Merlin Peter

Merlin R. Peter, age 86, of Ankeny passed away March 27, 2020 at Unity Point – Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale is in charge of arrangements. Merlin was born October 3, 1933 in Sheffield to Fay and Emma Peter. He graduated from Sheffield High School, Eagle Grove Junior College and Drake University with a degree in Science and Physical Education. During the summers Merlin continued his education with graduate hours in Science at William and Jewell College, Iowa State University, University of Iowa, Drake University and North Dakota University. Merlin loved all sports and played baseball and basketball in high school and college. Although he enjoyed playing baseball, his passion was basketball and he set state records in scoring and free throw shooting in high school and at Eagle Grove Jr. College. He continued playing basketball at Drake and after graduation he played with an AAU basketball team from Marshalltown and on a Wellsburg softball team for several years. He played on a softball team from Mason City that went to the State Softball tournament in Des Moines two years in a row. With his long legs he could run the bases like a deer. He was married to Darlene Brouwer in 1955 to which three children were born. Merlin taught science and coached at Wellsburg for five years, then taught science in the Mason City Schools for thirty-three years. He served as President of the Mason City Education Association, Vice President of the Mason City Jr. High Association and was the Eighth grade team leader at John Adams. In the summers he was employed by the Mason City Parks Dept., managed the Municipal Swimming Pool and managed the East Park skating rink during the winter. He loved being around young people and often proclaimed there was never a day that he didn't want to teach. He enjoyed hunting, traveling, watching the Hawkeyes and watching his grandchildren play sports. His favorite trip was three weeks in Alaska, and he also liked the water and beauty of Hawaii and taking trips to all the mainland states. As a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church he served on the Education Board, volunteered to feed the homeless, was a substitute teacher in Sunday school and served as communion steward, usher and greeter on Sunday mornings. Merlin is survived by his wife Darlene of Ankeny, daughter Kim (Michael) Murphy of Ames, son Greg of Lee's Summit, MO, five grandchildren, five great grandchildren, brothers Dean of Sheffield, Larry Callao, MO and several nieces and nephews. Merlin was welcomed into heaven by his beloved son, Russ and his parents Fay and Emma Peter. A Memorial Celebration will be held at a later date.