Merriem Gast

Merriem M. Gast, 95, of Iowa Falls, Iowa, formerly of Steamboat Rock, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at Hansen Family Hospital in Iowa Falls. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral service 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Steamboat Rock. Burial will follow at the Steamboat Rock Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Merriem was born on April 19, 1923 in rural Wellsburg, Iowa; she graduated from Wellsburg High School in the class of 1940. Merriem was united in marriage to Roger E. Gast at St. Paul Lutheran Church on October 3, 1942. They enjoyed 45 happy years together and welcomed their son Roger and their daughter Sheryll into their family.

Merriem was employed as a bookkeeper for Potgeter Grain Company and Harold H. Luiken & Sons. She also owned & operated, alongside her husband, Gast Grocery in Steamboat Rock.

Merriem was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Steamboat Rock; there she served the church in a variety of capacities.  Merriem was very proud of being an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 73 years. She enjoyed wintering in Arizona with her husband Roger until he passed away there on February 14, 1988. Merriem was an avid reader all her life; but her true joy in life came from spending time with her family, especially her many grandchildren.

Merriem is survived by her son Roger G. (Mary) Gast of Waterloo, IA; daughter Sheryll (Duane) Skidmore of Colfax, Iowa; 4 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Roger E. Gast; brother Rolin; and great-grandson Zeke.