Merle Schramm was born in 1930 to George and Lillian (Spahn) Schramm. After graduating from Ida Grove, Iowa, Public Schools where he excelled in sports, he went on to graduate from the Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Merle then received his master’s 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 Southeast Community College in Milford. 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 five 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, Suzanne Swanson and Ashton and Talon Schramm; and his great-grandchildren, Joshua Rausch, Jennifer and William Clements, Micah Swanson and Brooks Tipton.
A private celebration of life will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks sending a card with memories of Merle to: Audrey Schramm, c/o Morningside Care Center, 600 Morningside St., Ida Grove, IA 51445.
