Merle Alberts, age 77 of Hartley, IA, passed away at the Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City on Monday, January 20, 2014.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 24th at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Hartley.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 23rd from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Hartley Funeral Home Chapel with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening.
The Hartley Funeral Home in Hartley is in charge of the arrangements for 77 year-old Merle Alberts of Hartley, IA.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.sanborn-hartleyfuneralhomes.com
Merle Gene Alberts, the son of Rancy and Alice (Bruns) Alberts was born June 25, 1936 in Worthington, MN. He grew up and received his early education at Worthington. On January 19, 1955, Merle enlisted in the United States Army, serving as an MP. He was honorably discharged on October 24, 1957. He later worked with the Secret Service.
Merle married Donna Postma in 1999. The couple made Hartley, IA their home. Merle served on various boards over the years; was a member of the Sanborn City Council, worked with the Fire Department for nearly 20 years, and served in several capacities within his church.
Merle loved working with, and being around people. He worked as a propane manager for Skelgas and Thermogas collectively for 35 years, and then at Shoppers Supply until he suffered a stroke in 2001. Merle passed away at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, IA on January 20, 2014 at the age of 77.
Survivors include his wife, Donna of Williamsburg, IA; his children and their families: Connie (Steven) Wiersma of Sanborn, IA, Joel (Brenda) Alberts of Excelsior, MN, Jay (Janelle) Alberts of Chagrin Falls, OH; step-children: Dawn (Ryan) Burns of Williamsburg, IA, Jason (Amber) Postma of Hartley, IA, Cheryl Koele of Williamsburg, IA; six grandchildren: Brandon and Trevor Krikke, Emma and Isaac Alberts, Abigail and Grant Alberts; five step-grandchildren: Dylan and Austin Burns, Adilynn Postma, Kiley Koele, and Thomas Kunzman; two sisters: Joyce (Daryl) Harberts of Rushmore, MN, Janice (Merle) Spoolstra of Cushing, WI; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Roger Alberts.