Merlyn Bonde

Merlyn Bonde, age 97, of Waukee, Iowa formerly of Newell, Iowa died Monday, April 24, 2017 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 28, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Nain Lutheran Church in Newell. Burial will follow in the Newell Cemetery. Visitation will take place Thursday, April 27, 2017 from 5-8:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell is in charge of the arrangements. Lewis Merlyn Bonde was born September 18, 1919 near Newell, Iowa the son of Peter and Christine (Mikkelsen) Bonde. Growing up, Merlyn was baptized and confirmed at the Nain Lutheran Church in Newell. Merlyn went to school in Newell for 11 years where he met his first wife, Lorene. Merlyn was united in marriage to Lorene Marie Lawrence on August 2, 1937. He trucked for a few years and then began farming with Lorene, raising their two children, Charlotte and Richard. Merlyn and Lorene celebrated more than 40 years of marriage before she passed on April 14, 1978. Four years later, Merlyn married his second wife, June Bell Christensen Tatman on June 12, 1982. He continued to farm until 1987 at which time he and June built a home in Newell and moved to town. In their retirement, Merlyn and June traveled to many locations to visit and see family. June passed away on October 9, 1999. Merlyn enjoyed woodworking and carving small items of all natural wood. He did beautiful woodworking. In recent years, he moved to Waukee, Iowa to be closer to family. There he enjoyed visits with family and friends and he even learned to play bridge, a new card game, as he was an avid card player over the years of cribbage and pinochle. Merlyn believed in exercising and did it faithfully throughout his life. He also enjoyed watching Western movies, Iowa Hawkeye and other college sporting events including softball. Merlyn read local and hometown newspapers to keep up with current events. Merlyn lived in Waukee until his passing. Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Charlotte (Donald) Rasmussen; son, Richard (Susan) Bonde; brother-in-law, Earl Lawrence; stepdaughters: Sharon (Kurt) Miller and Shelly (Rick) Willoughby; several grandchildren; great grandchildren; and great, great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; extended family and friends. Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Mildred Johnson and Bernice Farrell; half brother, Kenneth Bonde; wives; and step daughter, Toni Hartshorn.

Merlyn Bonde

September 18, 1919 - April 24, 2017