Merlyn "Merl" A. Baxter

Merlyn A. “Merl” Baxter, 94 of Sioux City passed away Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at his home.

Services will be at 10:30 A.M. Wed. Feb. 13, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church. Rev. David Hemann will officiate. Private burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Neptune, IA. Visitation with the family present will be from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Tuesday with a vigil service at 7:00 P.M. all at the Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. 

Merl was born March 23, 1924 in Battle Creek, IA; he was the son of Allan and Christine (Peters) Baxter. Merl grew up in the Greenville area of Sioux City and graduated from East High School. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp from June of 1942 until June of 1946 and participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign during WW II. Merl also served from 1950 to 1951and also played baseball for the Marines.

On October 20, 1947Merl married Alta M. Sitzmann in Remsen, IA. They were married for 71 years, and Alta just passed away on January 29, 2019 in Sioux City.

Merl was the general manager for the Ford Dealership in Sioux City and then started Baxter Motor Company. In 1968, he established Baxter Mobile Homes and later owned and operated the Holiday Village Mobile Home Park for many years.

Merl was an active member of St. Michael Catholic Church and enjoyed traveling with Alta. He served on the Board of Trustees of Briar Cliff College for several years. Merl was a proud supporter of St. Michael Catholic Church, Briar Cliff College, Queen of Peace and the Clare House.

Merl and Alta had 10 children with eight surviving children; 18 surviving grandchildren and 17 surviving great grandchildren.  Surviving children are: Marlene Girard; Jody Watson (Tom); Sue Christenson (Bill); Robert Baxter ( Maureen);  Nancy  Prince; Mike Baxter; Chuck Baxter(Liz); and Patrick Baxter.

Merl was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Alta; infant twins: Mary and Marie; a grandson: Nicholas M. Baxter, Machinist Mate First Class, USN and one great grandson Alan Smith Nicholas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Clare Guest House, 1918 Douglas St., Sioux City, IA 51104