Merle Van Roekel

Boyden, Iowa Merle Van Roekel, age 77, of Boyden, Iowa died Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at his residence in Boyden. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 A.M., Friday, September 10, 2021, at First Reformed Church in Boyden, IA with Rev. Verlyn Boone officiating. A prayer service will take place at First Reformed Church at 10:00 a.m. before proceeding to Sheridan Township Cemetery in Boyden, IA for burial with Military Honors. Visitation with the family present will be Thursday, September 9th from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at First Reformed Church in Boyden, IA. Merle Lee Van Roekel was born on September 8, 1943, at Boyden, IA to parents Abe and Artie (Van Zee) Van Roekel. Merle attended school in Boyden and was a 1962 graduate of Boyden-Hull High School. After graduation Merle went to work at Smit & Son Packing Plant in Boyden. He served in the US Army from 1965-1967 where he was a nuclear weapons technician. On April 19, 1965, he was united in marriage to Virginia “Ginger” Hofstra at George, IA. He and Ginger lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Savannah, Illinois. After his discharge from the service, they returned to Boyden where Merle went back to work at Smit and Son. In 1978 Merle started Van Roekel Construction and worked as a carpenter until his retirement in 2005. He continued doing odd jobs and took pride in building homes for both of his sons with them by his side. He enjoyed camping, boating, and fishing with his family. Merle loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and enjoyed attending and watching them in sporting events until his health deteriorated. He also enjoyed having coffee and playing cards with his friends. He and Ginger spent many hours the last few years playing cards together. Merle was a member of the First Reformed Church where he served as an Elder. He is survived by his wife, Ginger of Boyden; sons, Brad (Lorinda) Van Roekel and children, Davis, Drew, and Trey of Boyden; Les (Gwen) Van Roekel and children, Keaton and Haley of Hull; brother, Norlan (Roxa) Van Roekel of Boyden; sister, Marla (Grant) Krahling of George; special niece, Cheree’ Zeigler and many extended relatives. Merle was preceded in death by his parents.