March 29, 1947-August 15, 2020
Merle Anthony Ocken, 73, died Saturday, August 15, 2020, at University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City.
Born March 29, 1947, in Templeton to Lawrence and Mary (Baumhover) Ocken, Merle graduated from Kuemper High School, Carroll and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University in 1970. He married Nancy Ann Scranton August 29, 1970, at Church of the Visitation, Camanche. Merle spent most of his working life as Facilities Director for Searle Pharmaceuticals in Skokie, Illinois, until retirement.
Merle enjoyed reading, woodworking, and spending time with his family and friends. He was also an avid golfer. Merle was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt and Springbrook Country Club. Merle was also a member and served in various offices of the DeWitt Chamber and Development Company, DeWitt Noon Lions Club, Lincoln Way Community Foundation and was instrumental in the planning of the new DeWitt Public Library.
Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Nancy; sons Andrew (Ann), Elburn, Illinois, and Jeffrey (Bethany), Windsor, Colorado; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Matthew, Lydia and Marian Ocken; siblings, Alice (Wayne) Rupiper, Roselle, Janice (Harlan) Wolterman, Bellevue, Nebraska, and Robert (Lynn) Ocken, Cedar Rapids; a brother-in-law, Keith (Diane) Irlbeck, Northfield, Minnesota; nieces and nephews.
Preceding Merle in death were his parents; siblings, Lawrence Ocken, Lavonne Ocken, Leonette Irlbeck, Joleen Irlbeck and Ronald Ocken and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Arlene Scranton.
Visitation will be at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday. A private Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, DeWitt. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials are suggested to LincolnWay Foundation, DeWitt Public Library or the tree fund at Springbook Country Club.
Condolences may be expressed, and a photo tribute viewed at www.schulzfuneralhomes.com.
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Updated:16 February 2025
Curator: Ed Moore