Merle John Koedam

Alvord, IA: Merle John Koedam, 76, of Alvord, Iowa, died Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A funeral service will be held Thursday, April 27, at 10:30 AM at First Christian Reformed Church of Rock Valley with Rev. Matthew Haan officiating. The service can be livestreamed at https://www.christianworldmedia.com/livechannel/firstcrcrv. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Visitation, with the family present, will be held Wednesday, April 26, from 5:00-7:00 PM at First CRC of Rock Valley.

   Memorials may be directed to Rock Valley Christian School. Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley is assisting the family with arrangements.

   Merle John Koedam, son of William and Gertrude (Klarenbeek) Koedam, was born December 12, 1946, at Armour, South Dakota. He spent time during his childhood living near Luverne, Minnesota, Hawarden, Iowa and Pipestone, Minnesota, working on the family farm with his parents and siblings. Eventually, Merle settled in Alvord, Iowa. Merle proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from January 7, 1966 – January 6, 1968, during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Merle returned home and met Ruth Sieler. Merle and Ruth were united in marriage at a small chapel in Minnesota on November 15, 1968. They first lived in Rock Rapids, Iowa before returning to Alvord.

   Throughout his entire life Merle was extremely hard working. Whether he was farming, driving truck, or his 16 years as Lyon County Supervisor, Merle was always doing something or helping someone. One of his greatest joys was being a father figure and helping raise 9 of his nieces and nephews and eventually being a grandfather figure to their children. Merle was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church of Rock Valley where he served two terms as an elder. He also belonged to the American Legion Dick De Boer Post 704 where he served as a past post commander.

   Merle is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ruth; 9 nieces and nephews whom he treated like his own children, Venus, Heather, Billy, Jason, Joe, Kim, Jennie, Rowena, and Dawn; 5 grandchildren, Quentin, Austin, Sierra, Faith, and Addie; and 4 siblings, Shirley (Arnie) Van Voorst of Inwood, Iowa, Wes (Marge) Koedam of Alvord, Gloria (Mike) Bomgaars of Inwood, and Kenny (Amy) Koedam of Inwood.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Gertrude Koedam; and brother, Vern (Laura) Koedam.