In Memory of Merle Schramm

Merle Dean Schramm, age 91, of Arthur, Iowa, passed away on March 28, 2022 after a battle with Covid.

A Private Celebration of Life will be held by the family.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please consider sending a card with your memories of Merle to: Audrey Schramm c/o Morningside Care Center, 600 Morningside Street, Ida Grove, IA 51445

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Merle was born in 1930 to George and Lillian (Spahn) Schramm.  After graduating from Ida Grove Public Schools where he excelled in sports, he went on to graduate from the Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls, IA.  Merle then received his Masters’ degree from the University of Colorado.

After graduation, he landed his first job teaching, kicking off a long teaching career in High School Science and Math.  Merle taught in Royal, Spencer and Onawa, Iowa, Greeley and Boulder, Colorado, and at the Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska.  He also worked at the Colorado Health Department and the Rocky Flats Plant.  Merle shared his passion for learning and touched many lives with his generous and kind spirit.  He was an excellent craftsman who could build or repair just about anything and helped appreciative family and friends with many projects.

In High School, he met the love of his life, Audrey Rasmussen, and they wed in 1950, going on to have 5 children.  Susan (Dave) Schemel, Thomas Schramm, Sharon (Mike) Plante, Beth (Jim) Stutzman and Christian Schramm.  Faith and Family were priorities in Merle’s life.

After retiring, Merle and Audrey, moved to Arthur, Iowa and enjoyed restoring their vintage home, gardening and volunteering for many church activities at The Arthur Evangelical Free Church.   Merle was famous for his pancakes, homemade rolls and pies.

Merle is preceded in death by his parents George and Lillian Schramm; sister Ruth Bolles; brothers Robert and Roger; brother-in-law Kenneth Suda; son-in-law Steve Tipton; daughter-in-law Angela Schramm; and grandsons Luke and Daniel.

Merle is survived by his wife Audrey; sister Jo Ann Suda; children: Susan, Thomas, Sharon, Beth and Christian; grandchildren: Anna Clements, Jack Tipton, Michael Stutzman and Suzanne Swanson, Ashton and Talon Schramm; and his four great grandchildren: Joshua Rausch, Jennifer and William Clements, Micah Swanson, Brooks Tipton.