Maurine Joyce Mercer, the daughter of Harold and Dorothy (Collins) Perdue was born September 17, 1930, in Montgomery County, Iowa. She passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Arlington Place, Red Oak, Iowa, at the age of 93 years, 10 months and 20 days.

Maurine graduated from Griswold High School in l948, and soon began working as a bookkeeper. On September 18, 1949, Maurine was united in marriage to Jesse E. Mercer at Griswold, Iowa, and to this union two children were born, Jeffrey and Michele. They farmed until 1952, when Jesse entered the U. S. Air Force. They lived in Colorado, Texas and California while Jesse was in the Air Force. After his honorable discharge in 1956, they moved back to Griswold and farmed for several more years. In l963, the family moved to Grand Island, Nebraska, while Jesse worked in the feed business. In Grand Island, Maurine found several outlets to share her love of music. She joined G.I.L.T. (Grand Island Little Theatre) and was a part of the Grand Island City Singers, singing with them for many happy years. Later, Jesse's job took them to live in Omaha and Columbus, Nebraska. While in Columbus, she earned her Real Estate License and sold real estate in Columbus, Omaha and Grand Island. Maurine appreciated and treasured a lifelong love of the Arts, music, theatre and art. She thoroughly enjoyed the painting classes she attended in Grand Island and Kearney College in Halsey, Nebraska. Maurine's connection with Third City Christian Church, Grand Island, was a great joy to her. Maurine and Jesse hosted Bible studies in their home to help get the church started. They were both blessed and fortunate to see the church become a guiding force for Christ in Grand Island. A number of years ago, Maurine and Jesse moved to Council Bluffs and then to Red Oak to be closer to family.

Maurine was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jesse on May 3, 2019, and brother, Marlin Perdue and his wife, Marilyn.

Maurine is survived by two children: Jeff (Deb) Mercer and Michele (Jeff) Tye; 4 grandchildren: Chris (Mary) VanDyke, Danielle (Eric) Steinhoff, Sarah (Joel) Marrs and Aaron (Jessica) Mercer; 8 great-grandchildren: nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Celebration of Life Service
Monday, October 14, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.
Sellergren Lindell DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak, IA

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of Maurine's arrangements and serving her family.