Merle Galbraith, age 89, of Sioux Rapids, Iowa died Thursday, September 3, 2015 at the Spencer Municipal Hospital in Spencer, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Church in Sioux Rapids. Burial will be in the Lone Tree Cemetery in Sioux Rapids. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements.

Merle Rex Galbraith, the son of Robert and Florence (Deming) Galbraith was born on a farm near Sac City, Iowa, on July 9, 1926. He lived his youth in the Sac City vicinity and Merle was a graduate of the Sac City High School.

He was united in marriage to Joan Breyfogle in 1970 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Joan died in December of 1992. On January 1, 1994, Merle was united in marriage to Phyllis (Randall) Massee Roemer at the Riverside Presbyterian Church in Linn Grove. Merle and Phyllis were blessed with 21 years together. Merle’s lifetime was totally devoted to his farming vocation. He began farming with his father and brothers near Sac City until moving to the Marathon area where he farmed for himself. In 1994, Merle moved into the town of Sioux Rapids but didn’t retire from farming until 1996. Even in his “retirement”, Merle continued to help Brian Halverson on his farm from 1996 until 2013.

Merle was a member of the Riverside Evangelical Free Church in Linn Grove. He was a member of the Farm Bureau for over 50 years, a member of the Sioux Rapids Historical Society, the Dinner Date, and the “Coffee Club.” Merle enjoyed taking his “best girl” out to eat, watching sports, playing solitaire, and he took an active interest in Case tractors.

Merle’s life is lovingly remembered and celebrated by his family which include his wife, Phyllis of Sioux Rapids, Iowa; his children: JoAnn Breyfogle of Alta, Iowa; Lucinda “Cindy” (Jon) Ringgenberg of North Mankato, Minnesota; Jane Massee (Kevin Williams) of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Karen (Dwaine) Campney of Harvard, Illinois; and son-in-law, Ed Risinger of Lufkin, Texas; grandchildren: Chad (Laurie) Breyfogle, Brandi Breyfogle, Jeremy Breyfogle, Andrea (Charles) Rambo, Patrick (Tami) Risinger, Cara Ringgenberg, Tanya Ringgenberg, Joseph Ringgenberg, Debbie (Todd) Benjamin, Daniel Roemer, Jody Roemer, Nick Marshall; great grandchildren: Nicole Rambo, Emleigh, Douglas, and Hannah Compton, Amelia Breyfogle, Nathaniel Breyfogle; one brother, James (Ann) Galbraith of Sac City, Iowa; two sisters: Arlene Wilardsen of Clive, Iowa; and Ruth Ellen Smith of Sac City, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other extended family and his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joan; two daughters: Paulette Breyfogle and Susan Risinger; son, Ernest Breyfogole; and two brothers: Gerald Galbraith and Leroy Galbraith.

Blessed be the life and memory of Merle Rex Galbraith.

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