John "Merlin" Van Dyk was born September 12, 1933, in the kitchen of his parents' farmhouse in Prairie City, Iowa. He passed away June 8, 2024, at the age of 90.

Merlin graduated from 8th grade of a one room country school and then worked on the family farm until being drafted into the Army in 1956. He served in France until 1959 working as a truck mechanic.

He married LaVoe Huyser in 1959 and returned to work on the family farm. They had three children: Sadowna, Daylin and Sandy. He left the farm and moved to Pella working for Vermeer Corporation for 29 years as a welder, in the maintenance shop and ending his career in the parts center in 1998.

Merlin married Verna Van Hemert on November 21, 1973. They built a home in 1990 across from First Baptist Church of Pella. Never being one to just sit around, he began caretaking duties along with his wife at that church for over 20 years. He also served as custodian at Webster Elementary and Central College.

Merlin and Verna enjoyed camping with friends for many years. In retirement, Merlin enjoyed walking to nearby Hardees for morning coffee with "the boys" and attending the activities of their grandchildren, family and friends.

Some of Merlin's greatest joys were mowing, snow plowing, and keeping an immaculate home. He took great pride in being a meticulous automobile and property-care enthusiast.

Merlin is survived by his wife Verna (Van Hemert) Van Dyk of Pella, sister Margie (Loren) Verwers of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, and his family:

Daughter: Sadowna (Mark) Conarroe of North Kansas City, Missouri

Sons: Daylin Van Dyk of Norwalk, Iowa

Sandy "Sam" Van Dyk of Bradenton, Florida

Granddaughters: Jenny (Mitch) Monroe of Pleasant Hill, Iowa

Mason, Myla

Elizabeth "Lizzy" Van Dyk & Zach Dingbaum, of Oelwein, Iowa

Linda Van Dyk of Carlisle, Iowa

Grandsons: Jeremy (LaCosta) Van Dyk of Pella

Zarah, Ariana, Madyson "Wil", Alexander "AJ", Josiah, Izabella

Gatlin McClun of Kansas City, Missouri

Skyler McClun of Kansas City, Missouri

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents Nick and Mary (Van Arkel) Van Dyk.

First Baptist Church
Pella IA

Pella Athletic Booster Club - Softball Program
Pella IA