- Born on: July 19, 1943
- Departed on: January 30, 2026
- Resided in: Cedar Rapids, IA
Maynard Maurice Merck
Maynard Maurice Merck passed away peacefully on January 30th, 2026 at Living Center West in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was born on July 19th, 1943 in Millersburg, Iowa to Maurice Wesley Merck and Marie Lena (Shine) Merck. He later moved with his family to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
In 1961, he graduated from Washington High School, and then continued his education at Kirkwood Community College. He proudly graduated with a certificate in both welding and architecture. He later enlisted in the Army and became an Artillery Specialist. He was stationed in Seoul, South Korea where he met Poksun (Pak) Merck, whom he married in May of 1969. They remained together for the entirety of his life.
After being honorably discharged, he spent many happy years in a job that he loved at Harnischfeger in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There, he was employed as a MIG/TIG welder until the closing of the business.
Maynard loved to reminisce about time spent in his younger years with his brothers and parents. His family was his greatest joy in life. Spending time with Kayla, Tyler, Enzo, and Brooklyn would light up his face in a smile every time; so would seeing Poksun walk into the room or hearing her call his name.
He enjoyed the simple things: fishing, hunting, camping, a tall glass of ice-cold chocolate milk, and an even taller glass of Amana wine.
Maynard has two sons, Lonn Whitford Sr. from his first marriage to Donna Anderson, and Tim Merck from his marriage to Poksun (Pak) Merck. He also has a daughter, Arlene (Merck) Hawkins, twin sister to Tim Merck.
Maynard is survived by his brothers John (Cathy) and Dave (Susan), and three children (Lonn, Tim (Colena), Arlene (Conrad)). He is also survived by his grandchildren and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Maurice and Marie.
Wishing everyone could have known the amazing, kind-hearted, selfless person he was. As a final note, "You'll always be the apple of my eye."
In 1961, he graduated from Washington High School, and then continued his education at Kirkwood Community College. He proudly graduated with a certificate in both welding and architecture. He later enlisted in the Army and became an Artillery Specialist. He was stationed in Seoul, South Korea where he met Poksun (Pak) Merck, whom he married in May of 1969. They remained together for the entirety of his life.
After being honorably discharged, he spent many happy years in a job that he loved at Harnischfeger in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There, he was employed as a MIG/TIG welder until the closing of the business.
Maynard loved to reminisce about time spent in his younger years with his brothers and parents. His family was his greatest joy in life. Spending time with Kayla, Tyler, Enzo, and Brooklyn would light up his face in a smile every time; so would seeing Poksun walk into the room or hearing her call his name.
He enjoyed the simple things: fishing, hunting, camping, a tall glass of ice-cold chocolate milk, and an even taller glass of Amana wine.
Maynard has two sons, Lonn Whitford Sr. from his first marriage to Donna Anderson, and Tim Merck from his marriage to Poksun (Pak) Merck. He also has a daughter, Arlene (Merck) Hawkins, twin sister to Tim Merck.
Maynard is survived by his brothers John (Cathy) and Dave (Susan), and three children (Lonn, Tim (Colena), Arlene (Conrad)). He is also survived by his grandchildren and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Maurice and Marie.
Wishing everyone could have known the amazing, kind-hearted, selfless person he was. As a final note, "You'll always be the apple of my eye."
