Elizabeth "Liz" M. Merk

Elizabeth "Liz" Merk, 91, of Kingsley, Iowa and formally from the Manson area, passed away on October 7, 2014 at the Kingsley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2014 at St. Thomas Church, Manson with Rev. Brian Danner officiating the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Manson. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home is serving the family. Elizabeth is survived by her step daughter, Ruth Shutters of Hancock, IA; grandchildren, Jeff (Heather) Shutters of Atlantic, IA; Kim Shutters of Spencer, IA; Mike (Kathy) Shutters of Walnut, IA; Matt (Shannon) Merk of Kingsley, IA; Melissa Marzinski of Mankato, MN; niece, Barb (Mark) Steinmetz of Lake Geneva, WI; and numerous great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mark J. and Margaret A. (Lampe) Byrne; husband, Ben Merk; sisters, Sr. Iola OSF; Eileen; brothers, James and Frank; infant sister, Margaret Ann Byrne; step-son, Lyle Merk; step-son-in law, Bruce Shutters; and her granddaughter, Dawn Defenbaugh. Elizabeth Marcelles Byrne was born July 13, 1923 near Palmer, Iowa. She graduated from Palmer High School in 1941. Elizabeth was a secretary for a period of time before she was united in marriage to Ben Merk on August 12, 1967. The couple established their home on their farm North East of Manson. After Ben passed away Elizabeth continued to manage the farm until she retired and moved to Golden Meadows. In January of 2012, Elizabeth moved to Kingsley, IA; where she was a member of the Kingsley Red Hat Society. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. Visitation Sat, Oct 11, 2014 at 9:00 am - 10:00 am St. Thomas Church Service Sat, Oct 11, 2014 at 10:00 am St. Thomas Church