Merle Sandhagen, 97, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed on May 01, 2023. Merle was born on October 17, 1925.

Merle Arnold Sandhagen was born on October 17, 1925, in Dundee, Iowa, the son of Arnold and Mary (Heeren) Sandhagen. He attended local school and served in the United States Army during World War II.

December 23, 1950, Merle was united in marriage to Delva Tarrence at Strawberry Point Methodist Church. Six children were born to this union. He worked as a carpenter, filling station attendant, owned and operated rock trucks, and retired in 1987, after driving semi for AMPI for 26 years. He was especially proud of driving over two million accident free miles hauling milk.

Merle passed away at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein on Monday, May 1st, 2023, following an extended illness. Merle was a member of the United Methodist Church, enjoyed country music, was a member of The Western Trio Band, and loved his dog, Bailey, aka Puppy.

Survivors include his wife, Delva Sandhagen of Strawberry Point; six children, Terry (Dan) Schloss of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Bonnie (John) Staack of Strawbery Point, Brenda (Bob) Parker of Manchester, Randy (Nancy) Sandhagen of Fayette, Jay (Karla) Sandhagen of Oelwein, and Jill Baker of Strawberry Point; twenty grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Virgil (Faith) Sandhagen of Lamont; and one sister-in-law, June Sandhagen of Manchester.

Merle was preceded in death by his brother, Jim; three sisters, Wanda Bacon, Donna Fayram, and Lora Sandhagen; and his parents.