, West Point

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Gary Francis “Tex” Merschman, 82, of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 4:18 a.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2021, surrounded by his family at his home in West Point.

Gary was born on September 17, 1938, in St. Paul, Iowa, the son of Leonard A. and Mary E. (Peitzmeier) Merschman. On September 30, 1961, he married Carol Schwartz at St. James the Less Catholic Church in St. Paul, Iowa.

In addition to being forever missed by his wife, Carol, Gary was the loving father of four children: Lisa Merschman of West Point, Julie (Paul) Rauenbuehler of Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin and Carey (Norman) Derr of West Point and Ryan (Jennifer) Merschman of West Point; grandchildren: Lauren Derr, Danielle (Amiel) Rodriguez, Brayden Merschman; Nicholas, Ben (Maddie) and Jeffrey Rauenbuehler and Alexis Wiggins; great grandchildren: Arie, Ezra and Ilya Rodriguez; sister: Marilyn (Roger) Boeding of Wever; brother: Gene (Alvera) Merschman of St. Paul; sisters and brothers-in-law; JoAnn (Gene) Brune, Wayne (Cathy) Schwartz, Marcia (Larry) Towers, Bonnie (Pat) Hamilton, Nancy Laub, Danette Schwartz, Karen (Rick) Kuntz, Jan (Paul) Dohman, Bill Panther, Donna (Lester Sielski) Schwartz and Audrey (Marty) Hamerlinck. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Delbert (Irma Jean) and Mark Merschman; mother and father-in-law: Dan and Emma Schwartz; brothers and sisters-in-law: Gary (RaeAnn) Schwartz, Cindy Panther and Fred Laub.

Gary was a graduate of St. James High School. He owned and operated Gary Merschman Electric as a master electrician for many years. He served in the Army National Guard and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, West Point Fire and Rescue and served on the West Point Utility Board. Gary enjoyed coaching his son and grandchildren in their sports activities, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, playing the guitar, music and playing euchre with his card club. He loved Bluegrass festivals and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cub fan and most of all spending time with his family and friends.

If life was the journey and Heaven was the destination, Gary was the steadfast captain of his ship, face always to the horizon and not troubled by the waves. No fuss or praise was ever required. And now that his journey is over, his spirit still guide all who knew him; clear and bright until we all can reach the shore.Friends may call after 12:00 noon, Friday, May 7, 2021 at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point where the family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. A Christian wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 8, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point with Father Dennis Hoffman as celebrant. Mass will be lived streamed on the church Facebook page and posted on his obituary “Tribute Wall” on our website following the service at: www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in his memory for West Point Fire and Rescue.
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with local arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

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