Dorothy Kay Merical, 87, passed away Monday, March 18, 2024, at her home in Waukee, Iowa.
Dorothy was born Oct. 28, 1936, in Dexter, Iowa, to Randel and Irene (Schirm) Wahlert.
She married Robert LaVerne Merical on July 23, 1954, in Dexter.
Dorothy worked as a mailroom clerk for many years at St. Paul Insurance Co., retiring in 1999.
She was a member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church for more than 50 years.
Dorothy enjoyed playing bridge, games, laughing, spending time with family and traveling.
Dorothy loved her sweets, and you could depend on her to have some in her house.
People gravitated towards Dorothy because she was so much fun to be around. She was quick with a joke and laugh. She was beloved by those who knew her. She will be greatly missed.
Dorothy is survived by her two sons, Mark Robert Merical of Waukee and Marty Alan Merical of Waukee; grandchild, Milo Cash Merical of Grimes; and many nieces; nephews; and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, Randel Porter Wahlert; mother, Irene Marie (Schirm) Wahlert; her daughter, Sherry Jean Merical; her three brothers, Ronald J. (Norma Lee) Wahlert, Edward E. (Kay) Wahlert and Russell B. (Gwendolyn) Wahlert; and two sisters, Donna Belle (Hobert) Frank and Diana J. (Dennis) Countryman.
Visitation will be Monday, March 25 from 10-11 a.m. at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church at 3900 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines. Services will follow at 11 a.m., and a cookie and coffee reception will be held prior to the burial at 1 p.m. at the Waukee Cemetery at 1205 Sixth St. in Waukee.
Please join the family at Dorothy’s house after the burial to enjoy some Kentucky Fried Chicken. Her home is at 830 Brighton Dr. in Waukee.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements were managed by Iles Brandt Chapel. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.
