Merlin Scarf

Merlin Scarf, age 80, of Anita, IA, passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, IA.

Merlin was born on June 27, 1941, the son of Robert and Pearl (Krause) Scarf. He graduated from Atlantic High School in 1959. After graduation, Merlin joined the Iowa National Guard in 1961 where he served over 25 years. He started working as a mechanic at Larson and Lowers Equipment in Atlantic. On September 7, 1963, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic, IA, Merlin was united in marriage to Joyce Jean Hansen. To this union four sons were born, Terry Robert, Randy Ray, Bradley Lee, Rodney Gene. In 1969 Merlin moved to Anita to be the manager of Floyd Dement’s Implement business that Harold Larsen bought. From 1971 through 1983, Merlin opened Melgen Equipment with Glen Wedemeyer. After Melgen closed, in 1986 was when Merlin started to work for the Anita Municipal Utilities as a foreman. In 2006, he was then appointed superintendent as a consultant for AMU.

Merlin enjoyed going on cruise ships, being in parades or tractor pulls, attending Old Thrashers in Mount Pleasant, IA, and the Clay County Fair Spencer, IA. Merlin said it best himself, “When I grew up, I had two ambitions in life. One was to work in an implement business, the other was to work with electricity. I’ve gotten to do both of those in my life. I enjoy that I’ve been able to complete both ambitions.” Merlin loved working in his shop, you could often see him and Joyce driving around town in the Model T Car.

Merlin was a member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Anita, IA. He also served on the Anita Volunteer Fire Department for 45 years.

Merlin is survived by his wife Joyce; four sons Terry Scarf, Randy (Sherri) Scarf, Bradley (Mary) Scarf, Rodney (Diane) Scarf; two exchange students Tobias Fahl and his wife Heike with their children, Annika, Niklass, Levin, , and Sascha Ihrig and his wife Birgit with their children Matteo and Vince; 13 grandchildren, Jeremy Lee (Sara) Scarf, Katie (Jordan) Williams, Lorrainna (Christopher) Bovy, Shelby Scarf, Rachael Scarf, Mallory (Chane) Larkin, Andy (Shae) Sand, Stacie Scarf, Jeremy (Carolyn) Scarf, Amber (Cody) Bailey, Brian (Leah) Scarf, William Scarf;19 great-grandchildren; siblings, David Scarf and Nila (Patrick) Connors.

Preceded in Merlin’s death are his parents, Robert & Pearl Scarf; a brother Howard (Cheryl) Scarf; grandchild, Steven R. Scarf; and a sister-in-law, Kathleen L. Scarf.

Visitation with family present will take place from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 25, 2022, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Anita, IA.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, south of Wiota, IA. Burial will take place just following the funeral service at the Atlantic Cemetery with military rights. Luncheon will be held following the burial at the Anita American Legion Hall.

Arrangements are with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita, IA.