Merle Hogrefe

Merle Hogrefe, age 87, of Albert City, Iowa died Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake. 

Memorial services will take place Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Albert City. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will take place Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the CHURCH. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is in charge of the arrangements.

Merle William Hogrefe was born July 23, 1936 in Storm Lake, Iowa the son of William Carl and Bridget “Bridie” Mary (O’Brien) Hogrefe.

Growing up, he attended school in Albert City where he graduated from Albert City High School in 1954. Following high school graduation, Merle continued his education at Iowa State College where he graduated in 1958.

In 1958, Merle was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He served a total of eight years combined as a commissioned officer in the United States Army and Army Reserves.

Merle married Shirley Farrell in 1962 and together they were blessed with one son, Sherman.

Merle was a farmer and entrepreneur. If not working the fields, you would find him at Metal Master, a business he founded in 1964 that specialized in the production of metal and wire goods with an emphasis on agriculture and horticulture.  This was an endeavor that he eventually shared with his son.

When not working, Merle took an active role in his community by serving on many councils and boards for the City of Albert City, his church, and businesses around town. Albert City was always home for Merle, and he remained committed to investing his time and energy into a community in which he took pride.  

In his spare time, Merle loved to travel the United States with his wife, Shirley. He also enjoyed attending the events of and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Merle loved to tell stories of his time at Iowa State, business travels, life with Shirley, and the adventures of raising Sherman to his grandsons and their families. Family was important to Merle, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Shirley Hogrefe of Albert City, Iowa; grandchildren: Christopher (Amy) Hogrefe of Evanston, Illinois; Tyler (Laura) Hogrefe of Ankeny, Iowa; Colin (Michele) Hogrefe of Linn Grove, Iowa; great grandchildren: Carter, Addyson and Caleb Hogrefe; Everett, Finn and Liam Hogrefe; Cael and Brandt Hogrefe; extended family and many friends.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, William and Bridie Hogrefe; in-laws: James and Bernice Farrell; and son, Sherman Hogrefe.

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