Meryl Youngblood

   
Meryl E. Youngblood, 81, of Jefferson died Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at the Greene County Medical Center Long Term.

Service of remembrance was held Saturday, October 24, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson.  Words of comfort were given by Rev. Gordon Moen of First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson.

Honorary bearers were: Kyle Youngblood, Kayla Youngblood, Sara Youngblood, Danielle Youngblood; casket bearers were: Steve Moore, Roger Ott, John Patience, Arthur Lund, Roger Olhausen,   Randy Harvey.  Sheilah Pound was soloist and Keri Brooker was accompanist.  Private family burial was held at Jefferson Cemetery.  Masonic service were held at 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 23 at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home, Curt Eason, Presiding

Meryl was born June 12, 1934 in Carroll, a son of Lucian and Berniece (Gregory) Youngblood, he attended country school in Bristol #6.  When ready to enter 7th grade, school bus service began and Meryl attended Jefferson Public School.  He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1953.  He then enrolled at Iowa State University in Farm Operations.  In 1955, he joined his father to begin a life of farming, a vocation he truly loved. He grew corn, soybeans, and oats. Livestock on the farm consisted of hogs and a few head of sheep and cattle.  On Labor Day weekend 1959, Meryl met his future wife, Aldora Lund, at a dance at the Lamimar Ballroom in Fort Dodge.  They were married December 30, 1961 at Badger Lutheran Church.  Meryl and Aldora made their home in Jefferson for a few years and in 1965 they moved to the family farm northwest of Jefferson.   Along with farming, Meryl and Aldora owned and operated Youngblood Seed Farm where they sold certified seed beans and oats to farmers.   Meryl was a member of 4-H when growing up, and he enjoyed seeing his children and grandchildren belong to 4-H.  He enjoyed being a member of Morning Star Lodge #159 (Masons).  For many years, he served on the Iowa Crop Improvement Association board he was active in Greene County Farm Bureau, he served 12 years as a director.  Meryl was also a member of First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson for 54 years.  In 1998, Meryl and Aldora moved to Jefferson.  Even though they were living in town, Meryl continued to visit the farm every day.  He enjoyed participating in farming activities.  Meryl enjoyed being around people.  He never met a stranger and always had time to visit.  He could also be seen riding his scooter around the neighborhood.  He had a great sense of humor and loved hearing or telling a good joke.  Playing cards and shooting pool were two activities he enjoyed.  Meryl enjoyed watching Iowa State football and basketball games on television and was especially proud when two of his grandchildren chose to follow a tradition to attend Iowa State University.  He had an avid interest in flying and for several years had his pilot’s license.  But the greatest joy of Meryl’s life was his family.       

Meryl was preceded in death by his wife Aldora and parents Lucian and Berniece Youngblood.  

Surviving are his children Marilyn (Perry) Parker of Churdan, Larry Youngblood of Peoria, Illinois, and Bruce (Amy) Youngblood of Jefferson and grandchildren Kyle and Kayla Youngblood of Jefferson and Sara and Danielle Youngblood of Peoria, Illinois, sister Lois Jean (Lowell) Johnson of Urbandale, sisters-in-law Maxine Harvey of Sheffield, and Elizabeth Lund of Badger along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson.