Merle J. Schwickerath

Merle J. Schwickerath, age 75, of New Hampton, IA passed away on Sunday July 28, 2019 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019 at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton, IA with Father Brian Dellaert celebrating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in New Hampton. Military rites will be provided by New Hampton American Legion.

Friends may greet the family from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton. There will be a 3:45 p.m. Rosary and 8 p.m. Scriptural Wake Service. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral mass on Thursday. Online condolences for Merle’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Merle James was born May 18, 1944, the son of Leo and Catherine (Coleman) Schwickerath in New Hampton, IA. He attended and graduated St. Mary’s High School in North Washington. After completing his education he attended Loras College before enlisting in the Army National Guard. Merle received his honorable discharge in 1971 as a Sergeant. On May 6, 1967, Merle was united in marriage to Karen Roths at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Hampton where the couple made their home. Together they welcomed four children, Shawn, Mona, Terry and Jason. For 47 years, Merle enjoyed working at Vern Laures Auto Center, retiring in June of 2013. After his retirement, Merle and Karen were snowbirds in Arizona for three years. He had a passion for photography and playing cards. His greatest joy was his family. Merle was a member of Holy Family Parish, Catholic Order of Foresters, New Hampton American Legion. He served as Parish Council chair at St. Mary’s and Holy Family.

Those left to cherish Merle’s memory are his wife, Karen of New Hampton; his children, Shawn (Patty) Schwickerath of Urbandale, IA, Mona (Dean) Robbins of Grimes, IA and Terry (Angel) Schwickerath of Parkersburg, IA; his grandchildren, Edie, Alex, Carter, Devin, Grace, Claire, Jourdan, Brett and Adam; his siblings, Kathleen Sullivan of Charles City, IA, Donnie (Donna) Schwickerath of New Hampton, and Dorothy Carlin of New Hampton; his in-laws, Marian (Dan) Palmersheim of Marion, IA, Gary (Jeanne) Roths of Blythewood, SC, Bill (Mary) Roths of Cedar Falls, IA, Jim (Barb) Roths of Ankeny, IA and Ann (Jim) Crook of New Hampton and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jason in infancy; his parents-in-law, LaVern and Mabel Roths; brother, Francis Schwickerath; sister, Marianne Mashek and brothers-in-law Donald Mashek, Donald Sullivan and Mike Carlin.