Merle Ray BeermannOf Altoona, IowaMerle Beermann, age 81, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2017, surrounded by family. Merle was born on July 24, 1936, in Paullina, Iowa to Norma and Walter Beermann.He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Janice Kay Beermann; children, Kathy (Don) Elliott, Ken (Virda) Beermann, Randy Fleming, Kevin Fleming, and Brian (Carol) Schulz; 9 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and many brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and friends.Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Norma Beermann; step-dad, Hans Andersen; and siblings.Visitation will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, September 21, 2017, with memorial service following at 7 p.m., at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines.