"Seeing the obituary notice for Charlotte at 105 years old could only bring a smile of joy! Her journey here is completed.! God did not forget she was down here waiting. I was blessed by Charlotte's' wit and the way she could bring smiles & laughter to everyone- fellow residents as well as those of us blessed to be staff and know her at Good Samaritan. One of my most enjoyable memories of Charlotte was when we would have bowling in activities. She would nonchalantly make a strike and the surprise and fun on her face added to everyone's good time. May God's peace and many happy memories bless all of your family. Sincerely, Barb Vaske"
In loving memory of
Charlotte A. Mergen
October 22, 1912 - March 2, 2018
Funeral Mass for Charlotte Ann Mergen, 105, of Whittemore, will be held on Wednesday at 12:00 PM noon at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Whittemore. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Wednesday.
Charlotte Ann Mergen was born October 22, 1912, in Mallard, daughter of Charles and Mary (Schumacher) Kunz. She grew up on a farm near Mallard graduating from Mallard High School in 1930. She then attended beauty school in Des Moines. Charlotte married Henry John Harm, Jr., on May 5, 1936, at Kingsley. They lived in Pierson where she operated a beauty shop. Charlotte and Henry were parents to two sons, Ray and Gary. Henry preceded her in death in 1942.
On October 31, 1946, Charlotte married Harvey F. Mergen at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Whittemore. They made their home in Whittemore where she operated Charlotte's Beauty Shop until the age of 72. Charlotte loved being with her family especially with her grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards, making afghans and quilts, and in later years she also enjoyed traveling. She was a member of many card clubs and was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church being active in C.D. of A. and the church guild.
Charlotte A. Mergen died Friday, March 2, 2018, at Good Samaritan Society, Algona at the age of 105. She had been a resident there since September of 2008.
She is survived by six children, Ray Harm of Columbia, CA, Gary Harm of Redwood City, CA, Ann (Mike) Woltz of West Des Moines, John Mergen of Algona, Steven (Karla) Mergen of Storm Lake, and Mary (Trevis) O'Connoll of Floyd. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and many other family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Henry Harm on March 8, 1942; her husband Harvey Mergen on September 17, 1968; 2 grandsons, Mickey Harm and Phil Mergen; two daughters-in-law, JoAnn Harm and Carol Harm; and six siblings, Edmund Kunz, Evelyn Leuer, Alvin Kunz, Edna Fitzpatrick, Mary McMahon, and Charles Kunz.
Tributes
"My sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with your family. My Mom would get her hair done by Charlotte and always enjoyed their time together."
"I am a CNA at good sam. I took care of Charlotte for 9 years. She was the sweetest little lady. Told me so much about her life, remembering things her grandmother had told her. I will miss her! God Bless her and her family"
"My deepest sympathy to the Family! Many memories of her & Mom talking about doing hair! Sorry I can't be there on Wednesday! Mary (Zatloukal) Jansen"
"My deepest sympathy to the Family! Many memories of her & Mom talking about doing hair! Sorry I can't be there on Wednesday! Mary (Zatloukal) Jansen"
"Our Mother Mary Benschoter (deceased) was a great fan of Charlotte. They had many a great laugh together. She had a great heart! Leon, Linda and Bruce Benschoter"
"Lots of good times we had playing in the corner yard when we were small kids I can see all the rooms in the house. All the over nights and good food Charlotte made for us. Dick & Ellie Russell"
"My family lived next door to Charlotte and her family, in Whittemore, so knew her quite well. Of course, she was the person to go to for hair cuts and perms for the females in our household. If there is one long lasting memory to share, it is the presence of that smile. It was there EVERY time you saw her and you just couldn't help but smile back. She was a woman of great faith in God despite tribulations that might have led others to despair. Her children and their families will have many words of wisdom given over the years to ponder, and great character we and they could only hope to emulate. My deepest sympathy to her children and extended family. Rest in Peace dear Charlotte."
"Charlotte was part of my family. Growing up in Whittemore, I spend a great amount of time at her house with her & her grand kids, just hanging out, eating, playing cards & spending nights there too. Was always great seeing her at family gatherings like birthday parties & get togethers. So glad to see her live a very long & wonderful 105 years on this earth. She was an amazing person, very kind & caring. She will truly be missed family & many others that had the chance to get to know her over her lifetime. May Charlotte R.I.P. & start the next chapter of her life with family & friends that have passed on before her...Shannon Lee Doocy "
"What a Lady!Your family are all in my thoughts and prayers"
"WHITTEMORE, IOWA- GREAT PEOPLE - LIVE A VERY LONG LIFE !!! Ray , Gary , John , Steve & Sister's --- Your Mother had a Great Heart - Goodness brought her a Great Family and Long Life . God Bless Your Family . Luke Kollasch"
"Have many fond memories of your mom. She was a special lady. Our Sympathy to your family."
"One Word. Peace."
"What A lovely lady! Sympathy to all the family. Dorothy Mergen"