Marion “Mert” W. Den Hartog, 87, of Le Mars, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at Good Samaritan Society in Le Mars. A Memorial Service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 9, 2014 at the Le Mars Bible Church. Pastor Fred Gums will officiate. Graveside services are scheduled at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at the Hospers Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, 2014 at the Mauer – Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service scheduled at 7:00 p.m.
Marion Walter Den Hartog was born on August 21, 1926 near Hospers, Iowa to Walter and Mary (Vande Steeg) Den Hartog. He attended school in Hospers, graduating from high school in 1943. On February 22, 1945, Mert enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served his country in the Pacific Theater during WWII as a Motor Machinist Mate. He earned his honorable discharge on December 27, 1948. Following the service Mert returned to Hospers where he helped on the family farm.
On December 5, 1947, Mert and Catherine M. Oordt were united in marriage at the First Reformed Church in Hospers, Iowa. Together they farmed near Hospers until 1958. Mert was involved in a plumbing and heating partnership for two years prior to taking a position with Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO) in Le Mars, Iowa. The family moved to Le Mars in July of 1960. Mert was forced into retirement in the early 70’s due to Multiple Sclerosis. In October of 2006 he moved to Brentwood Good Samaritan Village.
He was a member of the Le Mars Bible Church. In early years Mert enjoyed hunting and fishing. His family wishes to thank Brentwood for their unending care and compassion in his final years.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 66 years, Katy of Le Mars; a son, David Den Hartog and his wife Elizabeth of Cleburne, TX; daughter, Brenda Meredith and her husband Wayne of Madison Heights, VA; son, Don Den Hartog and his wife Patty of Winchester, VA; grandchildren, Rachel (Ryan) Mohrmann, Jonathan (Angie) Den Hartog, Joshua (Claudia) Den Hartog, Jason Den Hartog, Ruth (Rich) Oyler, Kendra (Doug) Fletcher, Reagan Williams, Christie (Jason) Currie, Brian (Kimbra) Den Hartog, Karen (Dan) Berkenkemper and Brad Den Hartog; 22 great-grandchildren; a sister, Corrine (Carl) Folkers of Archer, IA; and a brother, Dr. J.G. (Marilyn) Den Hartog of Madison, WI.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to the Le Mars Bible Church Mission Fund.
