In loving memory of

J. Merritt Wortman
February 24, 2011

Joseph Merritt Wortman, one of five children of Rosella Lavina (Livengood) and Reed Merritt Wortman, was born on November 15, 1937 on his parents' farm near Hastings, Iowa. He grew up in the Hastings-Strahan area, and graduated from Strahan High School in 1954, at age 16. As a youth, he worked on a haying crew with the other boys in the neighborhood. Following school, Merritt worked construction for a short time before returning to the family farm.

Merritt and Patricia Ann Straight were married on December 24, 1964 at the Methodist Church Parsonage in Emerson, Iowa. They made their home on the farm and their marriage was blessed with a son, Joseph Michael.

The farm was Merritt's life and he took great pride in being the 5th generation to farm the ground and to receive the Century Award in 1976.

Merritt was a member of Ak-Sar-Ben for many years and enjoyed watching horse races and visiting the casinos. He always had to be busy doing something. He loved to take drives in his pickup and work search-a-word puzzles. Merritt and Pat bowled with the Plum Hollow Mixed Bowling League for 40 years.

Merritt and Pat were married 46 years, when Merritt passed away suddenly on February 24, 2011, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, Iowa. He attained the age of 73 years, 3 months, and 9 days.

Merritt was preceded in death by his parents; sister Joan Larson; and brother-in-law Richard Straight.

Merritt is survived by his wife Pat Wortman and son Joe Wortman, both of Hastings; sisters, Louise Hines and husband Carl of Grant City, MO, and Beverly Gammon and husband Marland of Glenwood, IA; brother Roger Wortman and wife Carol of Shannon City, IA; brother-in-law Ted Larson of Council Bluffs, IA; sisters-in-law, Jean Ballain and husband Marlyn of Palmer, Alaska, and Mickey Taylor and husband Dan of Broken Arrow, OK; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.


In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Tributes

Joey Waterman wrote on May 7, 2011:

"Joe & Pat-- I just heard. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll keep you in my prayers. --joey"

Scott Albright wrote on Mar 8, 2011:

"Joe & Pat: I am so sorry to hear about Merritt's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you both."

Ron Fickel wrote on Mar 7, 2011:

"Pat and Joe - Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of your loss. Ron Fickel and Family"

Mallory Leu wrote on Mar 1, 2011:

"Mr. Wortman, So sorry for the loss of your dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Mallory Leu"

Corey Palmer wrote on Feb 28, 2011:

"Im so sorry to hear about merritt, he was a good great uncle, miss him."

Mel Straight wrote on Feb 28, 2011:

"Pat & Joe I will always cherish the chilhood memories of the many great times had on the farm. We've been blessed to have so many wonderful people like Uncle Merritt in our lives. We love and miss you all. God Bless! Mel, Jen, Emily, JD and AJ Straight "

Patty & Tom Niedermyer wrote on Feb 28, 2011:

"Merritt Wortman Families We are so Sad to hear of Mert's Passing. I can remember him so Fondly, when I was a Little Girl on the Farm. My Dad Ambrose cherished his Friendship. Our Sincere Sympathy to the Entire Family. Patty (Doyle) & Tom Niedermyer & Family & My Dad Ambrose Doyle. "

Herb and Claudia Hoover wrote on Feb 28, 2011:

"Pat, I just heard about Merrit this morning. Wish I could have been there to give you a hug. Please know that our thoughts and prayer are with you and your son. Cousin Claudia and Herb Hoover"

Marge Kahl wrote on Feb 28, 2011:

"Pat, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers always. I never met Merritt but you shared him with us in conversation and love. God bless you and your family during this time as you share his life and memories. "

Patty (Doyle) Niedermyer & Tom & Family wrote on Feb 28, 2011:

"Pat & Joe It was Great to See you Today at the Funeral. I wish That Mert Could have seen Dad before this Sad Day. My Sincere Sympathy to you Both and the Entire Families. Life is Just Way to Short. Thinking of You. Patty (Doyle) Niedermyer & Tom & Our Family"

Becky Elkins wrote on Feb 28, 2011:

"Joe & Pat, So sorry to hear about Merritt. We will keep you in our thoughts."

Heather Gray wrote on Feb 27, 2011:

"Pat & Joe, We are so sorry for your loss and our whole family's loss. Uncle Merritt will be missed----I already miss his smile and the glint in his eye. Our prayers are with you and the family at this time and know that we wish we were there to comfort you. Love, Heather and Corey"

Sherm and Ruby Livengood wrote on Feb 27, 2011:

"Pat and Joe, We will always remember Merritt with a smile on his face. "

Teresa B wrote on Feb 27, 2011:

"IM very sorry for your loss,death of a loved one can be the most devastating experiences a human can face,but we can find comfort from the bible in John 5:28,29 god promises there is going to be a resurrection! What a grand hope that is.Also Psalms 55:22 says( Throw your burden upon Jehovah)There will be a time when pain,suffering and even death will be no more Revelation 21:3-5 I hope these scriptures will help you in these trying times."

Chad Ballain & Family wrote on Feb 27, 2011:

"We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time."

Lindsay wrote on Feb 26, 2011:

"Uncle merritt was a great uncle he was a great farmer and I miss him very much."

Lora Fritz wrote on Feb 26, 2011:

"Joe, so sorry to hear about your dad. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Lora, Marty, Katie and Jacob Fritz"

Deb & Terry Smith wrote on Feb 26, 2011:

"Pat & Joe, We are so sorry for your loss. May the memories of Merritt and the love of family and friends surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you... "

Ambrose Doyle Family wrote on Feb 26, 2011:

"Pat and Joe, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Merritt was a wonderful man and will be dearly missed. Ambrose thought the world of him and has many many fond memories and stories. Merritt's wonderful smile will never be forgotten! May God Bless you during this difficult time and always!"

Bob and Jan Fisher wrote on Feb 25, 2011:

"WHAT A SHOCK TO READ THIS OBIT THIS MORNING. OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, PAT AND JOEY."

Myra Damewood wrote on Feb 25, 2011:

"So sorry for you loss."

Diane Whitley wrote on Feb 25, 2011:

"Pat and Joe - Our most heartfelt condolences. Shock only begins to describe what we feel. Merritt will be dearly missed. Love and hugs to you, Cliff, Diane, Blaine and Liberty Whitley"

Arlene Stanek wrote on Feb 25, 2011:

"Pat and Joe-Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Arlene and Tim Stanek"

Jackson wrote on Feb 25, 2011:

"Uncle merit was great Uncle and farmer! He taught me a lot of things! Love, Jackson"

Myron & Sandy Ballain wrote on Feb 25, 2011:

"Pat & Joey, Sandy and I will always have fond memories of the fun times we had with both you, Merritt and your family. Merritt's smile and laughter will remain a permanent memory."

Roger, Lisa, Courtney and Brianna Weak wrote on Feb 25, 2011:

"Pat and Joe, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. "