Merle David Cole

Merle David Cole, 79, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2019, at his residence. He was born on June 17, 1940, in Manchester, the son of Frank and Vera (Gibbs) Cole.  He was raised in Manchester and was a 1958 graduate of Manchester High School. 

On July 7, 1962, Merle was united in marriage to Janet Mary Rubner at the Immaculate Conception Church in Masonville.  Three sons were born to this union.  The family resided in Marion. Merle worked at Quaker Oats in Cedar Rapids for 37 years, retiring in 1996. 

Merle enjoyed bowling, camping, fishing, gambling, and playing cards. He was a longtime member of the Eagles Club and the Moose Lodge. Merle will be remembered for his sense of humor.  Above all else, Merle enjoyed spending time with his family.

Survivors include his three sons, Mark (Lora) Cole, Steve (Kim) Cole, and Jeff (Teri) Cole, all of Marion; 16 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Paul (Jane) Rubner of Masonville; four sisters-in-law, Carol Ross of Manchester, Wilma Stallman of Watkins, Jane (Drew) Trott of Winthrop, and Julie (Terry) Main of Urbandale; and many nieces and nephews.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janet Cole in 2010; his five brothers, Donald, Marvin, Earl, Harold, and Dale Cole; and his one sister, Dorothy Pitcher.

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