Merrill Rehnstrom

November 3, 1933 - February 27, 2021

Merrill Rehnstrom, age 87, of Alta, Iowa died on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at WEL-Life in Alta following a brief illness. Memorial service will take place Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Hope Evangelical Free Church in Storm Lake, Iowa. To watch the live stream, click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88018581391?pwd=elFDWnJsUUxQait3T3l6eG4rUGtPUT09 and enter the password: funeral. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Masks and social distancing are recommended. Burial will be at a later date at the Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Merrill Eugene Rehnstrom was born November 3, 1933 in Alta to Elden and Viola (Anderson) Rehnstrom. Growing up, Merrill attended and graduated from Fairview school in rural Alta where he played basketball in high school and continued to enjoy watching games throughout his life. On September 27, 1953, Merrill was united in marriage to Phyllis Ann Chindlund in Storm Lake. Together, they were blessed with three children: Craig, Cherri and John. Merrill was a longtime member of Center Grove church in rural Alta where he served in many capacities prior to closing. He then became a member of Hope Evangelical Free Church in Storm Lake where he served as a board member, treasurer, and with the AWANAS program. Merrill served on the Truesdale Co-op elevator board, Albert City Thresherman board and Iowa Crop Improvement Association board. In his spare time, Merrill enjoyed bowling and attending grandchildren’s events. He treasured attending the Albert City Threshermans and Collectors Show, where he enjoyed making ice cream and looking at all the tractors, especially Allis-Chalmers, his favorite tractor. Woodworking was a favorite pastime of his. He enjoyed making benches to give away. Family was important to Merrill and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Craig (Mary) Rehnstrom of Alta, Iowa; Cherri (Phil) Driver of Linn Grove, Iowa; John (Louise) Rehnstrom of Alta, Iowa; grandchildren: Jesse (Merly) Driver; Leah (Jim) Kain; Rachel (Greg) Haack; Jacob Rehnstrom and fiancé, Kim Hopf; Amy (John) Dahl; Ange Rehnstrom and significant other, Aaron Shadlow; great grandchildren: Lauralea Neiman, Jace Rehnstrom, and Putu Linn Maurlena Driver; extended family and friends. Merrill was preceded in death by his parents, Elden and Viola Rehnstrom; wife, Phyllis Rehnstrom; and brothers: Harold and Bob Rehnstrom.