Mert Alpers

Mert Alpers, 89, of Vinton, Iowa, died at home surrounded by family on Friday, February 2, 2024.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Vinton, with Rev. Stephen Preus officiating. Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, with lunch to follow. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Tuesday at Phillips Funeral Home, (212 East 6th Street).

Mert Alpers was born January 6th, 1935, arriving as the sixth child of John and Elta (Paulsen) Alpers of Van Horne. In life and in death he was preceded by brothers Dale and Don, and sisters Helen (Kusel), Leona (Bunten), and Iona (Inman). Still living is Iona's husband Dick.

Unions and births brought him the joy of being Uncle Mert to beloved nieces and nephews, all surviving except Duane Alpers and Becky Cottrell, a coworker at the Cedar Valley Times where Mert worked for 30 years.

He married Claudette Stover on June 24, 1956. Their early lives were devoted to daughters Lu (Kurt) Karr of Vinton, and Jo (Mike) Roths of Stevensville, MT, and in later years to their four grandchildren Austin (Kari) Karr of Denver, CO, Maggie (Jeff) Mangold of Vinton, Shawna (Mark) Fesler of Lolo, MT, and Tanna Hayward of Stevensville, MT.

Mert was the proud great-grandfather of Charlotte and Stella Karr, Hugh, Reid, and Theo Mangold, Liam, Brynlee, and Braxson Fesler, and Jacob and Jonas Hayward, who remember him as funny, loving, and kind.

Mert was most happy when his faith in God, nourished throughout his lifelong connection to the people and traditions of Trinity Lutheran Church, became a faith of service to others that was boundless in compassion, intensely caring, and infused with the warmth of friendship. His ministry was evident in the many years of volunteering at the Palace Theater, caring for those suffering the pain of loss while working at Phillips Funeral Home, and his professed favorite job of all, tending the needs of the ill and injured while working as a Valet at Virginia Gay Hospital.

Mert's life was a ministry of love for everyone, offered with laughter in his voice and a twinkle of impending mischief in his eye.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com

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BC February 4, 2024, 9:03 am I will never forget the first time meeting Uncle Mert. When he finally realized who I was he said to me, "so you married Susie, nice to meet you". Then he told me to keep "Susie" in line. We will miss his smile and wit. So sorry for your loss. The Lord welcomed a great one. Much love to all

RB February 4, 2024, 10:59 am Claudette, family and to a community of friends, we shall miss a gentleman that was there for everyone, either his dedicated valet service at the clinic and hospital, an usher a reporter and photographer that told real life stories for CVDT
Under the careful eyes of buddy Win W. and the boss, Esther W. Good times never to be forgotten. You gave us so many good memories, thanks Mert.

KT February 4, 2024, 11:08 am So sad to read of Mert's passing. I've known him from way back in 1969 when he covered the UFO siting on the farm in Van Horne. As a hairdresser, he took my picture most years for Cosmetology Week. Then later, had the great pleasure of working with Mert and eventually covering for him whe he retired at the Cedar Valley Times. Best teacher in selling advertising---although I was a dummy and never caught on to measuring the paper ads for the US Post Office. Mert had patience to cover that job,
or his niece Becky, who was another great person to work with. Just so sad Vinton has lost another great man who was well known for what great deeds he did for his town and people. My deepest sympathy to Claudette and the family.

CL February 4, 2024, 5:22 pm Claudette & family,

So sorry for your loss. I’m so glad you mentioned the “twinkle I his eye”! Very many good memories were left to you and your family. Keep those close in the difficult times ahead. Hugs to you all.
CL

TVE February 5, 2024, 12:56 am Mert was a great guy and friend. He was great Friends of my Parents Henry and Dolores Van Eschen. And Mert and Claudette Loved to Tailgate at Olive Court During the Iowa Hawkeyes football games

COD February 5, 2024, 1:56 pm I remember Mert from back in the early 1950’s. He was a nice guy and always had a smile for everyone he met. He was a favorite customer of my parents at the Maid Rite. I was just young enough and he enjoyed teasing me.

LaRF February 5, 2024, 4:28 pm Dear Claudie & family, We are so very sorry to hear about Mert. What a lovely and dear human he was and will always be remembered. Please know your family is in our thoughts. Bev and Ronnie thought the world of you both. Some of their happiest times were spending time with your family. Bev thought Maggie was a treasure and of course she is. How could she not be? 🩷 With heartfelt sympathy

PK February 5, 2024, 8:23 pm So sad to read of Mert's passing!! I first met him when I worked for the paper the summer of 1967. He and my mom [Pat Berger] were good friends for a long time after she took over the darkroom. He always enjoyed her pies and cookies she brought to work. I used to visit with him when I brought my kids in to see their grandma. Mert did a super job taking pictures at my wedding in October of 1967. [I think Mom might have twisted his arm to do them.]

To his family: I know he will be missed. He is most certainly in the hands of God now. I feel blessed for having known him!!

TP February 6, 2024, 8:34 am Another good one gone! I 1st remember Merlin when he delivered the Cedar Valley Times as a youth. Then he worked at Lindaman Produce before working at the Times. Yes, the twinkle in his eye was a real treat.

Obituaries : Mert Alpers

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