BROOKLYN- Merrill C. Vileta, age 68, of Brooklyn and formerly of Tama-Toledo, died Friday, June 20, 2008 at the Keokuk County Health Center in Sigourney, Iowa following a sudden illness. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 10:30 AM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with Pastor Jerry Avise-Rouse officiating. Interment will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Tama. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2008 from 4-8 PM at the Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama.
Merrill C. Vileta was born on June 13, 1940, in Tama, Iowa, the son of Arnold J. and Marie K. (Caloud) Vileta.
He graduated from Tama High School in 1958 and attended a Technical School in Kansas City where he graduated #1 in his class.
On September 27, 1959, he married Terry Booth in Tama, Iowa. Prior to retirement, Merrill was a service manager at Steve Link Ford in Brooklyn. He had previously worked at Twin City Ford in Toledo and was also self-employed as a mechanic. Merrill was a member of ABATE, Back Alley Bikers and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. His greatest joy in life was the time he spent on his Harleys and he was most proud of his 1948 Indian Chief. His grandchildren were also his pride and joy.
Preceding him in death were his mother, Marie K. Vileta; his wife, Terry in 2001; one son, Jeff Vileta; and one grandson, Jeremy Poweshiek.
Survivors include his father, Arnold J. Vileta of Toledo; one son, John Vileta of Brooklyn; one sister, Marilyn (Dale) Hicks of Marshalltown; two grandchildren, Justin and Valerie; one great-grandson, Deyson; two daughters-in-law, Stacey Vileta and Carol Jaeggi; a granddaughter-in-law, Rowwena Durnin; uncle and aunts, Norbert J. (Evelyn) Caloud, and Alma Caloud; and several nieces and nephews. He will also be greatly missed by many dear friends.
A memorial fund has been established.