Merle L Waples Jr *
Merle Leroy Waples Jr., age 58, of Aurelia, Iowa died Monday, November 4, 2024 in Cherokee, Iowa.
Funeral services will take place Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Aurelia, Iowa. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home in STORM LAKE. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Merle was born May 14, 1966 to Merle and Sara (Shockey) Waples in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He grew up attending West Monona School in Onawa, Iowa. After graduating, Merle studied Computer Science at a community college in Colorado.
On August 23, 1997, Merle was united in marriage to Julia S. Davis in Reno, Nevada. One year later, Merle adopted Julia’s son, Samuel, completing their family. It was at this same time that Merle became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Merle loved working with his hands. He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed being outdoors. Some of Merle’s favorite animals included wolves, eagles and buffalo. He was a collector of baseball caps and knives. In his free time, Merle enjoyed traveling and movie nights at home with fresh homemade popcorn. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish the memory of Merle include his wife, Julia Waples of Aurelia, Iowa; mother: Sara (Ed) Snow of Mapleton, Iowa; son: Samuel (Vicki) Waples of Paulina, Iowa; brother: Mark (Nancy) Waples of Steilacoom, Washington; sister: Melanie Larabee of Onawa, Iowa; Melissa Flint of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa; Michele Waples of Onawa, Iowa; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Merle L. Waples Sr., mother-in-law: Pamela Davis, grandparents and great-grandparents.
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home – Storm Lake on Nov. 5, 2024.