Joseph “Joe” Merfeld Nov. 20, 1928 – May 28, 2024

      Joseph “Joe” N. Merfeld,  95, of Cascade, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Accura Healthcare in Cascade surrounded by his family.

    Friends and relatives of Joe called from 9 to 11 a.m., on Monday, June 3, 2024, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, where services for Joe were held at 11 a.m. with Rev. Mark Osterhaus presiding.   Assisting Deacon was Joseph Schockemoehl.    Eucharistic Minister was Deb Merfeld.  Lectors were Ray Tauke, Dana Merfeld and Deb Merfeld.  Placing of the pall was Lisa Merfeld, Mark Merfeld, Tim Merfeld and Todd Merfeld.  Giftbearers were Tanya Deutmeyer, Brooke Manternach-Kite, Paula Moats, Natalie Merfeld, Brandi Keenlance, Melissa Hanewicz.  Burial was held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa with full military honors afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post# 528 accompanied by Tony Butterworth and Peyton Feldmann playing Taps.

    Casketbearers for Joe were Tom McDonnell, Loren Dietrch, Isaac Merfeld, Keil Merfeld, Jacob Manternach, Owen Keenlance, Eli Merfeld and Tony Merfeld.

    He was born Nov. 20, 1928, in Cascade, Iowa son of Joseph and Mary (Koob) Merfeld.  He was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Cascade, where he played baseball, basketball, and was a Golden Glove Boxer. On June 30, 1953 he was united in marriage to Dolores Leesekamp at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade.  She preceded him in death on Jan. 17, 2019.

    Joe was a United States Army Veteran, having served during the Korean War in the 1^st Calvary.  He was employed by the City of Cascade, as Superintendent for 33 years.  He also farmed in the rural Cascade area.  Everyone knew Joe, he loved to scratch his lottery tickets and play Euchre.  He was an avid Hawkeye sports fan and enjoyed tinkering around on the farm.  Joe was a family man at heart enjoying his time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

    He was a member of St. Matthias Parish in Cascade.  Joe was also a member of the Cascade American Legion Post# 528 and was a member of AA for more than 60 years.

    He is survived by one daughter, Lisa Manternach of Monticello; and three sons, Mark (Deb) Merfeld of Monticello, Tim (Kim) Merfeld and Todd (Dana) Merfeld  both of Cascade; 14 grandchildren, Tanya (Tim) Deutmeyer, Brooke Manternach-Kite, Paula (Jordan) Moats, Jake Manternach, Brandi (Heath) Keenlance, Melissa (Chris) Hanewicz, Tony (Sonu) Merfeld, Kiel (Emily) Merfeld, Mackenzie Cooper, Jamie Cooper, Allyson (Danny) Yanecek, Isaac Merfeld, Natalie Merfeld, and Eli Merfeld; 17 great-grandchildren with one on the way; his two siblings, Annabelle Gudenkauf of Manchester, and Allen (Beverly) Merfeld of Rockford, Ill.; in-laws, Gladys Merfeld of Dubuque, Cheryl Merfeld of Garden Prairie, Ill., and Gerri Merfeld of Benton Harbor, Mich.

    He is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Jeffery in 1965; a daughter, Pamela in 2003; one great-grandson, Matthew Keenlance; four brothers, Louie, Robert, Francis, and Carl (Peggy) Merfeld; three sisters, Theresa (Ralph) Drew, Mary Margaret (Lawrence) Ahlers, and Rosie Marie (Earl) Oswald; in-laws, Jerry Gudenkauf, Judy Merfeld, Irene (Melvin) Peiffer, and Betty (Bob) McMahon,  

    An online video may be viewed and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reiff funeralhomeinc.com

    The family of Joe would like to thank the staff of Riverbend Retirement, Accura Healthcare and Hospice of Dubuque for all the wonderful care given to Joe.