Merlin Siefken

Merlin Siefken, age 77, of Johnston, IA passed away Friday, September 2, 2022 at MercyOne Hospice in Johnston. A visitation will be held at 10 A.M. on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Urbandale. The funeral service will take place at the church following the visitation at 11 A.M. A private family burial will take place after the funeral service at Sunny Hill Cemetery.

Merlin Siefken, son of Heino and Esther (Kapels) Siefken, was born in Wayne, NE on June 17, 1945. He was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wayne, NE in 1945. He was confirmed into the Christian faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Columbus, NE in 1959. Merlin grew up on a farm near Creston, NE and graduated from Creston High School in 1963. He later graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1967 with a degree in Mechanized Agriculture and a minor in Business Administration. On April 16, 1966 he married the love of his life Nancy Johannes at St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Columbus, NE. Merlin worked for John Deere Financial for 34 years before retiring. This involved living in Lincoln, NE, Red Oak, IA, Eden Prairie, MN and in the Des Moines Metro Area where he retired. In 2007, Merlin started Siefken Management Services, LLC where he served clients in business and associations and was active in the business until his passing. Merlin and Nancy were active in every church they joined. He served in various leadership positions, he would always say that God was leading his life so his career moves provided skills that his new church home needed.

This year, Merlin and Nancy celebrated 56 years of marriage. They raised 3 children in a Christian home and they were blessed with 9 grandchildren. Merlin treasured his time with his children and grandchildren. He was very proud of them all and loved to tell others about their achievements in sports, school and other activities. He also encouraged his children to provide a Christian family environment and looks forward to seeing them all in heaven.

His legacy will continue in the hearts of his loving wife, Nancy; son, Steven (Krista) Siefken and their children, Hannah and Micah; daughter, Robin (Kevin) Lowman and their children, Erica, Michael and Nathan; son, Craig (Jennifer) Siefken and their children Caiden, Evan, Austin and Garrett; brothers, Harlan Siefken and Fred (Kathy) Siefken; sister-in-law Jo Ann Johnson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Delbert.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to Gloria Dei Foundation or MercyOne Hospice in Johnston. Online condolences and the full obituary may be found at www.caldwellparrish.com