Meryl J. Punke was born on May 29, 1926 in Corwith, Iowa to Harvey and Edna (Elder) Punke. He attended school in Corwith, graduating from Corwith High School with the class of 1943. That summer, Meryl was a member of the Corwith Baseball team, which won the state championship. He fondly reminisced about this, as it was during the time of the all class final.

Following graduation and at the age of 17, Meryl enlisted in the U.S. Navy (his father refused to sign for the Marines which Meryl wanted). He served his country during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge from the military on June 12, 1946, he attended the State University of Iowa in Iowa City (now known as the University of Iowa) for two years. Meryl then attended telegraph school in Omaha, Nebraska and for 37 years, he was employed with the Illinois Central Railroad. He moved the family to Storm Lake, Iowa from Glenville, Minnesota to become the Depot Agent in December of 1963. He retired from the railroad on April 30, 1986.

On September 19, 1953, Meryl was united in marriage to Betty Hanson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. This couple was blessed with four children: Sandra, Linda, Steve and John.

Meryl was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church in Corwith, where he remained a lifelong member. He was active in the First Baptist Church in Storm Lake, where he worked for almost twenty years part-time as a janitor.

Meryl enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Senior League. His love of sports, especially baseball, was evident in the 15 years he dedicated to coaching Little League and the Babe Ruth League. More than anything, Meryl loved and cherished his family and the time they spent together. He will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Those left to cherish Meryl’s memory are his wife of 56 years, Betty, of Storm Lake; his four children: Sandra (Alan) Astleford of Marion, South Dakota; Linda (Jim) Hallengren of Alta, Iowa; Steve (Sue) Punke of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; John (Teri) Punke of Boscobel, Wisconsin; grandchildren: Matthew (Leah) Astleford, Phillip Astleford, Daniel Astleford, Eric Hallengren, Dana Hallengren; Tyler Punke, Ryan Punke, Samuel Punke, Claire Punke; two great grandchildren: Fiona Astleford and Alex Hallengren; extended family and many friends.

Meryl was preceded in death by his parents and brother, William.