Clela C. Miller

Clela C. Miller, age 98, of Storm Lake, Iowa formerly of Early, Iowa died Monday, January 23, 2017 at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake. Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. A memorial fund in Clela's name has been established. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Clela Catherine Shellenberger was born February 13, 1918 in Nemaha, Iowa, the daughter of William and Loretta (Smith) Shellenberger. Clela attended school at Sacred Heart Catholic School where she graduated in 1935. Clela continued her education at Mt. Mercy Junior College where she earned a certificate in education in 1937. Shortly after, she began teaching country school in the Early area. On January 8, 1940, Clela was united in marriage to Herman Merten, Jr. in Early. Together, they were blessed with six children: William, Richard, Jean, Thomas, Rosemary, and Kathleen. Clela was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early where she was active in the Catholic Daughters of America and Ladies Guild. She also participated in the Camera Club in Storm Lake. Clela enjoyed gardening, traveling, playing cards, and dancing. She will be remembered as a loving and faithful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend to many. Clela will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Those left to cherish her memory include her children: William (Joleen) Merten of Storm Lake, Iowa; Richard (Elizabeth) Merten of Storm Lake, Iowa; Jean (John) Owen of Storm Lake, Iowa; Rosemary (Sal) Zoucha of Bellevue, Nebraska; Kathy (Tom) Bumgardner of La Vista, Nebraska; daughter-in-law, Susan Merten of Apache Junction, Arizona; seventeen grandchildren: Paul, Donna, David, Kevin, Lisa, Beth, John, Amy, Colleen, Deena, Eric, Ben, Greg, Mark, Forrest, Angela, Troy; 27 great grandchildren; sisters: Rose Evelyn Elbert of Mankato, Minnesota; Paula Quinn of Minnetonka, Minnesota; brother-in-law, Ralph Scott of Smithville, Texas; extended family and friends. Clela was preceded in death by her parents; three husbands, Herman Merten, Jr., Joseph Dinges, Vernon Miller; son, Thomas Merten; sisters: Marian (Joseph) Tallman, Marie (Newell) Wallisch, Winifred (Bob) Gray, Helen (Clem) Elbert, Joan (Jack) Fleming, Clarice Scott; brother, Robert (Dorothy) Shellenberger; brothers-in-law, Archie Elbert and Harold Quinn.

Clela C. Miller

February 13, 1918 - January 23, 2017